Spring Into Easter With Tips From Hershey For The Perfect Baskets And Egg Hunts

Survey Reveals Top Items for "Egg-cellent" Easter Baskets

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Mar 10, 2015, 09:00 ET

HERSHEY, Pa., March 10, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Easter is a time to celebrate with family and friends, and this year, 47 percent of people plan to create Easter baskets[1]. Hunt no further—The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) has new sweet treats, delicious classics and quick tips to help create baskets that will make everyone "hoppy!"

Easter Bunny's Top Basket Picks
During the Easter season, it is better to give than to receive. In fact, 40 percent of survey respondents say creating an Easter basket is one of their favorite aspects of the holiday.

As the Easter Bunny will tell you, the key ingredient to every Easter basket is picking the perfect centerpiece. More than half of respondents (51 percent) say a chocolate bunny is the one item they would use as an Easter basket centerpiece, more so than toys or plastic eggs.

Whether you prefer using a traditional treat, like Reese's Peanut Butter Bunny, or a fun twist on a classic such as Hershey's Solid Milk Chocolate Princess Bunny, Hershey has centerpiece options "no-bunny" can resist. Consider a new star for this year's basket; the Cadbury Hollow Milk Chocolate Bunny features traditional Cadbury chocolate and is dressed for the occasion with an adorable purple bow and big black eyes.

Once you choose the perfect chocolate or peanut butter bunny, fill your basket with the top Easter favorites. Eight in ten people consider chocolate eggs an essential, so add the traditional Cadbury Creme Egg Candy that everyone knows and loves. An indulgent, egg-shaped treat of creamy milk chocolate with a center of pure gooey goodness, this classic recipe won't stay nestled long in its bed of plastic grass.

Next, don't forget to add the item one-third of respondents said they would be most excited to find in their Easter basket—Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs! Covered in milk chocolate and filled with Reese's peanut butter, this treat will put a spring in anyone's step!

Finally, be sure to include a new treat, like the Whoppers Mini Robin Eggs Candy Carrot, which wraps everyone's favorite bite-sized candy into a festive carrot-shaped package.

Hunt for Hershey
It wouldn't be Easter without the traditional egg hunt and Hershey has "egg-cellent" chocolates that fit in plastic eggs of all shapes and sizes this Easter such as Whoppers Robin Eggs Malted Milk Eggs or Hershey's Solid Milk Chocolate Egg. In fact, 22 percent of people say egg-shaped chocolates are their favorite treat to enjoy during the season.

If you would prefer a fruit-flavored treat, fill your eggs with new Jolly Rancher Gummies Bunny Food, which come in pea, carrot, and tomato shapes. It may come as a surprise to the Easter Bunny that they don't taste like vegetables, but are flavored as delicious green apple, lemon, orange and cherry.

Share Springtime Sweets at Home
Nearly half of people (48 percent) agree that chocolate is their favorite part of the Easter season. New to the Easter collection this year, Hershey's Kisses Vanilla Creme Filled Milk Chocolates will add a sweet surprise to your candy dish. These little treats come all dressed up for Easter, wrapped in festive pastel foils, and are sure to become a springtime favorite.

For more Easter ideas, including product information and delicious recipes such as Hershey's Kisses Springtime Thumbprint Cookies, visit www.CelebrateWithHersheys.com.

Hershey Easter offerings are now available at retailers nationwide.

About The Hershey Company
The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY), headquartered in Hershey, Pa., is a global confectionery leader known for bringing goodness to the world through its chocolate, sweets, mints and other great-tasting snacks. Hershey has approximately 13,000 employees around the world who work every day to deliver delicious, quality products. The company, which has more than 80 brands worldwide that drive over $7.1 billion in annual revenues, includes such iconic brand names as Hershey's, Reese's, Hershey's Kisses, Jolly Rancher and Ice Breakers. Hershey is focused on growing its presence in key international markets while continuing to build its competitive advantage in North America. Additionally, Hershey is poised to expand its portfolio into categories beyond confectionery, finding new ways to bring goodness to people everywhere.

At Hershey, goodness has always been about more than delicious products. For 120 years, Hershey has been committed to good business by operating fairly, ethically and sustainably to make a positive impact on society. This means contributing to a better life for its employees, consumers, communities, and, ultimately, creating a bright future for children in need. This commitment is exemplified by Milton Hershey School, established in 1909 by the company's founder and administered by Hershey Trust Company. The children who attend the school receive education, housing, and medical care — thriving as direct beneficiaries of The Hershey Company's success.

[1] All data compiled from a phone survey of 857 adults 18 and older living in the continental United States conducted from February 12-15, 2015 by ORC International for The Hershey Company.

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SOURCE The Hershey Company