HERSHEY’S KISSES DELUXE Chocolates Help Consumers “Say More” This Holiday Season

A Recent Study Found Nearly Three In Four People Struggle to Find a Holiday Gift that Accurately Conveys How They Feel

Twice the size of an original HERSHEY'S KISSES Chocolate, KISSES DELUXE Chocolates have a creamy chocolate center surrounding a whole roasted hazelnut, finished with delicate crisps and smooth milk chocolate. The multiple layers and textures of KISSES DELUXE Chocolates coupled with its luxurious golden wrapper make them a decadent, premium gifting option for friends and family. (Photo: Business Wire)

HERSHEY, Pa.--()--This month, The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) announced the launch of the new KISSES DELUXE Chocolates; the largest innovation in 25 years from one of America’s most iconic chocolate brands. From the brand with the No. 1 holiday chocolate item (Red, Green & Silver KISSES Milk Chocolates – Nielsen xAOC Holiday 2014), KISSES Brand Chocolates are a great option for anyone’s holiday celebrations. With the introduction of KISSES DELUXE Chocolates, gift givers now have an even more thoughtful way to express themselves to close family and friends this holiday.

By reimagining HERSHEY’S KISSES Chocolates, the brand meets consumer demand for a more expressive gifting chocolate and was inspired to help consumers “Say More” this holiday season. The KISSES DELUXE Brand online survey by Wakefield Research, September 2015* uncovered that a majority (85%) of Americans have difficulty expressing their gratitude during holiday gatherings, and nearly three in four (68%) struggle to find a holiday gift that accurately conveys how they feel.

“KISSES DELUXE Chocolates are the deliciously thoughtful way to show your affection this holiday season to those important to you,” said Melinda Lewis, Senior Director for the HERSHEY’S and KISSES Franchises. “We were inspired by our own fans who were looking for an exceptional gift to communicate their feelings. KISSES DELUXE Chocolates are a premium option from a brand that has supported holiday traditions for millions of American families over the years.”

With many Americans finding it increasingly difficult to convey their joy throughout the holidays, the KISSES DELUXE Brand team partnered with Dr. Jonah Berger, communications researcher, bestselling author and marketing professor at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, to learn more about why American are looking to Say More this holiday season.

Lost In Translation: Digital Communication Hinders Meaningful Connections

One reason for this difficulty may be the ever-growing presence of technology, with 37 percent of Americans (including 69% of Millennials) confessing to checking their phones at Thanksgiving dinner. In fact, 81 percent of Americans believe holiday gatherings were more meaningful before smartphones.

“Although we’re more ‘connected’ than ever before, technology has become a barrier to meaningful connection and communication,” says Dr. Berger. “There’s more volume of communication, but it’s not as personal, unlike the intimacy of a physical face to face conversation with a loved one. Texting is ubiquitous but can’t replace the clarity that eye contact, facial expressions or intonations can bring to personal communication.”

Ways to Say More

This year, people should consider going beyond digital communication to say more to those they love. Other survey findings revealed what Americans see as the most meaningful expressions of affection around the holidays:

  • Half (50%) of those surveyed believe that the most meaningful communication during the holidays happens while eating a meal together
  • A majority (94%) of Americans said receiving a handwritten letter would make them feel special
  • 68 percent of Americans wish they had more in-person family conversations
  • 55 percent of parents who banned phone use by their children at the table admitted to texting or checking social media on their phones while at the Thanksgiving dinner table
  • Nearly 1 in 3 (30%) Americans believe a chocolate gift box as the most heartfelt gift to receive from a loved one during the holidays

Twice the size of an original KISSES Chocolate, KISSES DELUXE Chocolates have a creamy chocolate center surrounding a whole roasted hazelnut, finished with delicate crisps and smooth milk chocolate. The multiple layers and textures of KISSES DELUXE Chocolates coupled with its luxurious golden wrapper make them a decadent, premium gifting option for friends and family.

As part of the launch of their “Say More” campaign, the KISSES DELUXE Brand helped one family honor their deserving mother. Hardworking Barbara Levy commutes more than four hours daily to provide for her family all while still finding the energy to spend personal time with them at the beginning and end of each day. Her family wanted to recognize Barbara for all she does, so the KISSES DELUXE Brand helped the Levy’s “Say More” with a surprise on her drive home. To see the Levy’s full story and their heartfelt message for Barbara, visit www.KissesDeluxe.com and watch how they say more.

For more gifting ideas, visit www.KissesDeluxe.com. Let us know how you plan to express your feelings to your loved ones this season by sharing on Twitter or Facebook with the hashtag #SayMore.

Consumers visiting Hershey’s Chocolate World stores in New York or Hershey, PA this holiday season who share their appreciation and gratitude with someone special on any of their social channels using the #SayMore and tagging @HersheysKISSES will receive a complimentary KISSES DELUXE 3 piece pouch.

KISSES DELUXE Chocolates are available at key retail stores, including Walmart, Sam’s Club, ShopRite, Kroger, Walgreens and CVS. Also available online at many key retailers including Amazon.com and Target.com.

*KISSES DELUXE Brand online survey by Wakefield Research, September 2015 Methodological Notes

The Hershey’s KISSES Deluxe Survey was conducted by Wakefield Research (www.wakefieldresearch.com) among 1,000 U.S. adults ages 18+ between September 25th and September 30th, 2015, using an email invitation and an online survey. Quotas have been set to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the U.S. adult population.

Results of any sample are subject to sampling variation. The magnitude of the variation is measurable and is affected by the number of interviews and the level of the percentages expressing the results. For the interviews conducted in this particular study, the chances are 95 in 100 that a survey result does not vary, plus or minus, by more than 3.1 percentage points from the result that would be obtained if interviews had been conducted with all persons in the universe represented by the sample.

About The Hershey Company

The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY), headquartered in Hershey, Pa., is a global confectionery leader known for bringing goodness to the world through its chocolate, sweets, mints and other great-tasting snacks. Hershey has more than 22,000 employees around the world who work every day to deliver delicious, quality products. The company, which has more than 80 brands around the world that drive over $7.4 billion in annual revenues, includes such iconic brand names as Hershey's, Reese's, Hershey's Kisses, Jolly Rancher, Ice Breakers and Brookside. Hershey is focused on growing its presence in key international markets while continuing to build its competitive advantage in North America. Additionally, Hershey is poised to expand its portfolio into categories beyond confectionery, finding new ways to bring goodness to people everywhere.

At Hershey, goodness has always been about more than delicious products. For 120 years, Hershey has been committed to good business by operating fairly, ethically and sustainably to make a positive impact on society. This means contributing to a better life for its employees, consumers, communities, and ultimately, creating a bright future for children in need. This commitment is exemplified by Milton Hershey School, established in 1909 by the company's founder and administered by Hershey Trust Company. The children who attend the school receive education, housing, and medical care – thriving as direct beneficiaries of The Hershey Company's success.

Contacts

The Hershey Company
Anna Lingeris, 717-534-4874
Senior Manager, Communications
alingeris@hersheys.com
or
Zeno Group for Hershey’s KISSES Deluxe
Melanie O’Sullivan, 212-299-8995
Account Supervisor
melanie.osullivan@zenogroup.com

Contacts

The Hershey Company
Anna Lingeris, 717-534-4874
Senior Manager, Communications
alingeris@hersheys.com
or
Zeno Group for Hershey’s KISSES Deluxe
Melanie O’Sullivan, 212-299-8995
Account Supervisor
melanie.osullivan@zenogroup.com