CHICAGO – Jan. 26, 2006 – Information Resources, Inc. (IRI), the leading global provider of enterprise market information solutions for the consumer packaged goods (CPG), retail and healthcare industries, today announced that The Hershey Company is the latest snacking client to renew its business with IRI. Under the multi-year contract, IRI will provide marketplace information, business insights and access solutions for Hershey. With such leading brands as Hershey's, Reese's, Hershey's Kisses, Kit Kat and Almond Joy, The Hershey Company is a leader in the snacking business and the largest North American manufacturer of quality chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery products.
“We’re very pleased to continue our relationship with IRI,” said The Hershey Company’s Vice President, Global Strategy and Integrated Business Intelligence Bob Goodpaster. “The high quality products and innovative solutions IRI provides are essential to our profitable growth in the expanding snacking marketplace.”
“Our extended relationship with The Hershey Company—a leader in U.S. snacks—solidifies IRI as the powerhouse in the snacking market information solutions space,” said IRI Client Solutions President David Shanker. “IRI’s rich consumer and retailer insights will help Hershey quickly identify issues or opportunities and act upon them, which will ultimately help them better meet consumers’ needs and win in the marketplace.”
About The Hershey Company
The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) is a leading snack food company and the largest North American manufacturer of quality chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery products. With revenues of over $4 billion and more than 13,000 employees worldwide, The Hershey Company markets such well-known brands as Hershey's, Reese's, Hershey's Kisses, Kit Kat, Almond Joy, Mounds, Jolly Rancher, Twizzlers, Ice Breakers, and Mauna Loa, as well as innovative new products such as Take 5 and Hershey's Cookies. In addition to its traditional confectionery products, Hershey offers a range of products specifically developed to address the nutritional interests of today's health-conscious consumer. These products include sugar-free Hershey's, Reese's and York candies, and PayDay Pro. It also markets Hershey's cocoa, Hershey's syrup and other branded baking ingredients, toppings and beverages.
In addition, Artisan Confections Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Hershey Company, markets such premium chocolate offerings as Scharffen Berger, known for its high-cacao dark chocolate products, and Joseph Schmidt, recognized for its fine, handcrafted chocolate gifts. Visit us at www.hersheynewsroom.com.
About Information Resources, Inc.
Information Resources, Inc. (IRI) is the world’s leading provider of enterprise market information solutions and services, empowering its clients to grow their business profitably in a complex marketplace. Driving the transformation of the consumer packaged goods (CPG), retail, and healthcare industries, only IRI provides a unique combination of real-time market content, advanced analytics, enterprise performance management software, and professional services. The company’s portfolio of services, solutions, and technology enable leading retailers and their suppliers around the globe to see what they are missing, act faster with greater confidence and win at the shelf. Ninety-five percent of the FORTUNE Global 500 in CPG and retail leverage IRI to power their business. For more information, visit www.infores.com.