HERSHEY'S KISS HISTORY
1894 - Using chocolate-making equipment purchased at the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Milton S. Hershey launches the Hershey Chocolate Co. as part of his Milton Hershey's Lancaster Caramel Co. The new firm exists to produce baking chocolate, cocoa and sweet chocolate coatings for the parent company's caramels. 1898 - The company's first logo, the "Baby in the Bean," depicts a youngster in a cocoa bean pod, sometimes holding a cup of cocoa, sometimes a chocolate bar. Although the symbol doesn't retire until 1968, it will fade into obscurity once the Kiss comes along. 1907 - Hershey's Kisses are introduced on July 7. Urban lore has it the treat was named for the lip-smacking sound of the machinery "kissing" the conveyor belt during the manufacturing process. 1921 - Automated wrapping is introduced to Kiss production in August. Before this technological innovation, Kisses were hand-wrapped. The distinctive paper plume is added at this time, to thwart imitators. 1924 - Milton S. Hershey, the corporation's founder, obtains a registered trademark for the plume. Before then, the word "kiss" had been a common confectionery term used for a variety of candies. 1931 - While the shape of a Hershey's Kiss has not changed since its birth, three different milk chocolate formulations were offered until this date: Sweethearts (1907-18), Silver Tops (1909-31) and Silverpoints (1918-29). 1942-49 - The bite-size chocolates are not produced during World War II because of rationing of silver foil. Instead, the Kisses' molding department is used to temper chocolate paste for the military ration bar, producing more than 3 billion units during this period. 1962 - The traditional silver-foiled Kiss is joined by red and green compadres for the first time, arriving just in time for Christmas. 1968 - Kisses are introduced in pastel blue, pink and green foil for Easter season. 1976 - A registered trademark is obtained for the configuration of Kisses chocolates with their familiar foil wrap. 1986 - Hershey's introduces Valentine's Day kisses in red and silver foil. 1989 - Hershey's Kisses become the fifth most popular candy in the United States, spawning sales that topped $400 million. 1990 - In September, the Kiss franchise expands with the introduction of Chocolate With Almonds. 1991 - Fall Harvest Kisses join the product lineup. 1993 - Hershey's introduces Hershey's Hugs - basically mini-Kisses hugged by white chocolate. 2002 - Hershey's Kisses begin offering limited-edition flavors - specialty runs of such products as extra creamy chocolate, double fudge and strawberry creme. 2003 - In June, Rich Dark Chocolates are launched as a permanent addition to the Kisses family. 2004 - In February, the Kisses brand combines the company's top two confectionery ingredients to produce Chocolate Filled With Caramel for its permanent Kisses collection. 2005 - The November introduction of Kissables - candy-coated chocolate confections in colors of blue, red, yellow, green and orange in single-serve packaging - is targeted at consumers "on-the-go." --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ Access the Recipes And More list archives at: http://www.mail-archive.com/recipesandmore%40googlegroups.com/ Visit the group home page at: http://groups.google.com/group/RecipesAndMore -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
