Hershey to Purchase Two Popcorn Plants, Boosting Salty Snack Capabilities

April 17, 2023

Addition of Pennsylvania and Indiana facilities adds to growing salty snack production capabilities for the company.

The Hershey Co. has agreed to acquire popcorn manufacturing plants in Bethlehem, Pa., and Whitestown, Ind., from Weaver Popcorn Manufacturing, which co-manufactures Hershey’s SkinnyPop brand. In a release announcing the deal, Hershey stated the acquisition is expected to strengthen internal supply chain capabilities for the company and help SkinnyPop continue to grow.

As the company continues to elevate its position as a leading snacking powerhouse, these new facilities will also enable more flexibility, agility and resiliency across its growing salty snacks supply chain network. The acquisition adds to Hershey’s salty snack production capabilities further, building upon the acquisition of Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels and Pretzels Inc. nearly 18 months ago.

About the Author

Andy Hanacek | Senior Editor

Andy Hanacek has covered meat, poultry, bakery and snack foods as a B2B editor for nearly 20 years, and has toured hundreds of processing plants and food companies, sharing stories of innovation and technological advancement throughout the food supply chain. In 2018, he won a Folio:Eddie Award for his unique "From the Editor's Desk" video blogs, and he has brought home additional awards from Folio and ASBPE over the years. In addition, Hanacek led the Meat Industry Hall of Fame for several years and was vice president of communications for We R Food Safety, a food safety software and consulting company.