HSY · 10-Q · 2026Q3 · Full report

Market Demand Trends

HERSHEY CO · 2026-10-29 · Importance 25 · Surprise 32

In the third quarter of 2026, U.S. retail takeaway rose 2.2% across expanded MULO+ with Convenience channels, while CMG takeaway increased 0.8% and CMG market share declined. Salty consumer takeaway, excluding LesserEvil, increased 4.0% and market share rose; for the first nine months, those measures increased 6.7% and also showed a market share increase. North America Confectionery volume declined approximately 11% in the quarter and 8% for the first nine months, primarily due to price elasticity. North America Salty Snacks volume increased approximately 1% in the quarter, driven primarily by Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels, and approximately 3% for the first nine months, also primarily related to Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels.

Key facts

• First-nine-months 2026 Salty consumer takeaway, excluding LesserEvil, increased 6.7%, and Salty market share excluding LesserEvil increased. source
• Third-quarter 2026 Salty consumer takeaway, excluding LesserEvil, increased 4.0%, and Salty market share excluding LesserEvil increased. source
• First-nine-months 2026 total U.S. retail takeaway increased 3.8% in MULO+ with Convenience across candy, mint, gum, salty snacks, and grocery items. source
• Third-quarter 2026 total U.S. retail takeaway increased 2.2% in MULO+ with Convenience across candy, mint, gum, salty snacks, and grocery items. source
• Third-quarter 2026 U.S. CMG consumer takeaway increased 0.8%, while CMG market share declined. source
• First-nine-months 2026 U.S. CMG consumer takeaway increased 2.2%, despite a CMG market share decline. source
• Hershey’s U.S. consumer takeaway and market-share metrics cover measured channels accounting for approximately 90% of its U.S. confectionery and salty snack retail businesses. source