Preserving the Legacy: Brad Reese's Critique of Hershey's Changes to Reese's Products
The descendant of the creator of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups has criticized The Hershey Co. for altering the ingredients in many Reese's products. Hershey has acknowledged making some changes to recipes but stated that it is responding to consumer preferences and rising cocoa prices. Brad Reese, the grandson of H.B. Reese, the inventor of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, expressed his disappointment in Hershey's decision to replace milk chocolate with compound coatings and peanut butter with peanut crème in some Reese's products.
Hershey clarified that Reese's Peanut Butter Cups continue to be made with milk chocolate and peanut butter that the company produces from roasted peanuts. However, the company admitted that there have been adjustments to some Reese's ingredients to introduce new shapes, sizes, and innovations while maintaining the essence of the brand's chocolate and peanut butter combination. Brad Reese disagreed with Hershey's approach, citing his dissatisfaction with the taste of new Reese's products like Reese's Mini Hearts, which he found inedible.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has stringent requirements for chocolate products, including minimum percentages of chocolate liquor, milk solids, and milk fat to be classified as milk chocolate. Companies can use alternative wording on packaging to comply with these regulations. Brad Reese highlighted changes in the recipes of various Reese's products, such as Reese's Take5 and Fast Break bars, which no longer use milk chocolate coatings. He also noted differences in Reese's Peanut Butter Cups sold in Europe compared to those in the U.S.
Hershey's Chief Financial Officer, Steven Voskuil, mentioned in a conference call with investors that the company had made some formula adjustments to its products while ensuring that the taste profile and uniqueness of its iconic brands were maintained. Despite Hershey's claims of no consumer impact from the changes, Brad Reese has received feedback from individuals who believe that Reese's products have lost their original taste. He emphasized the importance of quality in innovation, echoing the sentiment of Milton Hershey, the company's founder, who believed in providing quality products as the best form of advertising.
In conclusion, Brad Reese's concerns about Hershey's alterations to Reese's products reflect his commitment to preserving the brand's original quality and taste. As a descendant of the Reese's Peanut Butter Cups creator, he advocates for innovation that upholds the brand's legacy of excellence and consumer trust.