Reese’s Cups are one of the most beloved candies in the United States, with their perfect combination of peanut butter and chocolate. But have you ever wondered who is behind the creation of these tasty treats? The answer might seem obvious, but it’s not as straightforward as you think. In this article, we’ll delve into the history of Reese’s Cups and explore the relationship between Reese’s and Hershey’s.
A Brief History of Reese’s Cups
Reese’s Cups were invented by H.B. Reese in 1928. Reese was a former dairy farmer who worked at the Hershey Chocolate Company in Hershey, Pennsylvania. He experimented with different recipes in his basement and eventually came up with the idea of combining peanut butter and chocolate. The original Reese’s Cup consisted of a peanut butter filling covered in milk chocolate.
The Early Years of Reese’s
Reese’s Cups quickly gained popularity, and H.B. Reese started selling them to local candy stores. In 1935, Reese left his job at Hershey’s to focus on his own business, H.B. Reese Co., Inc. The company remained family-owned and operated until 1963, when it was sold to Hershey’s.
The Relationship Between Reese’s and Hershey’s
So, are Reese’s Cups made by Hershey’s? The answer is yes, but it’s not that simple. While Hershey’s acquired the H.B. Reese Co., Inc. in 1963, Reese’s Cups were already a well-established brand. Hershey’s continued to produce Reese’s Cups using the original recipe and manufacturing process.
Hershey’s Acquisition of Reese’s
Hershey’s acquisition of Reese’s was a strategic move to expand its product portfolio. At the time, Hershey’s was primarily known for its milk chocolate bars, and Reese’s Cups offered a unique and complementary product line. The acquisition allowed Hershey’s to tap into the growing demand for peanut butter cups and expand its market share.
Manufacturing Process
Reese’s Cups are still manufactured using a similar process to the original method developed by H.B. Reese. The peanut butter filling is made from a secret recipe that involves roasting peanuts and grinding them into a smooth paste. The chocolate coating is made from Hershey’s milk chocolate, which is melted and applied to the peanut butter filling.
Quality Control
Hershey’s takes quality control seriously, and Reese’s Cups are no exception. The company has implemented strict quality control measures to ensure that every cup meets its high standards. This includes regular taste tests, texture analysis, and visual inspections.
Marketing and Distribution
Reese’s Cups are widely available in stores across the United States and are also exported to several countries around the world. Hershey’s has implemented various marketing strategies to promote Reese’s Cups, including television commercials, print ads, and social media campaigns.
Seasonal Varieties
Reese’s Cups are available in a range of seasonal varieties, including Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs for Easter, Reese’s Peanut Butter Pumpkins for Halloween, and Reese’s Peanut Butter Bells for Christmas. These seasonal varieties are a key part of Hershey’s marketing strategy and help to keep the brand fresh and exciting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Reese’s Cups are indeed made by Hershey’s, but the relationship between the two companies is more complex than a simple acquisition. Hershey’s has continued to produce Reese’s Cups using the original recipe and manufacturing process, and the company has implemented strict quality control measures to ensure that every cup meets its high standards. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Reese’s Cups or just discovering them, there’s no denying the magic of this beloved candy.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1928 | H.B. Reese invents Reese’s Cups |
| 1935 | H.B. Reese leaves Hershey’s to focus on his own business |
| 1963 | Hershey’s acquires H.B. Reese Co., Inc. |
Reese’s Cups have come a long way since their humble beginnings in H.B. Reese’s basement. Today, they are one of the most beloved candies in the United States, and their popularity shows no signs of waning. Whether you’re a fan of the original milk chocolate variety or one of the many seasonal flavors, there’s a Reese’s Cup out there for everyone.
Are Reese’s Cups Made by Hershey’s?
Reese’s Cups are indeed made by Hershey’s. The H.B. Reese Candy Company, which was founded by H.B. Reese in 1928, was acquired by Hershey’s in 1963. Since then, Hershey’s has been responsible for manufacturing and distributing Reese’s Cups.
As a subsidiary of Hershey’s, the H.B. Reese Candy Company continues to operate and produce Reese’s Cups according to its original recipe. The cups are still made with the same peanut butter and chocolate combination that has made them a beloved treat for generations.
What is the History of Reese’s Cups?
Reese’s Cups were invented by H.B. Reese in 1928. Reese was a former dairy farmer who worked at the Hershey Chocolate Company in Hershey, Pennsylvania. He experimented with different recipes in his basement and eventually came up with the idea for a peanut butter cup covered in milk chocolate.
The original Reese’s Cups were made by hand and consisted of a peanut butter filling covered in milk chocolate. The cups quickly became popular, and the H.B. Reese Candy Company was founded to meet the growing demand. Today, Reese’s Cups are one of the most popular candies in the United States.
What is the Relationship Between Hershey’s and Reese’s?
Hershey’s acquired the H.B. Reese Candy Company in 1963. Since then, Hershey’s has been responsible for manufacturing and distributing Reese’s Cups. The H.B. Reese Candy Company operates as a subsidiary of Hershey’s and continues to produce Reese’s Cups according to its original recipe.
The relationship between Hershey’s and Reese’s has been beneficial for both companies. Hershey’s has been able to expand its product line and reach new customers through the acquisition of Reese’s. Meanwhile, Reese’s has been able to leverage Hershey’s resources and expertise to increase production and distribution.
Are Reese’s Cups Still Made in Hershey, Pennsylvania?
Yes, Reese’s Cups are still made in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The H.B. Reese Candy Company operates a manufacturing facility in Hershey, where the cups are produced according to the original recipe. The facility uses a combination of traditional and modern manufacturing techniques to ensure that the cups meet the high standards of quality and taste.
The fact that Reese’s Cups are still made in Hershey, Pennsylvania is a testament to the company’s commitment to its heritage and tradition. Despite the acquisition by Hershey’s, the H.B. Reese Candy Company has remained true to its roots and continues to produce high-quality candies that are beloved by consumers around the world.
What is the Secret to Reese’s Cups’ Success?
The secret to Reese’s Cups’ success lies in the combination of peanut butter and chocolate. The cups are made with a creamy peanut butter filling that is covered in milk chocolate. The peanut butter and chocolate are carefully balanced to create a taste experience that is both rich and satisfying.
Another factor that contributes to the success of Reese’s Cups is the company’s commitment to quality and tradition. The H.B. Reese Candy Company has remained true to its original recipe and manufacturing techniques, which has helped to build trust and loyalty with consumers. The cups are also widely available and are often marketed as a convenient and affordable treat.
Can I Visit the Reese’s Cups Factory?
Yes, you can visit the Reese’s Cups factory in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The H.B. Reese Candy Company offers guided tours of its manufacturing facility, which give visitors a behind-the-scenes look at how the cups are made. The tours are led by knowledgeable guides who provide insight into the company’s history and manufacturing process.
Visitors to the factory can see the cups being made on the production line and learn about the company’s commitment to quality and tradition. The factory also has a gift shop where visitors can purchase Reese’s Cups and other candies. The tours are a great way to learn about the history and manufacturing process of Reese’s Cups.
Are Reese’s Cups Available Internationally?
Yes, Reese’s Cups are available internationally. Hershey’s has a global distribution network that allows the company to sell its products, including Reese’s Cups, in many countries around the world. The cups are widely available in North America and are also sold in many countries in Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
Reese’s Cups are often marketed as a premium product and are sold in many retail outlets, including grocery stores, convenience stores, and online retailers. The cups are also widely available in airports and other travel destinations, making them a popular choice for travelers.