Milton S. Hershey established the Hershey Chocolate Company in 1894.
Hershey had already built experience in confectionery through caramel businesses before turning his attention to chocolate. His company initially produced cocoa and other chocolate products, and it later developed affordable milk chocolate for a mass market. This helped make chocolate a widely accessible American treat rather than an occasional luxury.
The company became closely linked with Hershey, Pennsylvania, where Milton Hershey built factories, housing, schools, and other institutions. The town’s development reflected his belief that workers and their families should benefit from the company’s success.
A common mix-up is confusing the 1894 company founding with the introduction of the Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar, which came later, in 1900. Another nearby fact is that Milton Hershey and his wife, Catherine, created the Milton Hershey School, originally intended to support orphaned boys.