Key facts
- Consumer financial pressures could shape final purchase decisions for Halloween.
- Higher freight costs and inflation could restrain earnings growth in 2027.
- Hershey is introducing new products like Hershey Crème Filled Bars and Reese's Oreos.
Hershey warned on Thursday that increased pressure on shoppers due to higher gas prices, inflation, and interest rates could impact how much consumers spend on candy this Halloween. The company's shares fell 4% in premarket trading after it narrowed its annual organic net sales growth target to about 3%, citing weakness in channels such as convenience stores. The company's US candy, gum and mint category declined nearly 5% from a year earlier in September, with weakness continuing into October. Hershey also raised its annual earnings per share growth target, citing tariff refunds and deflation in cocoa prices. The company is betting on fresh offerings like Hershey Crème Filled Bars and Reese's Oreos to boost demand, alongside more marketing efforts.