Hershey Taps Accenture to Support Customer-Focused Ambitions

The Hershey Co. has selected Accenture to further enable it to streamline manufacturing and supply chain processes, gain real-time customer insights to inform decision-making, and accelerate revenue-generating innovation to drive growth.

Powered by SAP S/4HANA, the project is part of a strategic effort underway at the Hershey, Pa.-based company to grow its core confectionery and snacking products, expand margins and leverage technology for competitive advantage.

“Our collaboration with Accenture will enable us to increase competitive advantage and support our growth ambition through greater collaboration and innovation, as well as service delivery built around the needs of our customers,” said Terry O’Day, chief product supply and technology officer at The Hershey Co., in a statement. Hershey’s selection of Accenture acknowledges “its understanding of our industry, technology credentials and proven track record in delivering enterprise transformation at scale,” O’Day said.

Implementing SAP S/4HANA as part of its transformation initiative “is a further demonstration of Hershey’s commitment to become a truly modern enterprise that puts the consumer first,” said Richard Simon, managing director for Accenture’s Consumer Goods & Services practice.

“Accenture has always been at the forefront of helping consumer packaged goods companies accelerate their adoption of new ways of working and new operating models,” said Keith Barringer, who leads Accenture’s Consumer Goods & Services practice in North America. Its latest alliance “enables us to bring our vast experience to Hershey as it navigates its journey to a more agile organization.”

The Hershey Co. employs 18,000 people around the world and has more than 80 global brands that drive over $7.4 billion in annual revenues, including such iconic brands as Hershey's, Reese's, Kit Kat, Jolly Rancher, Ice Breakers and SkinnyPop.