Hershey warns financial pressures on consumers could weigh on Halloween spending

Oct 29 (Reuters) Hershey on Thursday warned that increased pressure on shoppers due to higher gas prices, inflation ​and interest rates could impact how ‌much consumers spend on candy this Halloween. The company s shares fell 4% in premarket trading after it narrowed its annual organic net sales ‌growth ​target to about 3%, ⁠citing weakness in channels ⁠such as convenience stores. • Hershey s US candy, gum and mint category declined nearly 5% from a year earlier in ​September, with weakness continuing into October, Hershey said in prepared remarks after ⁠its third-quarter results • Halloween participation ⁠is expected to be in ​line with 2025, though financial pressures could shape ​final purchase decisions, CEO Kirk Tanner ‌said • Higher freight costs, inflation and consumer pressures have become more challenging and could restrain earnings growth in 2027, Hershey warned • ⁠The company s third-quarter net sales of $3.28 billion beat estimates, according to data compiled by LSEG