HERSHEY, Pa., Feb 9, 2004 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Hershey Foods Corporation
and Dr. Barry Sears today announced plans to introduce the first-ever
nutrition bars with the science-based nutritional benefits of the Zone Diet
and the great taste consumers expect from Hershey. The products will be the
first to carry the "Dr. Sears Zone Approval" seal and will be introduced
during the third quarter.
"Our new partnership with Dr. Sears is an outstanding match of Hershey's
strong brand-building and business-system capabilities with his world-renowned
dietary expertise," said Richard H. Lenny, Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer, Hershey Foods Corporation. "Together, we'll create
innovative new products that deliver the superior nutritional benefits of his
Zone Diet and the great taste consumers expect from Hershey. This is an
exciting opportunity for us as we further expand our presence in the nutrition
snack segment and work with Dr. Sears to meet the growing consumer demand for
sound nutrition, convenience and a healthy lifestyle."
"Good nutrition is the foundation not only for feeling and performing at
your best, but also for better health," said Dr. Barry Sears, Founder and
President of Zone Labs. "The innovative products to be developed through this
new partnership will provide a fusion of my Zone technology with the
outstanding food technology expertise of Hershey Foods. Due to the unique
formulation of these products, they will help stabilize blood sugar levels,
which is the key to controlling hunger and thus keeping weight in a healthy
range. I'm extremely proud to be associated with Hershey, a true leader in
product innovation with an outstanding ability to deliver taste and
convenience to the marketplace.
Building upon the science-based principles of my Zone Diet, we'll be able
to give consumers both the great taste and balanced nutrition they want for a
healthy lifestyle."
Dr. Sears is one of the world's leading experts on nutrition. A former
research scientist at Boston University School of Medicine and the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, he holds 13 US patents in the areas of
drug-delivery systems and dietary control of hormonal response. In 1995, he
first published his insights into hormonal effects of food in his landmark
book, The Zone, which became a New York Times #1 best seller. He since has
published nine additional books on his Zone dietary technology, which have
been translated into 22 languages in 40 countries. Zone Labs provides
research and development support for Dr. Sears' effort to bring evidence-based
nutrition products to consumers.
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).
Safe Harbor Statement
This release contains statements which are forward-looking. These
statements are made based upon current expectations which are subject to risk
and uncertainty. Actual results may differ materially from those contained in
the forward-looking statements. Factors which could cause results to differ
materially include, but are not limited to: changes in the confectionery and
grocery business environment, including actions of competitors and changes in
consumer preferences; customer and consumer response to selling price
increases; changes in governmental laws and regulations, including taxes;
market demand for new and existing products; changes in raw material and other
costs; pension cost factors such as actuarial assumptions, market performance,
and employee retirement decisions; adequacy of the Company's bad debt reserve;
the Company's ability to implement improvements to reduce costs associated
with its supply chain; and the Company's ability to successfully implement its
rationalization and realignment initiatives, as discussed in the Company's
Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 28, 2003, and Annual Report
on Form 10-K for 2002.
SOURCE Hershey Foods Corporation
Media Contact: Christine M. Dugan, +1-717-508-3238, or
Financial Contact: James A. Edris, +1-717-534-7556, both of Hershey Foods
http://www.hersheys.com
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