SWOT Analysis for Hershey Foods

SOOT Analysts

Strengths: Hershey Foods has grown from a one-product, one plant operation to a $4 billion company with many U. S. And international plants providing an array of quality chocolate and confectionery products and services. Hershey entered 1996 as the largest candy maker in the United States with 30. 7 percent market share. Hershey is the largest pasta manufacturer in the United States with 28. 4 percent market share. Hershey Foods Corporation is committed to the values of its founder Milton S. Hershey the highest standard of quality, honesty, fairness, integrity, and respect.

The firm makes annual distribution of cash, products, and services to a variety of national and local charitable organizations. The corporation operates the Milton Hershey School for socially disadvantaged children and is the sole sponsor of the Hershey National Track and Field Youth Program. Hershey also makes contributions to the Children’s Miracle Network, a national program benefiting children’s hospitals across the United States. Hershey main chocolate factory, for example, occupies more than 2 million square feet, is highly automated, and contains much heavy equipment, vats, and containers.

It is the largest chocolate plant in the world. Hershey is an exemplary organization in terms of business ethics and social responsibility;

a significant part of Hershey Food’s profits go toward operating the Milton Hershey School for Orphaned Children. Hershey is very cooperative with students and professors; Hershey has a toll-free number (1-800-468-1714) that students or professors can call to obtain additional information about the company. Leadership position in the US confectionery market due to well known product brands, backed by ample advertising investments.

Broad product portfolio stabilizes the company’s earnings. Focus on research and development (R&D), helps Hershey to gauge the emerging market for healthier snacks options.

SOOT ANALYSIS By Catalina

Hershey global market share in the chocolate confectionery industry in only 10 percent, lowest among its competitors. Concern for the natural environment is an issue Hershey should address before competitors seize the initiative. The average price of Cocoa beans rose 25. 8 percent in 1995, following a 28. 9 percent rise in 1994. World production is not keeping pace with increased consumption. The rice per pound in 1995 was $0. 2 and is expected to continue increasing. This is a major problem for Hershey because even a small price increase at the retail level severely restricts consumer buying. Some analysts contend that Hershey International as a separate division producing and selling diverse products is an ineffective organizational design. Excessive dependence on the US market, and a few distributors for revenue generation restricts.

Opportunities: China and India are huge untapped markets. Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand also are untapped, So, Hershey has the opportunity to gain a foothold in hose Countries.

There is another opportunity for Hershey to develop environmentally safe products and packages, reducing industrial waste, recycling, and establishing an environmental audit process are strategies that could benefit Hershey. Another opportunity is that Hershey diversifies more into non-chocolate candies because that segment is growing most rapidly in foreign countries like U. S & U. K. Enhancing market presence through acquisitions and licensing agreements. Streamlining business through restructuring operations and supply chain management.

Threats: or Hershey, because Mars has a stronger presence than Hershey in Europe, Asia, Mexico, and Japan. Unlike Hershey, Mars has historically relied upon extensive marketing and advertising expenditures to gain market share, rather than on product innovation. 25 percent of Nestle©’s revenues and profits come from coffee, and adverse economic occurrences in South America, particularly Brazil, affect the company. Nestle plans to continue to play to its strengths, international markets outside the United States, to combat Hershey. Change in Consumer’s life style towards low fat and healthy food.