Business Editors/Retail Writers

HERSHEY, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 26, 2006--Limited edition pink York peppermint patties, Hershey's Kisses and Hershey's Nuggets chocolates will hit the shelves this Fall to raise breast cancer awareness across the country. The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) also is supporting the campaign by contributing $250,000 to the Young Survival Coalition (YSC), the only non-profit network of breast cancer survivors and supporters dedicated to addressing the concerns and issues unique to young women and breast cancer. The donation doubles Hershey's 2005 financial contribution and will be supported by the York peppermint pattie, Hershey's Kisses and Hershey's Nuggets brands.

"This year, we're significantly expanding our support for efforts to raise breast cancer awareness and help defeat this disease," said Michele Buck, Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, US Commercial Group, The Hershey Company. "Three of our most popular products -- York peppermint patties, Hershey's Kisses and Hershey's Nuggets chocolates -- will turn pink this fall, adopting this widely recognized symbol of breast cancer awareness. We also are increasing our donation to the Young Survival Coalition to $250,000, continuing our support for its important work on behalf of breast cancer survivors."

Through action, advocacy and awareness, the Young Survival Coalition (YSC) seeks to increase the quality and quantity of life for all young women affected by breast cancer by educating the medical, research, breast cancer and legislative communities and influencing them to address the incidence of the disease in women ages 40 and under. In addition, the YSC serves as a point of contact for young women affected by the disease.

"We are thrilled to continue our partnership with The Hershey Company to raise awareness of the fact that young women can and do get breast cancer," said Michele Przypyszny, CEO, Young Survival Coalition. "With the additional support of the York, Hershey's and Kisses brands, the YSC will reach even more young women affected by the disease and continue to provide vital programs and services for this underserved population."

Limited edition pink-foil wrapped York peppermint patties, Hershey's Kisses and Hershey's Nuggets chocolates will be available nationwide this October. The York peppermint patties also feature pink filling. Hershey's limited edition pink products will be available at mass, grocery and specialty retailers.

The Hershey Company also will sponsor the second-annual York Tour de Pink presented by Hershey's bike ride benefiting the YSC. The four-day bike ride from New York City to Hershey, Pa., will take place October 6 - 9, 2006. For more information, visit www.hersheys.com/pledge/.

About the Young Survival Coalition

The Young Survival Coalition was founded in 1998 by three women diagnosed with breast cancer under the age of 32 who were discouraged by the lack of information available to young women diagnosed with the disease. With revenue over $1.5 million, close to 13,000 constituents, 10 staff people and eight affiliates, the YSC works to change the face of breast cancer by advocating for more research on young women and breast cancer and providing this underserved population with programs and services specific to them. The YSC also provides a peer-support network of survivors as well as vital resources to decrease the sense of isolation felt by young women affected by breast cancer.

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.

To view full electronic news release go to:
http://onekit.enr-corp.com/1000464/index.html

CONTACT: for Hershey
Monica Heckman, 630-932-7913
monica@jsha.com

SOURCE: The Hershey Company