The Hershey Company says sales and profits for the first quarter of this year fell compared to 2015 numbers as the company’s candy struggles to remain competitive in a market with an increasing focus on healthier snack options and a waning interest in sweet treats.
The company’s net sales declined 5.6 percent to $1.83 billion, while earnings dropped 6 percent to $229.8 million. John Bilbrey, chairman, president and CEO of Hershey, said the performance of holiday candy was solid, but sales of non-seasonal candy, mints and gum were below projections.