Hershey closes LesserEvil acquisition, growing salty snack capacity

The Hershey Company has completed its acquisition of LesserEvil, adding an organic, better-for-you snack brand to its portfolio and manufacturing capacity. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

LesserEvil produces a boldly flavored, cross-category line of organic popcorn and puffs made with ingredients such as organic, unrefined, extra virgin oils. The products are certified USDA Organic and non-GMO and are made without artificial dyes or preservatives.

Company leaders described LesserEvil as a high-growth brand that complements Hershey’s established confection brands, including Hershey’s, Reese’s and Jolly Rancher, as well as its salty snack brands SkinnyPop, Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels and Pirate’s Booty. In 2024, Hershey’s salty snack portfolio grew 1.5 times faster than it did over the previous three years, the company noted.

“The addition of LesserEvil expands our portfolio of loved brands to meet growing consumer needs and occasions,” said Kirk Tanner, president and CEO, in the announcement.

Hershey said the LesserEvil leadership team will remain in place after the acquisition. The company expects the combined teams to continue to advance LesserEvil’s commercial model, speed-to-market capabilities and manufacturing operations while focusing on category-leading growth.

The company also stated that continued production of LesserEvil products with the same organic ingredients will be a priority as the brand is integrated into Hershey’s portfolio and used to meet demand for more choice, better-for-you snacking.