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HERSHEY, Pa.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) today said it will source 100 percent certified cocoa for its global chocolateproduct lines by 2020 and accelerate its programs to help eliminate child labor in the cocoa regions of West Africa.

"Expanding the use of certified cocoa across our iconic chocolate brands while working with public and private partners, demonstrates Hersheyas responsible sourcing practices. I am confident that we can make a substantial difference in West Africa by 2020."

Certified cocoa will be verified through independent auditors to assure that it is grown in line with the highest internationally recognized standards for labor, environmental and better farming practices. As Hershey increases its use of certified cocoa, the company will also continue to support community-based programs with local African partners, national governments and development agencies. These projects include village school construction, mobile phone farmer messaging, literacy and health programs and training in modern farming techniques.

Currently, certified cocoa accounts for less than five percent of the worldas cocoa supply. As the largest chocolate manufacturer in North America, Hershey believes its 2020 purchasing commitment should significantly expand the global supply of certified cocoa, particularly from West Africa, which produces about 70 percent of the worldas cocoa.

aConsistent with Hersheyas values, we are directly addressing the economic and social issues that impact West Africaas two million cocoa farmers and families,a said J.P. Bilbrey, president and chief executive officer, The Hershey Company. aExpanding the use of certified cocoa across our iconic chocolate brands while working with public and private partners, demonstrates Hersheyas responsible sourcing practices. I am confident that we can make a substantial difference in West Africa by 2020.a

As announced earlier this year, Hersheyas Bliss chocolates will be Rainforest Alliance certified and available to consumers by year end. Hersheyas Dagoba organic chocolate is currently 100 percent Rainforest Alliance certified. Hershey also said today that its Scharffen Berger brand will source 100 percent certified cocoa by the end of 2013.

Hershey has set a community programming target to reach more than two million West Africans in cocoa villages through its public/private partnerships and programs, including:

• The U.S. Department of Laboras Framework of Action to eliminate the worst forms of child labor in the cocoa industry in Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire.
• United Nations International Labor Organization
• World Cocoa Foundation projects, including Cocoa Livelihoods Program with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and other companies
• United States Agency for International Development
• Development of the worldas first mobile phone network a" CocoaLinka" for cocoa farmers in West Africa. The program is already successfully operating in Ghana and Hershey will launch CocoaLink in Ivory Coast in 2013.
• The HERSHEY LEARN TO GROW farmer and family development center is assisting 25 community-based farmer organizations in central Ghana.

For more information about Hershey's cocoa sustainability programs in West Africa, please see: [ www.HersheyCocoaSustainability.com ].

About The Hershey Company

The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) is the largest producer of quality chocolate in North America and a global leader in chocolate and sugar confectionery. Headquartered in Hershey, Pa., The Hershey Company has operations throughout the world and approximately 14,000 employees. With revenues of more than $6 billion, Hershey offers confectionery products under more than 80 brand names, including such iconic brands as Hershey's, Reese's, Hershey'sKisses, Hershey'sBliss, Hershey's Special Dark, Kit Kat, Twizzlers, Jolly Rancher and Ice Breakers. Hershey also offers premium and artisan chocolate products under such brands as Scharffen Berger and Dagoba through the Artisan Confections Company, a wholly owned subsidiary. The company is focused on growing its presence in key international markets such as China and Mexico while continuing to build its competitive advantage in the United States and Canada.

For more than 100 years, The Hershey Company has been a leader in making a positive difference in the communities where its employees live, work and do business. Corporate Social Responsibility is an integral part of the companyas global business strategy, which includes goals and priorities focused on fair and ethical business dealings, environmental stewardship, fostering a desirable workplace for employees, and positively impacting society and local communities. Milton Hershey School, established in 1909 by the company's founder and administered by Hershey Trust Company, provides a quality education, housing, and medical care at no cost to children in social and financial need. Students of Milton Hershey School are direct beneficiaries of The Hershey Company's success.