Hershey company announces deal to acquire Danbury-based snack food company

Published by Luther Turmelle, Staff Writer, of Hearst Connecticut Media Group on 4/3/2025 https://www.newstimes.com/business/article/ct-lesser-evil-acquired-by-hershey-danbury-20257074.php  

Officials with candy giant The Hershey Co. announced Thursday that the confectioner has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Danbury-based LesserEvil, which makes organic snacks. Terms of the agreement were not immediately available. The deal is expected to close later this year.

Michele Buck, Hershey's president and chief executive officer, said the acquisition of Lesser Evil "brings a multi-category, better-for-you snacks platform to extend our offerings into new categories and forms, reaching new consumers in more eating occasions."

"This high-growth brand not only complements our beloved confection and salty snack brands but also brings additional manufacturing capabilities and capacity to meet growing consumer and retailer needs," Buck said in a written statement. Company officials declined to provide any additional information regarding whether any LesserEvil employees would lose their jobs as a result of the Hershey acquisition, saying only that the Connecticut company's leadership team will continue to lead the business.

Charles Coristine, LesserEvil's chief executive officer, said the opportunity to become part of Hershey is "an incredible opportunity for our brand and our team."

"Joining a company that shares our passion for responsible business, giving to a cause greater than oneself, and long-term vision makes this Hershey's century-long legacy of excellence creates not just strategic alignment but a true cultural home where we can continue to grow and make an impact," Coristine said of the Pennsylvania-based candy company.

The transaction remains subject to regulatory approval with anticipated closing later this year. LesserEvil has production facilities in both Danbury and New Milford. Hershey's proposed acquisition of LesserEvil marks the company's second acquisition of a Connecticut company. Hershey acquired Naugatuck-based Peter Paul Candy Co. in 1988 and operated a manufacturing facility there until 2007, when the factory was shut down.

The 250,000-square-foot plant at 889 New Haven Road in Naugatuck, which produced Mounds and Almond Joy candy bars, was demolished in 2011.