-- Traditional Activities - and Chocolate - Remain the Favorite Ways to

Celebrate the Season, According to Survey of Halloween Trends --

HERSHEY, Pa., Oct. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Halloween isn't just for kids. A recent survey showed that an overwhelming majority of Americans of all ages plan to take part in Halloween festivities this year. A whopping 87% of Americans plan to participate in activities surrounding the fall holiday, making Halloween one of the most significant cultural events of the year, according to a recent survey commissioned by Hershey Foods.

Some people may have trouble deciding on a Halloween costume, but there's no doubt what treat this group prefers. Almost three-quarters of those surveyed - 73% - say chocolate is their preferred treat for avoiding Halloween tricks. Lollipops came in second, followed by hard candy and bubble gum. Gummy candy rounded out the top five treats.

Americans surveyed show a strong preference for traditional holiday activities. Of those taking part in Halloween, 77% planned to purchase candy with 68% handing it out to trick-or-treaters. Just under half of all households surveyed will carve a pumpkin to welcome visitors, and 44% will decorate their homes.

Where do Americans prefer to trick-or-treat at Halloween? Going door-to- door is still the most popular family activity with 81% of parents saying they plan to take their children trick-or-treating in the neighborhood this year. Parties continue to be a popular activity with 33% of Americans planning to attend a church or community function and 24% celebrating at school. Planning a Halloween party? 20 percent of Americans are planning to attend one, while 16% will visit a shopping mall.

For more Halloween ideas, visit Hershey's Halloween Headquarters at TrickorTreats.com.

      Top ten things Americans plan to do this Halloween

      Purchase candy                   77%
      Distribute candy                 68%
      Carve a pumpkin                  46%
      Decorate their house             44%
      Trick or treat with children     35%
      Attend a Halloween party         31%
      Make Halloween treats            25%
      Dress up in a costume            25%
      Visit a Halloween attraction     25%
      Visit a haunted attraction       21%


      Top five ways Americans plan to trick or treat with children this
      Halloween

      In their neighborhood                 81%
      At a church or community function     33%
      At a school event                     24%
      At a Halloween party                  20%
      In malls or shopping areas            16%


      Top ten treats Americans prefer to hand out for Halloween

      Chocolate         73%
      Lollipops         47%
      Hard candy        38%
      Bubble gum        34%
      Gummy candy       33%
      Sour candy        32%
      Raisins           13%
      Money             11%
      Fruit             11%
      Cookies           10%

On behalf of Hershey Foods, an independent survey firm conducted a random nationwide telephone survey of 1034 Americans 18 years of age and older regarding plans and traditions of Halloween.

Hershey Foods Corporation (NYSE: HSY) is the leading North American manufacturer of quality chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery and chocolate-related grocery products. Some of the company's most popular products include Hershey's(R) chocolate and chocolate with almonds bars, Hershey's(R) Kisses(R) brand chocolates, Reese's(R) peanut butter cups, Jolly Rancher(R) and Twizzlers(R) candies, Hershey's(R) cocoa, and Hershey's(R) syrup. The company also is a market leader in the gum and mint category, with such well-known brands as Ice Breakers(R), Breath Savers(R), and Bubble Yum(R).

SOURCE Hershey Foods Corporation
CONTACT: Christine M. Dugan, Hershey Foods, +1-717-534-7631
Web site: http://www.hersheys.com
http://www.TrickorTreats.com