HERSHEY, Pa. — The Hershey Company has completed its acquisition of LesserEvil. The fast-growing organic snack brand is known for popcorn, puffs, and bold seasoning profiles. According to the company’s announcement, the deal brings additional manufacturing capacity. It also expands Hershey’s presence in the better-for-you and salty snacking categories.
The acquisition, finalized on Nov. 19, 2025, integrates a USDA Organic, non-GMO portfolio into Hershey’s broader snacking business, which includes SkinnyPop, Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels, and Pirate’s Booty. LesserEvil products will continue to be produced with the same premium organic oils and ingredients consumers associate with the brand.
What the acquisition means for Hershey and LesserEvil
In the announcement, Kirk Tanner, president and CEO of The Hershey Company, said the purchase aligns with the company’s goal of offering more snacking options. He noted that the company aims to meet a range of tastes, occasions, and dietary preferences. According to Tanner, the deal also supports Hershey’s focus on innovation and growth. He said it strengthens the company’s position in categories that appeal to consumers seeking variety and transparency.
LesserEvil CEO Charles Cortistine stated that joining Hershey will help the brand expand distribution. He said the partnership will also help scale its product development model and strengthen its production capabilities. Cortistine emphasized that the brand will maintain its focus on organic ingredients and community-driven values.
The acquisition also keeps LesserEvil’s leadership team in place. The company said keeping the team in place will support the ongoing development of high-velocity salty snacks. It will also help both organizations improve speed-to-market strategies. The company added that the structure will help maintain product quality.
Industry context: Better-for-you snacking continues rapid growth
The acquisition reflects a broader movement in the CPG industry as major brands seek to expand into cleaner-label snack categories. According to Hershey, its salty portfolio grew 1.5× faster in 2024 than in the previous three years, signaling strong consumer interest in alternatives to traditional confectionery.
With LesserEvil’s organic popcorn, puffs, and bold seasoning blends, Hershey gains access to a growing segment. This segment is driven by flavor experimentation, ingredient transparency, and lifestyle-oriented packaging. These features often influence purchase decisions. Cross-category brands like LesserEvil also appeal to consumers seeking snacks that feel less processed. This appeal remains strong even when these products sit alongside more indulgent items.
Why it matters
Hershey’s acquisition of LesserEvil underscores a continued shift toward better-for-you, organic, and clean-label snacking. The deal underscores a broader industry shift. Major confectionery and salty snack companies are diversifying their portfolios to stay relevant with younger consumers. These shoppers increasingly prioritize ingredient quality and responsible sourcing.
The strategic fit also reinforces how large manufacturers are using targeted acquisitions to balance indulgent heritage brands with emerging lifestyle-driven categories. As growth in salty snacks outpaces traditional confectionery, partnerships like this accelerate innovation pipelines while expanding retail reach.
Editor’s Note: Source86 Perspective
For food and snack manufacturers, Hershey’s acquisition of LesserEvil demonstrates how established companies are strengthening their presence in high-growth, better-for-you categories. Mergers that pair scalable production with differentiated ingredient stories are becoming essential for brands navigating shifting consumer expectations.
At Source86, we support companies through ingredient sourcing, FSQA oversight, co-manufacturing coordination, and private label solutions designed to meet evolving demand. Whether managing clean-label formulations, expanding salty snack lines, or optimizing supply chain visibility, our team helps brands grow with confidence and precision. Contact us.
FAQs
Hershey stated that LesserEvil products will continue to be produced with the same organic ingredients. The LesserEvil leadership team is remaining in place to maintain quality and operational continuity.
The acquisition is expected to increase distribution opportunities due to Hershey’s larger retail network and manufacturing capacity.
Pricing remains at the discretion of retailers. Hershey has not announced any immediate changes following the acquisition.
