The descendant of the creator of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups has criticized The Hershey Co., claiming that the candy maker has harmed the Reese’s brand by transitioning to lower-cost ingredients in multiple products. Hershey has acknowledged making some recipe adjustments but stated that the changes were aimed at meeting evolving consumer preferences and tackling high cocoa prices that have prompted manufacturers to explore alternatives to traditional chocolate formulations.
Brad Reese, aged 70, voiced his concerns in a letter addressed to Hershey’s corporate brand manager, dated February 14, which he shared on his LinkedIn profile. In the letter, Reese highlighted that Hershey had replaced milk chocolate with compound coatings and peanut butter with peanut creme in various Reese’s products, questioning how the company can maintain Reese’s reputation for trust, quality, and leadership while altering the foundational ingredients that established its credibility.
H.B. Reese, the grandfather of Brad Reese, established Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups in 1928 after a stint at Hershey before founding his candy company in 1919. Hershey responded by confirming that the classic Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups continue to be crafted with milk chocolate and homemade peanut butter from roasted peanuts, sugar, and salt. However, the company noted that certain Reese’s variations may feature different ingredients to accommodate new shapes, sizes, and product innovations while preserving the core appeal of the chocolate and peanut butter combination that defines Reese’s.
Brad Reese expressed disappointment with Hershey’s recent product alterations, citing his negative experience with Reese’s Mini Hearts, a new Valentine’s Day release that substituted milk chocolate and peanut butter with “chocolate candy and peanut butter creme.” Reese emphasized the drastic shift in taste and quality, underscoring his daily consumption of Reese’s products and the profound impact of the changes on his enjoyment.
While Hershey maintained that its European and U.K. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups adhere to the same recipe as the U.S. version, Reese pointed out discrepancies in the product descriptions. Additionally, Hershey’s Chief Financial Officer, Steven Voskuil, assured investors during a previous conference call that any formula modifications were rigorously tested to preserve the essence and appeal of their iconic brands.
Brad Reese urged Hershey to uphold the legacy of quality advocated by Milton Hershey, emphasizing the importance of innovation without compromising product excellence. Reese’s critique underscores a broader consumer sentiment that echoes concerns about changes in the taste and consistency of beloved products, urging companies to prioritize quality alongside innovation.