# Consumer-Focused Packaging Strategies Hershey's Unveils Elevated Packaging at Sweets & Snacks Expo By Georgia Wray Norsten | Published 2025-08-12 | Marketing Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/consumerfocused-packaging-strategies References: [thehersheycompany](https://www.thehersheycompany.com/en_us/home/newsroom/press-release/2025-05-08-The-Hershey-Company-Introduces-Innovation-and-Consumer-Focused-Packaging-Strategy-At-2025-NCA-Sweets-Snacks-Expo.html)  At the 2025 Sweets & Snacks Expo, The [Hershey Company](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2026-easter-product-line) showcased a dynamic lineup of new chocolate, candy, and salty snack innovations alongside a revamped consumer-focused packaging strategy designed to meet evolving shopper expectations. Highlights included caramel-filled 'Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars,' 'Reese’s PB&J Big Cups' in strawberry and grape, and the limited-edition 'Hershey’s Kisses Cinnamon Toast Crunch™.' The brand also expanded its salty snack and novelty candy offerings with products like 'Reese’s Filled Pretzels' and 'Jolly Rancher Chewy Poppers.' Shaquille O’Neal’s sneaker-shaped '[Shaq](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shaqalicious-slams)-A-Licious XL Gummies' made a standout return, while the acquisition of 'Sour Strips' signaled a continued focus on bold-flavored growth. Packaging innovations took center stage with Hershey’s transition to stand-up snack-size bags and multipacks -- designed to increase visibility, convenience, and value for retailers and consumers alike. Image Credit: The Hershey Company ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 7.4/10 - Popularity: 83% | Activity: 92% | Freshness: 47% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing) > [Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/branding) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Personalized Product Offerings:** Companies are increasingly focusing on curated product assortments tailored to individual consumer preferences, as evidenced by Hershey's diverse lineup at the expo. - **Innovative Packaging Solutions:** Hershey's new packaging strategy, featuring stand-up bags and multipacks, highlights the trend towards packaging that enhances product visibility and consumer convenience. - **Health-conscious Confectionery:** The growth in novelty and bold-flavored treats like the limited-edition high-flavor 'Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies' underscores a broader demand for unique, indulgent yet mindful snacking options. ### Where This Applies - **Confectionery Industry:** The confectionery sector is poised for transformation with companies adopting consumer-oriented innovations in both product development and packaging. - **Packaging Industry:** With the shift towards consumer-centric designs such as stand-up bags, the packaging industry is experiencing a wave of innovation centered around convenience and product visibility. - **Retail Industry:** Retail markets are adapting to changing consumer behaviors by leveraging new product formats and packaging innovations to enhance in-store and online shopping experiences. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Easter-Branded Snack Ranges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2026-easter-product-line.md) - [Chocolate Flavor-Branded Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hersheys-cookies-n-creme.md) - [Gamified Snack Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gamified-snack-packaging.md) - [Organized Shelf-Ready Candies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pantry-pack.md) - [Shareable Confectionery Treat Ranges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stockleys-treat-bag.md) - [Vibrant Snack Packaging Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cooper-street-snacks.md) - [Cost-Conscious Christmas Candy Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-hershey-company-holiday-range.md) - [Spring-Themed Chocolate Brand Activities](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hersheys-chocolate-worlds.md) - [Festively Elevated Chocolate Treats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-hershey-company-seasonal-treats.md)