Hershey may switch to sugar from corn syrup to satisfy consumers

Hershey'sChicago Tribune

The Hershey Co. may replace corn syrup with sugar in some products, the latest sign of waning demand for the syrup and growing competition in the sweetener market.

“One of the things we are actively exploring is replacing high-fructose corn syrup with sugar in some products,” company spokesman Jeff Beckman said in an e-mailed statement, citing consumer demand.  

Beckman said the switch was “just underway” and there was no time frame. Hershey is the maker of some of the world’s best-known baking products, chocolate and candies, including Hershey Kisses and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.

The move, first reported by The Associated Press, comes at a critical time for the makers of corn syrup, which have been facing more scrutiny from public health officials and nutrition experts, and falling demand in the United States, one of the world’s most coveted markets.

Per capita consumption of corn syrup is in decline, which industry sources attribute to less demand for soft drinks and rising consumer scrutiny of the corn-based sweetener.

Corn refiners cut prices in 2013 to compete with dropping sugar prices and competition.

Domestic U.S. sugar futures have recovered in the last year, but corn futures traded in Chicago are down 13 percent year-to-date as U.S. farmers harvest a record crop.

Hershey also warned in July that demand could take a hit because of price increases for products caused by soaring cocoa prices.
Copyright © 2014, Chicago Tribune

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-hershey-recipe-change-20141203-story.html

6 thoughts on “Hershey may switch to sugar from corn syrup to satisfy consumers

  1. But I suppose moving the main production facility back to America from mexico would be out of the question? beckman’s bosses could hire the same number of mexicans as they currently employ as I am sure there will be tax relief or loopholes for big corporations to hire amnestied illegals. But still none for US!

  2. I gave up all my favorite Hershey chocolates several years ago because of the corn syrup.
    Any smart manufacturer should be moving to Non-GMO and no corn syrup
    as people are finally seeing these had health hazards along with fluoride and most of all aspartame, consuming these substances guarantees huge health problems including cancer.

  3. “…the latest sign of waning demand for the syrup…”

    BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! 😆

    When was there EVER any demand from consumers for HFCS?

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