Last updated 4 months ago | Originally Published: September 26, 2023

The Sweet Saga of Hershey’s Kisses: A Century-Long Legacy

On September 13, a day that coincides with Milton Hershey’s birthday and is celebrated as National Chocolate Day, it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate the enduring legacy of Hershey’s Kisses. 

This iconic candy has been a staple in the confectionery industry for over a century, but what’s the story behind its creation and evolution?

The Birth and Branding of an Iconic Candy

In 1907, Hershey’s Kisses was born, thanks to advanced machinery that could precisely temper chocolate and cool it to the perfect consistency. The technology allowed for mass production, making the candy accessible to a broad audience.

The origin of the name “Hershey’s Kisses” remains a subject of speculation. According to the Hershey Archives, the name could have originated from the sound the machine made as it dispensed the chocolate. 

Alternatively, the term ‘kiss’ was a widely used term in the candy industry during that era to describe a small sweet. In 1921, Milton Hershey secured a trademark for the name, adding a layer of protection to the brand.

Initially, each Kiss was wrapped by hand in foil, with a tiny paper slip inside to signify it as a Hershey product. However, this practice changed around 1921 when competitors began to mimic the candy. 

To counter this, Hershey developed a machine that could automatically wrap the Kisses and insert a distinctive ‘plume’ in each wrapper. This innovation led to a registered trademark specifically for the unique wrapper design.

Evolution and Cultural Impact

World War II temporarily halted the production of Hershey’s Kisses due to foil rationing. But by 1949, the candy was back on the shelves. Seasonal packaging first appeared in 1923, starting with Christmas-themed wrappers. 

Over the years, the company introduced special packaging for other holidays like Easter, Halloween, and Valentine’s Day, which debuted in the 1950s.

The foil colors of the Kisses started to diversify in 1962, beginning with red, green, and silver for Christmas. Subsequent years saw the introduction of pastels for Easter in 1968, pink and silver for Valentine’s Day in 1986, and a mix of gold, orange, and brown in 1991.

The influence of Hershey’s Kisses extends beyond the candy aisle. The streetlights in Downtown Hershey were designed to resemble the iconic shape of a Hershey’s Kiss. 

In 1975, Hersheypark unveiled the Kissing Tower, an attraction featuring windows shaped like the famous candy.

With a history spanning 116 years, Hershey’s Kisses has carved out a significant place in the confectionery landscape. 

As we celebrate National Chocolate Day, it’s clear that this beloved candy will continue to sweeten lives for many more years to come.