The Hershey Company is holding its 2026 Investor Day today at the New York Stock Exchange. At the event, the company’s executive leadership team will present its strategic roadmap and financial framework aimed at leading the next generation of snacking and delivering consistent, differentiated growth in both the near and long term.

“Hershey is purpose-built to lead the next generation of snacking, and today we’re outlining how we’ll achieve that,” said Kirk Tanner, President and Chief Executive Officer. “With a distinct portfolio, we are well positioned to succeed with our core iconic brands while expanding into faster-growing segments. Through One Hershey, we operate as a unified team across sweet, salty, and functional snacking. Our direction is clear, our team is prepared, and the next phase of growth begins now.”

During the Investor Day, the leadership team will focus on several key areas:

Financial Outlook
The company reaffirmed its fiscal 2026 guidance for net sales, organic growth, and earnings per share:

This outlook includes an estimated 150 basis point benefit from the 2025 acquisition of LesserEvil, LLC.

Webcast Information
The event begins at 12:00 p.m. ET and can be accessed via the Investors section of Hershey’s official website under Events & Webcasts. A replay will be available after the conclusion of the presentation.

Forward-Looking Statements
This announcement includes forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including projections for 2026 performance and long-term financial targets. These statements are based on current expectations and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially.

Key risk factors include potential supply chain disruptions, regulatory changes affecting product quality or ESG matters, fluctuations in raw material costs and availability, shifting consumer preferences, pricing pressures, competitive dynamics, and challenges in executing acquisitions or strategic initiatives. Additional risks relate to economic conditions such as inflation, interest rates, geopolitical developments, and operational issues including IT security, workforce management, and system implementations.

Further details on these risks are available in the company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Hershey does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect future developments or changes in expectations.

Orchestrating Supply Chains: Insights from NASCES24
Managing a supply chain is much like leading an orchestra—it requires skillful coordination, precise execution, and strong leadership. Just as conductors unite musicians to create harmony, supply chain leaders must synchronize various moving parts to ensure smooth operations.

This was a key takeaway from the panel discussion I hosted at last fall’s North American Supply Chain Executive Summit (NASCES), titled "A NASCES24 Speaker Roundtable – A Supply Chain Discussion."

Unlike musicians working within the same ensemble, supply chain professionals collaborate across different teams and organizations, each with unique priorities. Finance departments focus on cost savings, sales and marketing emphasize speed, and operations prioritize risk management. It falls on supply chain leaders to balance these competing interests while maintaining efficiency.

Here are the key insights from our panel, featuring leaders from top companies in high-tech, retail, and consumer goods.

Embracing Multi-Sourcing and Advanced Procurement Strategies
In today’s fast-changing global economy, businesses must be prepared for unexpected disruptions—whether geopolitical events, environmental crises, evolving consumer preferences, or regulatory changes. A recurring theme among panelists was the importance of adopting multi-sourcing and digital procurement strategies to increase flexibility and resilience.

Multi-sourcing involves diversifying suppliers to reduce dependency on a single provider, ensuring continuous operations even in times of disruption. If one supplier experiences setbacks, businesses can swiftly pivot to an alternative, preventing delays and sustaining production schedules.

Similarly, dynamic sourcing—continuously assessing and adjusting supplier relationships—enables companies to adapt to market shifts and optimize costs. For example, businesses can source materials from the most cost-effective supplier based on real-time market data, lowering expenses while maintaining product quality and delivery timelines.

Another major advantage is enhanced visibility across the supply chain. Access to real-time supplier performance data allows businesses to identify inefficiencies, optimize spending, and improve compliance with regulatory and sustainability standards.

Investing in AI and Digital Transformation
The discussion also highlighted how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing supply chain management. Leaders are leveraging AI-driven technologies—such as predictive analytics, machine learning, and digital platforms—to navigate complex challenges with greater agility and strategic foresight.

AI-powered platforms provide real-time insights into inventory levels, shipment tracking, and delivery schedules, reducing silos between departments and fostering collaboration. This increased transparency ensures smoother decision-making, minimizes conflicts, and enhances operational efficiency.

Enhancing Demand Forecasting
In an unpredictable market, precise demand forecasting is essential for aligning stakeholder priorities. Panelists shared how AI-driven predictive analytics enables businesses to anticipate shifts in demand and adapt their strategies accordingly. This not only strengthens internal collaboration but also helps teams work toward shared goals.

Accurate forecasting ensures that manufacturing teams receive the necessary stock, finance teams avoid unnecessary inventory costs, and operations maintain seamless workflows. By treating forecasting as a strategic tool, companies can proactively mitigate risks and make data-driven decisions.

Achieving Supply Chain Synergy
Conflicting stakeholder priorities don’t have to lead to inefficiencies. By embracing AI-driven solutions, dynamic sourcing, and cloud-based procurement tools, supply chain professionals can turn these challenges into opportunities for innovation and collaboration. The outcome is a supply chain that is not only efficient and cost-effective but also adaptable and resilient—an invaluable asset to all stakeholders.

The key to achieving alignment lies in leveraging advanced technology and innovative strategies. With the right tools and mindset, supply chain leaders can transform obstacles into opportunities, building a supply chain that is agile, effective, and responsive to stakeholder needs.

The SAP Business Network is designed to address many of these challenges by connecting buyers and suppliers, optimizing procurement processes, and fostering seamless collaboration. Investing in such technology helps businesses create a future-ready supply chain that supports long-term growth and resilience.

To gain deeper insights from top executives navigating today’s supply chain complexities, I encourage you to watch the full discussion from NASCES24. The recording offers valuable perspectives on managing stakeholder priorities and driving supply chain success in an ever-evolving business landscape.