Hershey Outlines AI-Driven Supply Chain, Reaffirms 4%-5% Sales Growth for 2026
Hershey reaffirmed 2026 guidance of 4%-5% net sales growth, 2.5%-3.5% organic sales rise and 79%-89% reported EPS growth (adjusted EPS up 30%-35%). The plan targets premium and better-for-you innovation, accelerates salty and functional snacking via a five-year pipeline and automates supply chain with AI for productivity gains.
1. Strategic Priorities Unveiled
The executive leadership team introduced a Next Generation Snacking strategy centered on premium and better-for-you innovation while accelerating growth in sweet, salty and functional categories. They detailed the One Hershey commercial model to unify sales efforts across all snacking segments and sharpen execution at retail.
2. 2026 Financial Guidance
Hershey reaffirmed full-year 2026 targets of 4%-5% net sales growth, 2.5%-3.5% organic sales increase, 79%-89% reported EPS growth and 30%-35% adjusted EPS growth. The outlook reflects an approximately 150 basis point benefit from the 2025 acquisition of LesserEvil, LLC.
3. Supply Chain Modernization
The company plans to modernize its supply chain with automation, advanced technology and AI-enabled decision making to boost resilience and productivity. These efficiency gains are expected to fuel reinvestment in innovation and support sustained margin restoration alongside balanced top- and bottom-line growth.