HERSHEY, Pa. – The Hershey Company has been recognized for
the first time as one of America’s best Corporate Citizens in Corporate
Responsibility Magazine. The magazine annually ranks the nation’s top 100
companies for demonstrated CSR best practices and a commitment to publicly
reporting their socially responsible initiatives.
“We are thrilled with this recognition; it is a tribute to
our employees around the world who work each and every day in a socially
responsible way,” said Michele Buck, senior vice president, chief growth
officer. “‘Doing well by doing good’ is part of our company’s DNA, and as we
grow around the world, the sustainability of our global community remains
fundamental to our business strategy.”
Hershey’s commitment to corporate social responsibility has
led to attracting and retaining a highly engaged workforce dedicated to
building on the legacy of founder Milton Hershey, delivering exceptional
shareholder value, building a sustainable platform for global growth and
strengthening the company’s global reputation.
Hershey’s social responsibility initiatives are organized
into a four-pillar
Framework that focuses on the company’s CSR efforts and
allows it to conduct its business in a socially responsible and environmentally
sustainable manner while providing the market with high-quality products:
Marketplace, Environment, Workplace and Community.
Some recent achievements include:
Marketplace:
In February 2013, Hershey announced its 21st Century Cocoa Plan, a roadmap for
how all of Hershey’s cocoa programs come together to help cocoa communities
around the world grow sustainable cocoa for the next century. Hershey’s Cocoa
Plan will reach 750,000 cocoa farmers and benefit more than two million West
African people.
Workplace:
Hershey launched a Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program to actively recruit,
hire, train and retain individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities
for its manufacturing facilities. Hershey will expand this successful program
in 2013.
Community:
The Hershey Company donated more than $9 million to charitable causes in 2012,
continuing the company’s long-time commitment to making a difference in the
communities where it operates. Hershey employees also volunteered more than
200,000 hours in their local communities in 2012 setting a new company record.