Hershey reported a 3% increase in third-quarter sales to $3.28 billion, but sharply lower sales volumes showed how higher confectionery prices are affecting demand.

The US chocolate and snacks group published its results on 29 October 2026 for the quarter ended 27 September. Organic sales grew just 0.8% in constant currency. Across the business, net price realisation contributed approximately 11 percentage points, while volume declined by roughly 10 points.

Adjusted diluted earnings per share increased to $2.64 from $1.30 a year earlier. Reported net income was $580.8 million. The company updated its 2026 sales and earnings outlook, forecasting around 5% net sales growth for the full year.

North American confectionery sales increased 1.6% to $2.66 billion, but organic volume fell by approximately 11%. The company attributed part of the decline to price sensitivity and shipment timing, despite strong seasonal shipments ahead of Halloween.

The contrast between sales value and physical volume is especially important for supermarket confectionery buyers. A brand can report rising revenue while fewer packs move through the supply chain. Retailers assessing category performance need to consider unit sales, shelf prices, promotional effectiveness and the contribution of competing private-label products.

Hershey’s US candy, mint and gum retail takeaway rose 0.8% over the 12 weeks ending 27 September, according to the company’s reported channel data, while its share fell year on year. Retail takeaway is a different measure from manufacturer shipments, and the two should not be treated as interchangeable.

In salty snacks, excluding the acquired LesserEvil business, US retail takeaway increased 4%, helping the company gain category share. That points to a more varied performance across chocolate, confectionery and snacks.

Higher input costs, transportation and marketing spending remain relevant to suppliers, while retailers face household budgets that may limit shoppers’ willingness to absorb further increases.

GTN has previously listed Hershey among the companies shaping the market in its US FMCG brands ranking.

Attention now turns to the final quarter, when seasonal chocolate promotions and the balance between price and volume will be important measures of consumer demand.

Editor’s Note: Based on The Hershey Company’s official Q3 earnings release dated 29 October 2026. GTN analysis separates manufacturer sales, retail takeaway and volume trends to clarify the implications for supermarket buyers.