Hershey loves bragging about ESG progress, but its cocoa supply chain still relies on regions tied to child labor and exploitation. Turns out chocolate bars are easier to wrap in PR than in ethics.

Hershey has rolled out a global DEI framework that includes commitments like using more diverse suppliers, achieving pay equity for similar roles, and setting POC leadership & employee representation targets. Their Pathways Project outlines steps to ensure candidate pools are diverse and to expand relationships with diverse-owned talent firms. They also monitor progress publicly as part of ESG/DEI reporting. It’s not just talk, but it also means customers are asked to buy into equity as part of their purchase.

For International Women’s Day in Canada, Hershey added Fae Johnstone, a trans woman advocate, among the honored women in its “Her for She” campaign wrappers. This move drew criticism from conservative readers who accused Hershey of “erasing women,” while many defended the brand’s decision as part of its inclusion goals. Hershey responded by saying that the campaign reflects its values of diversity and inclusion, even at risk of backlash. That packaging may look sweet, but for some it’s an identity statement, not just a design choice.