Hershey, Pennsylvania: The Chocolate Capital of the World

The Town That Chocolate Built

Hershey, Pennsylvania earned the trademarked title "Chocolate Capital of the World" through a century of continuous chocolate production, tourism, and community development driven by the Hershey Company.

Origins

Milton S. Hershey broke ground on his chocolate factory in 1903, choosing Derry Township for its dairy farms, spring water, and rail access. By 1905, the factory was running; the town—streets named Cocoa, Chocolate, Areba—grew around it.

Chocolate-Centric Attractions

• Hershey's Chocolate World – Free factory tour ride, create-your-own bar, massive retail.
• The Hershey Story Museum – Interactive history, chocolate lab, tasting flights.
• Hersheypark – 121-acre theme park (15 coasters, water park, ZooAmerica) born as employee recreation.
• Hershey Gardens & Hotel Hershey – Botanical gardens, spa with chocolate treatments.

Annual Celebration

Hershey's Chocolate Festival (February) features tastings, demonstrations, and chocolate-themed everything—drawing 50,000+ visitors.

Economic Impact

The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) remains headquartered there, employing ~2,000 locally. Tourism generates $300M+ annually for the region.

Hershey isn't just a brand—it's a company town that became a global destination.