MAY 25·esmmagazine.com▲
Real Chocolate Is Making A Comeback As Cocoa Prices Decline
Cocoa futures have fallen about 70% from late-2024 peaks, after prices nearly tripled in 2024 to above $12,000/metric tonne on weather and disease. Hershey said it plans to raise cocoa content in its chocolate alternatives, and Reese’s products will return to original recipes next year, after criticism. Industry expects more firms to follow as lower cocoa costs and some laws (e.g., Brazil’s 35% cocoa solids requirement) support a shift back to traditional chocolate.
MAY 23·MarketBeat▲
Markel Group Inc. Purchases 13,000 Shares of Hershey Company (The) $HSY
Markel Group Inc. increased its stake in The Hershey Company (HSY) by 23.9% in the fourth quarter, acquiring an additional 13,000 shares and bringing its total holdings to 67,500 shares valued at approximately $12.3 million. Hershey recently reported strong quarterly results, beating EPS and revenue expectations, and declared a quarterly dividend of $1.452 per share. Despite the positive earnings, Wall Street maintains a cautious "Hold" rating with an average target price of $217.78.
