What was the original name of the Hershey company founded by Milton S. Hershey in 1894?

Milton S. Hershey founded the Hershey Chocolate Company in 1894.

Before concentrating on chocolate, Hershey had built a successful caramel business. He used that experience and the sale of his Lancaster Caramel Company to finance large-scale chocolate manufacturing. The Hershey Chocolate Company later became one of the largest confectionery companies in the United States.

The company’s name changed over time. It became Hershey Chocolate Corporation in 1927 and later Hershey Foods Corporation in 1968. In 2005, it adopted the name The Hershey Company.

These successive names can cause confusion when historical products or company records are discussed. The 1894 name refers specifically to the chocolate company established by Milton Hershey, not to his earlier caramel enterprise.