The Hershey Company (HSY) 10-K 18 Feb 25 2024 FY Annual report Financial data

DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION

DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024	Feb. 10, 2025	Jun. 28, 2024
Entity Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2024
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-183
Entity Registrant Name	HERSHEY CO
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	23-0691590
Entity Address, Address Line One	19 East Chocolate Avenue
Entity Address, City or Town	Hershey
Entity Address, State or Province	PA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	17033
City Area Code	717
Local Phone Number	534-4200
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, one dollar par value
Trading Symbol	HSY
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag	true
Document Financial Statement Error Correction	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 26,717,916,357
Estimated values (USD per share)			$ 183.83
Documents Incorporated by Reference	DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE Portions of the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Entity Central Index Key	0000047111
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2024
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Common stock
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		147,797,121
Class B common stock
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		54,613,514

AUDIT INFORMATION

AUDIT INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024
Audit Information [Abstract]
Auditor Name	Ernst & Young LLP
Auditor Firm ID	42
Auditor Location	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Net sales	$ 11,202,263	$ 11,164,992	$ 10,419,294
Cost of sales	5,901,375	6,167,176	5,920,509
Gross profit	5,300,888	4,997,816	4,498,785
Selling, marketing and administrative expense	2,373,621	2,436,508	2,236,009
Business realignment costs	29,035	441	1,989
Operating profit	2,898,232	2,560,867	2,260,787
Interest expense, net	165,655	151,785	137,557
Other (income) expense, net	258,641	237,218	206,159
Income before income taxes	2,473,936	2,171,864	1,917,071
Provision for income taxes	252,697	310,077	272,254
Net income	$ 2,221,239	$ 1,861,787	$ 1,644,817
Common stock
Net income per share—basic:
Net income per share - basic (USD per share)	$ 11.22	$ 9.31	$ 8.22
Net income per share—diluted:
Net income per share - diluted (USD per share)	10.92	9.06	7.96
Dividends paid per share:
Dividends paid per share (USD per share)	5.480	4.456	3.874
Class B common stock
Net income per share—basic:
Net income per share - basic (USD per share)	10.20	8.52	7.47
Net income per share—diluted:
Net income per share - diluted (USD per share)	10.18	8.50	7.45
Dividends paid per share:
Dividends paid per share (USD per share)	$ 4.980	$ 4.050	$ 3.522

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 2,221,239	$ 1,861,787	$ 1,644,817
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation (losses) gains during period, pre-tax amount	(90,036)	22,659	(10,340)
Foreign currency translation (losses) gains during period, tax (expense) benefit	0	0	0
Foreign currency translation (losses) gains during period, after-tax amount	(90,036)	22,659	(10,340)
Pension and post-retirement benefit plans:
Net actuarial gain (loss) and prior service cost, pre-tax amount	(18,617)	(39,454)	(32,970)
Net actuarial gain (loss) and prior service cost, tax (expense) benefit	4,252	9,191	7,481
Net actuarial gain (loss) and prior service cost, after-tax amount	(14,365)	(30,263)	(25,489)
Reclassification to earnings, pre-tax amount	25,055	28,612	31,009
Reclassification to earnings, tax (expense) benefit	(5,988)	(6,895)	(7,392)
Reclassification to earnings, after-tax amount	19,067	21,717	23,617
Cash flow hedges:
(Losses) gains on cash flow hedging derivatives, before tax	11,036	954	2,056
(Losses) gains on cash flow hedging derivatives, tax (expense) benefit	(5,989)	(30)	(74)
(Losses) gains on cash flow hedging derivatives, after tax	5,047	924	1,982
Reclassification to earnings, pre-tax amount	3,931	10,866	10,200
Reclassification to earnings, tax (expense) benefit	2,544	(3,648)	(3,088)
Reclassification to earnings, after-tax amount	6,475	7,218	7,112
Total other comprehensive income (loss), pre-tax amount	(68,631)	23,637	(45)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), tax (expense) benefit	(5,181)	(1,382)	(3,073)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), after-tax amount	(73,812)	22,255	(3,118)
Comprehensive income	$ 2,147,427	$ 1,884,042	$ 1,641,699

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 730,746	$ 401,902
Accounts receivable—trade, net	800,402	823,617
Inventories	1,254,094	1,340,996
Prepaid expenses and other	974,215	345,588
Total current assets	3,759,457	2,912,103
Property, plant and equipment, net	3,458,853	3,309,678
Goodwill	2,705,753	2,696,050
Other intangibles	1,873,866	1,879,229
Other non-current assets	1,111,867	1,061,427
Deferred income taxes	37,065	44,454
Total assets	12,946,861	11,902,941
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	1,159,177	1,086,183
Accrued liabilities	807,341	867,815
Accrued income taxes	51,036	29,457
Short-term debt	1,306,976	719,839
Current portion of long-term debt	604,965	305,058
Total current liabilities	3,929,495	3,008,352
Long-term debt	3,190,210	3,789,132
Other long-term liabilities	688,259	660,673
Deferred income taxes	424,243	345,698
Total liabilities	8,232,207	7,803,855
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, shares issued: none in 2024 and 2023	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	1,377,226	1,345,580
Retained earnings	5,698,316	4,562,263
Treasury—common stock shares, at cost: 19,169,956 in 2024 and 17,160,099 in 2023	(2,278,551)	(1,800,232)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(303,890)	(230,078)
Total stockholders’ equity	4,714,654	4,099,086
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	12,946,861	11,902,941
Common stock
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock	166,939	166,939
Class B common stock
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock	$ 54,614	$ 54,614

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - shares	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Preferred stock, shares issued (shares)	0	0
Common stock, shares issued (shares)	221,553,025	221,553,025
Treasury stock, shares (shares)	19,169,956	17,160,099
Common stock
Common stock, shares issued (shares)	166,939,511	166,939,511
Class B common stock
Common stock, shares issued (shares)	54,613,514	54,613,514

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Operating Activities
Net income	$ 2,221,239	$ 1,861,787	$ 1,644,817
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	455,255	419,815	378,959
Stock-based compensation expense	44,414	81,021	65,991
Deferred income taxes	73,235	16,233	36,889
Write-down of equity investments	243,311	210,484	188,286
Unrealized gains on derivative contracts	(513,800)	0	0
Other	76,604	103,287	120,818
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of business acquisitions and divestitures:
Accounts receivable—trade, net	4,456	(102,080)	(38,165)
Inventories	68,831	(157,153)	(186,963)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(89,809)	(22,444)	(14,507)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	28,901	50,234	216,479
Accrued income taxes	(17,093)	(32,481)	5,005
Contributions to pension and other benefit plans	(15,599)	(27,581)	(78,547)
Other assets and liabilities	(48,349)	(77,932)	(11,225)
Net cash provided by operating activities	2,531,596	2,323,190	2,327,837
Investing Activities
Capital additions (including software)	(605,942)	(771,109)	(519,481)
Equity investments in tax credit qualifying partnerships	(285,499)	(256,815)	(275,534)
Business acquisitions, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired	(75,500)	(165,818)	0
Other investing activities	6,627	(4,934)	7,639
Net cash used in investing activities	(960,314)	(1,198,676)	(787,376)
Financing Activities
Net increase (decrease) in short-term debt	607,006	26,049	(245,633)
Long-term borrowings, net of debt issuance costs	0	744,092	0
Repayment of long-term debt and finance leases	(306,359)	(755,414)	(4,741)
Cash dividends paid	(1,084,802)	(889,071)	(775,030)
Repurchase of common stock	(494,191)	(264,913)	(388,964)
Exercise of stock options	14,663	26,015	34,158
Payment, Tax Withholding, Share-Based Payment Arrangement	(32,818)	(35,009)	(35,515)
Net cash used in financing activities	(1,296,501)	(1,148,251)	(1,415,725)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	54,063	(38,250)	9,887
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	328,844	(61,987)	134,623
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	401,902	463,889	329,266
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	730,746	401,902	463,889
Supplemental Disclosure
Interest paid	179,777	160,729	131,757
Income taxes paid	$ 201,799	$ 303,942	$ 221,321

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common stock	Class B common stock	Preferred Stock	Common stock Common stock	Common stock Class B common stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Retained Earnings Common stock	Retained Earnings Class B common stock	Treasury Common Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Beginning balance, stockholders' equity at Dec. 31, 2021	$ 2,757,229			$ 0	$ 160,939	$ 60,614	$ 1,260,331	$ 2,719,936			$ (1,195,376)	$ (249,215)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	1,644,817							1,644,817
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(3,118)											(3,118)
Dividends (including dividend equivalents):
Common Stock		$ (567,839)	$ (207,133)						$ (567,839)	$ (207,133)
Conversion of Class B Common Stock into Common Stock	0				2,500	(2,500)
Stock-based compensation	65,909						65,909
Exercise of stock options and incentive-based transactions	(1,357)						(29,668)				28,311
Repurchase of common stock	(388,964)										(388,964)
Ending balance, stockholders' equity at Dec. 31, 2022	3,299,544			0	163,439	58,114	1,296,572	3,589,781			(1,556,029)	(252,333)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	1,861,787							1,861,787
Other comprehensive income (loss)	22,255											22,255
Dividends (including dividend equivalents):
Common Stock		(663,410)	(225,895)						(663,410)	(225,895)
Conversion of Class B Common Stock into Common Stock	0				3,500	(3,500)
Stock-based compensation	81,130						81,130
Exercise of stock options and incentive-based transactions	(8,994)						(32,122)				23,128
Repurchase of common stock	(267,331)										(267,331)
Ending balance, stockholders' equity at Dec. 31, 2023	4,099,086			0	166,939	54,614	1,345,580	4,562,263			(1,800,232)	(230,078)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	2,221,239							2,221,239
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(48,495)						25,317					(73,812)
Dividends (including dividend equivalents):
Common Stock		$ (813,211)	$ (271,975)						$ (813,211)	$ (271,975)
Stock-based compensation	45,091						45,091
Exercise of stock options and incentive-based transactions	(18,155)						(38,762)				20,607
Repurchase of common stock	(498,926)										(498,926)
Ending balance, stockholders' equity at Dec. 31, 2024	$ 4,714,654			$ 0	$ 166,939	$ 54,614	$ 1,377,226	$ 5,698,316			$ (2,278,551)	$ (303,890)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF ST_2

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Common stock
Dividends paid per share (USD per share)	$ 5.480	$ 4.456	$ 3.874
Class B common stock
Dividends paid per share (USD per share)	$ 4.980	$ 4.050	$ 3.522

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTI

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Description of Business The Hershey Company together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries and entities in which it has a controlling interest, (the “Company,” “Hershey,” “we” or “us”) is a global confectionery leader known for its branded portfolio of chocolate, sweets, mints and other great tasting snacks. The Company has more than 90 brands worldwide including such iconic brand names as Hershey’s, Reese’s, Kisses, Jolly Rancher and Ice Breakers, which are marketed, sold and distributed in approximately 70 countries worldwide. Hershey’s structure is designed to ensure continued focus on North America, coupled with an emphasis on profitable growth in our focus international markets. The Company currently operates through three segments that are aligned with its management structure and the key markets it serves: (i) North America Confectionery, (ii) North America Salty Snacks and (iii) International. For additional information on our segment presentation, see Note 13 . Basis of Presentation Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of The Hershey Company and its majority-owned or controlled subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. We have a controlling financial interest if we own a majority of the outstanding voting common stock and minority shareholders do not have substantive participating rights, we have significant control through contractual or economic interests in which we are the primary beneficiary or we have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance. We use the equity method of accounting when we have a 20% to 50% interest in other companies and exercise significant influence. In addition, we use the equity method of accounting for our investments in partnership entities which make equity investments in projects eligible to receive federal historic and energy tax credits. See Note 10 for additional information on our equity investments in partnership entities qualifying for tax credits. Other investments that are not controlled, and over which we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence, are accounted for at cost, less impairments. Both equity method and cost, less impairment investments are included as Other non-current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For additional information on our investments in unconsolidated affiliates, see Note 8 . Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying disclosures. Our significant estimates and assumptions include, among others, pension and other post-retirement benefit plan assumptions, valuation assumptions of goodwill and other intangible assets, useful lives of long-lived assets, marketing and trade promotion accruals and income taxes. These estimates and assumptions are based on management’s best judgment. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, and the effects of any revisions are reflected in the consolidated financial statements in the period that they are determined. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Revenue Recognition The majority of our revenue contracts represent a single performance obligation related to the fulfillment of customer orders for the purchase of our products, including chocolate, sweets, mints and other grocery and snack offerings. Net sales reflect the transaction prices for these contracts based on our selling list price which is then reduced by estimated costs for trade promotional programs, consumer incentives, and allowances and discounts associated with aged or potentially unsaleable products. We recognize revenue at the point in time that control of the ordered product(s) is transferred to the customer, which is typically upon delivery to the customer or other customer-designated delivery point. Amounts billed and due from our customers are classified as accounts receivables on the balance sheet and require payment on a short-term basis. Our trade promotional programs and consumer incentives are used to promote our products and include, but are not limited to, discounts, coupons, rebates, in-store display incentives, and volume-based incentives. The estimated costs associated with these programs and incentives are based upon our analysis of the programs offered, expectations regarding customer and consumer participation, historical sales and payment trends, and our experience with payment patterns associated with similar programs offered in the past. The estimated costs of these programs are reasonably likely to change in future periods due to changes in trends with regard to customer and consumer participation, particularly for new programs and for programs related to the introduction of new products. Differences between estimated expense and actual program performance are recognized as a change in estimate in a subsequent period and are normally not significant. During 2024, 2023 and 2022, actual promotional costs have not deviated from the estimated amount by more than 3%. The Company’s unsettled portion remaining in accrued liabilities at year-end for these activities was $221,275 and $194,032 at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. We also recognize a minor amount of royalty income (less than 1% of our consolidated net sales) from sales-based licensing arrangements, pursuant to which revenue is recognized as the third-party licensee sales occur. Shipping and handling costs incurred to deliver product to the customer are recorded within cost of sales. Sales, value add and other taxes we collect concurrent with revenue producing activities are excluded from revenue. The majority of our products are confectionery or confectionery-based and, therefore, exhibit similar economic characteristics, as they are based on similar ingredients and are marketed and sold through the same channels to the same customers. In connection with our recent acquisitions, we have expanded our portfolio of salty snacking products, which also exhibit similar economic characteristics to our confectionery products and are sold through the same channels to the same customers. See Note 13 for revenues reported by geographic segment, which is consistent with how we organize and manage our operations, as well as product line net sales information. In 2024, 2023 and 2022, approximately 27%, 28% and 28%, respectively, of our consolidated net sales were made to McLane Company, Inc., one of the largest wholesale distributors in the United States to convenience stores, drug stores, wholesale clubs and mass merchandisers and the primary distributor of our products to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Cost of Sales Cost of sales represents costs directly related to the manufacture and distribution of our products. Primary costs include raw materials, packaging, direct labor, overhead, shipping and handling, warehousing and the depreciation of manufacturing, warehousing and distribution facilities. Manufacturing overhead and related expenses include salaries, wages, employee benefits, utilities, maintenance and property taxes. Selling, Marketing and Administrative Expense Selling, marketing and administrative expense (“SM&A”) represents costs incurred in generating revenues and in managing our business. Such costs include advertising and other marketing expenses, selling expenses, research and development costs, administrative and other indirect overhead costs, amortization of capitalized software and intangible assets and depreciation of administrative facilities. Research and development costs, charged to expense as incurred, totaled $55,798 in 2024, $50,030 in 2023 and $46,943 in 2022. Advertising expense is also charged to expense as incurred and totaled $600,094 in 2024, $604,853 in 2023 and $517,677 in 2022. Prepaid advertising expense was $1,351 as of December 31, 2024. There was no prepaid advertising expense as of December 31, 2023. Cash Equivalents Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid debt instruments, time deposits and money market funds with original maturities of three months or less. The fair value of cash equivalents approximates the carrying amount. Accounts Receivable—Trade In the normal course of business, we extend credit to customers that satisfy pre-defined credit criteria, based upon the results of our recurring financial account reviews and our evaluation of current and projected economic conditions. Our primary concentration of credit risk is associated with McLane Company, Inc., one customer served principally by our North America Confectionery segment. As of December 31, 2024, McLane Company, Inc. accounted for approximately 23% of our total accounts receivable. No other customer accounted for more than 10% of our year-end accounts receivable. We believe that we have little concentration of credit risk associated with the remainder of our customer base. Accounts receivable-trade in the Consolidated Balance Sheets is presented net of allowances for bad debts and anticipated discounts of $40,487 and $31,663 at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Inventories Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value, adjusted for the value of inventory that is estimated to be excess, obsolete or otherwise unsaleable. As of December 31, 2024, approximately 75% of our inventories, representing the majority of our United States (“U.S.”) inventories, were valued under the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method. For the remainder of our inventories in the U.S. and inventories for our international businesses, cost is determined by either first-in, first-out ("FIFO") or average cost. LIFO cost of inventories valued using the LIFO method was $945,335 as of December 31, 2024 and $741,040 as of December 31, 2023. The adjustment to LIFO, as shown in Note 19 , approximates the excess of replacement cost over the stated LIFO inventory value. The net impact of LIFO liquidations during 2024 was $32,139. The net impact of LIFO acquisitions and liquidations was not material to 2023 or 2022. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, as follows: 3 to 15 years for machinery and equipment; and 25 to 40 years for buildings and related improvements. At December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, property, plant and equipment included assets under finance lease arrangements with net book values totaling $62,484 and $69,863, respectively. Total depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 was $292,170, $265,604 and $253,582, respectively, and included depreciation on assets recorded under finance lease arrangements. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. We capitalize applicable interest charges incurred during the construction of new facilities and production lines and amortize these costs over the assets’ estimated useful lives. We review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. We measure the recoverability of assets to be held and used by a comparison of the carrying amount of long-lived assets to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated. If these assets are considered to be impaired, we measure impairment as the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. We report assets held for sale or disposal at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. We assess asset retirement obligations on a periodic basis and recognize the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. We capitalize associated asset retirement costs as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. Computer Software We capitalize costs associated with software developed or obtained for internal use when both the preliminary project stage is completed and it is probable the software being developed will be completed and placed in service. Capitalized costs include only (i) external direct costs of materials and services consumed in developing or obtaining internal-use software, (ii) payroll and other related costs for employees who are directly associated with and who devote time to the internal-use software project and (iii) interest costs incurred, when material, while developing internal-use software. We cease capitalization of such costs no later than the point at which the project is substantially complete and ready for its intended purpose. The unamortized amount of capitalized software totaled $367,087 and $360,205 at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. We amortize software costs using the straight-line method over the expected life of the software, generally 3 to 7 years. Accumulated amortization of capitalized software was $476,611 and $395,410 as of 2024 and 2023, respectively. Such amounts are recorded within other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We review the carrying value of software and development costs for impairment in accordance with our policy pertaining to the impairment of long-lived assets. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but are evaluated for impairment annually or more often if indicators of a potential impairment are present. Our annual impairment tests are conducted at the beginning of the fourth quarter. We test goodwill for impairment by performing either a qualitative or quantitative assessment. If we choose to perform a qualitative assessment, we evaluate economic, industry and company-specific factors in assessing the fair value of the related reporting unit. If we determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, a quantitative test is then performed. Otherwise, no further testing is required. For those reporting units tested using a quantitative approach, we compare the fair value of each reporting unit with the carrying amount of the reporting unit, including goodwill. If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying amount of the reporting unit, impairment is indicated, requiring recognition of a goodwill impairment charge for the differential (up to the carrying value of goodwill). We test individual indefinite-lived intangible assets by comparing the estimated fair values with the book values of each asset. We determine the fair value of our reporting units and indefinite-lived intangible assets using an income approach. Under the income approach, we calculate the fair value of our reporting units and indefinite-lived intangible assets based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. Considerable management judgment is necessary to evaluate the impact of operating and macroeconomic changes and to estimate the future cash flows used to measure fair value. Our estimates of future cash flows consider past performance, current and anticipated market conditions and internal projections and operating plans which incorporate estimates for sales growth and profitability, and cash flows associated with taxes and capital spending. Additional assumptions include forecasted growth rates, estimated discount rates, which may be risk-adjusted for the operating market of the reporting unit, and estimated royalty rates that would be charged for comparable branded licenses. We believe such assumptions also reflect current and anticipated market conditions and are consistent with those that would be used by other marketplace participants for similar valuation purposes. Such assumptions are subject to change due to changing economic and competitive conditions. The cost of intangible assets with finite useful lives is amortized on a straight-line basis. Our finite-lived intangible assets consist primarily of certain trademarks, customer-related intangible assets and patents obtained through business acquisitions. The weighted-average amortization period for our finite-lived intangible assets is approximately 27 years, which is primarily driven by recently acquired trademarks. If certain events or changes in operating conditions indicate that the carrying value of these assets, or related asset groups, may not be recoverable, we perform an impairment assessment and may adjust the remaining useful lives. See Note 3 for additional information regarding the results of impairment tests. Supplier Finance Program Obligations We have agreements with two third-party financial institutions to facilitate a supplier finance program which allows qualifying suppliers to sell their receivables from the Company to the financial institution. These participating suppliers negotiate their outstanding receivable arrangements directly with the financial institution, and our rights and obligations to our suppliers are not impacted. We have no economic interest in a supplier’s decision to enter into these agreements. Once a qualifying supplier elects to participate in the supplier finance program and reaches an agreement with a financial institution, they elect which individual Company invoices they sell to the financial institution. However, all Company payments to participating suppliers are paid to the financial institution on the invoice due date, regardless of whether the individual invoice is sold by the supplier to the financial institution. The financial institution pays the supplier on the invoice due date for any invoices that were not previously sold under the supplier finance program. Our obligations to our suppliers, including amounts due and scheduled payment terms, are not impacted by our suppliers’ decisions to sell amounts under these arrangements. The payment of these obligations is included in cash provided by operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The rollforward of the Company’s outstanding obligations confirmed as valid under its supplier finance program, which are included in Accounts Payable in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 are as follows: 2024 2023 Supplier finance program obligations outstanding at beginning of the year $ 149,261 $ 105,293 Invoice amounts added during the year 860,250 585,872 Invoice amounts paid during the year (794,389) (541,904) Supplier finance program obligations outstanding at end of the year $ 215,122 $ 149,261 Currency Translation The financial statements of our foreign entities with functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars, with the resulting translation adjustments recorded as a component of other comprehensive income (loss). Assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date, while income and expense items are translated using the average exchange rates during the period. In 2024, the Company recorded a reclassification related to foreign currency between additional paid-in capital and other comprehensive income (loss). This adjustment did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Derivative Instruments We use derivative instruments principally to offset exposure to market risks arising from changes in commodity prices, foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. See Note 5 for additional information on our risk management strategy and the types of instruments we use. Derivative instruments are recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at their fair values. When we become party to a derivative instrument and intend to apply hedge accounting, we designate the instrument for financial reporting purposes as a cash flow or fair value hedge. The accounting for changes in fair value (gains or losses) of a derivative instrument depends on whether we have designated it and it qualified as part of a hedging relationship, as noted below: • Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is designated as a cash flow hedge are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) to the extent effective and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the transaction hedged by that derivative also affects earnings. • Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is designated as a fair value hedge, along with the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged asset or liability that is attributable to the risk being hedged, are recorded in earnings, thereby reflecting in earnings the net extent to which the hedge is not effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair value. • Changes in the fair value of a derivative not designated as a hedging instrument are recognized in earnings in cost of sales or SM&A, consistent with the related exposure. For derivatives designated as hedges, we assess, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether they are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of hedged items. The ineffective portion, if any, is recorded directly in earnings. In addition, if we determine that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge or that it has ceased to be a highly effective hedge, we discontinue hedge accounting prospectively. We do not hold or issue derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes and are not a party to any instruments with leverage or prepayment features. Cash flows related to the derivative instruments we use to manage interest, commodity or other currency exposures are classified as operating activities. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures . This ASU requires disclosure of significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”), an amount for other segment items with a description of the composition, and disclosure of the title and position of the CODM. ASU 2023-07 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2023 and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. We adopted the provisions of this ASU in the fourth quarter of 2024 and applied the provisions retrospectively to each period presented in the consolidated financial statements. Adoption of the new standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting . The ASU is intended to provide temporary optional expedients and exceptions to the GAAP guidance on contract modifications and hedge accounting to ease the financial reporting burdens related to the expected market transition from the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates. Entities may apply this ASU upon issuance through December 31, 2022 on a prospective basis. We early adopted the provisions of this ASU in the first quarter of 2022. Adoption of the new standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In September 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-04, Liabilities—Supplier Finance Programs (Subtopic 405-50): Disclosure of Supplier Finance Program Obligations . This ASU requires a buyer in a supplier finance program to disclose qualitative and quantitative information about the program including the program’s nature, activity during the period, changes from period to period and potential magnitude. ASU 2022-04 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2022 and interim periods within those annual periods. A rollforward of obligations during the annual period, including the amount of obligations confirmed and obligations subsequently paid, is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2023 with early adoption permitted. This ASU should be applied retrospectively to each period in which a balance sheet is presented, except for the amendment on rollforward information, which should be applied prospectively. We early adopted provisions of this ASU in the fourth quarter of 2022, with the exception of the amendment on rollforward information, which we adopted in the fourth quarter of 2023. Adoption of the new standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers. This ASU requires an acquirer to recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities acquired in a business combination in accordance with Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) rather than adjust them to fair value at the acquisition date. ASU 2021-08 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2022 and interim periods within those annual periods. This ASU should be applied prospectively to business combinations occurring on or after the date of adoption. As a result, we adopted the provisions of this ASU in the first quarter of 2023, and was applied to acquisitions since the date of adoption. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures . This ASU requires public business entities on an annual basis to disclose specific categories in a tabular rate reconciliation and provide additional information for reconciling items that meet a five percent quantitative threshold. Additionally, the ASU requires all entities to disclose the amount of income taxes paid disaggregated by federal, state, and foreign taxes, as well as individual jurisdictions where income taxes paid are equal to or greater than five percent of total income taxes paid. ASU 2023-09 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted and the updated should be applied on a prospective basis, with a retrospective application permitted in the financial statements. We are currently evaluating the impact of the new standard on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. As a result, we intend to adopt the provisions of this ASU in the fourth quarter of 2025. In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU No. 2024-03, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income—Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses. This ASU requires entities to disclose certain additional expense information including, among other items, purchases of inventory, employee compensation, depreciation and intangible asset amortization included within each Consolidated Statement of Income expense caption. ASU 2024-03 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted and the update should be applied on a prospective basis, with a retrospective application permitted in the financial statements. We are currently evaluating the impact of the new standard on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. No other new accounting pronouncement issued or effective during the fiscal year had or is expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024
Business Combinations [Abstract]
BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS	BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS Acquisitions of businesses are accounted for as business combinations and, accordingly, the results of operations of the businesses acquired have been included in the consolidated financial statements since the respective dates of the acquisitions. The purchase price for each acquisition is allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. In conjunction with acquisitions noted below, we used various valuation techniques to determine fair value of the assets acquired, with the primary techniques being discounted cash flow analysis, relief-from-royalty, a form of the multi-period excess earnings and the with-and-without valuation approaches, which use significant unobservable inputs, or Level 3 inputs, as defined by the fair value hierarchy. Inputs to these valuation approaches require significant judgment including: (i) forecasted sales, growth rates and customer attrition rates, (ii) forecasted operating margins, (iii) royalty rates and discount rates used to present value future cash flows, (iv) the amount of synergies expected from the acquisition, (v) the economic useful life of assets and (vi) the evaluation of historical tax positions. In certain acquisitions, historical data is limited; therefore, we base our estimates and assumptions on budgets, business plans, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows and marketplace data. 2024 Activity Sour Strips On November 8, 2024, we completed the acquisition of the Sour Strips brand from Actual Candy, LLC. Sour Strips is an emerging sour candy brand and is available in a wide range of food distribution channels in the United States. The initial cash consideration paid for Sour Strips was deemed immaterial and consisted of cash on hand and short-term borrowings; however, the Company may be required to pay additional contingent consideration if certain defined targets are met over a multi-year period. Acquisition-related costs for the Sour Strips acquisition were immaterial. The acquisition has been accounted for as a business combination and, accordingly, Sour Strips has been included within the North America Confectionery segment from the date of acquisition. The purchase consideration, inclusive of the acquisition date fair value of the contingent consideration, was allocated to minimal net assets acquired, goodwill and other intangible assets. The purchase price allocation is preliminary as we are in the process of evaluating additional information necessary to finalize the valuation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date including, but not limited to, post-closing adjustments to the working capital acquired. The final fair value determination is not expected to result in material adjustments to our preliminary purchase price allocation, including other intangible assets and goodwill. We expect to finalize the purchase price allocation by mid-2025. Goodwill was determined as the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired (including the identifiable intangible assets). The goodwill derived from this acquisition is expected to be deductible for tax purposes and reflects the value of leveraging our brand building expertise, commercial capabilities and retail relationships to accelerate growth. Other intangible assets include trademarks valued at $41,800 and customer relationships valued at $41,300. Trademarks were assigned an estimated useful life of 22 years and customer relationships were assigned estimated useful lives ranging from 14 to 16 years. 2023 Activity Manufacturing Capacity On May 31, 2023, we completed the acquisition of certain assets that provide additional manufacturing capacity from Weaver Popcorn Manufacturing, Inc. (“Weaver”), a leader in the production and co-packing of microwave popcorn and ready-to-eat popcorn, and former co-manufacturer of the Company’s SkinnyPop brand. The cash consideration paid for Weaver totaled $165,818 and consisted of cash on hand and short-term borrowings. Acquisition-related costs for the Weaver acquisition were immaterial. The acquisition has been accounted for as a business combination and, accordingly, Weaver has been included within the North America Salty Snacks segment from the date of acquisition. The purchase consideration was allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their respective fair values and consisted of $85,231 to goodwill, $79,136 to property, plant and equipment, net and $1,451 to other net assets acquired. The purchase price allocation has been finalized as of the fourth quarter of 2023 and did not include measurement period adjustments. Goodwill was determined as the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired. The goodwill derived from this acquisition is deductible for tax purposes and reflects the value of leveraging our supply chain capabilities to accelerate growth and access to our portfolio of salty snacks products.

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS	GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS The changes in the carrying value of goodwill by segment for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 are as follows: North America Confectionery North America Salty Snacks International Total Goodwill $ 2,023,403 $ 571,770 $ 374,131 $ 2,969,304 Accumulated impairment loss (4,973) — (357,375) (362,348) Balance at January 1, 2023 2,018,430 571,770 16,756 2,606,956 Acquired during the period — 85,231 — 85,231 Foreign currency translation 2,401 — 1,462 3,863 Balance at December 31, 2023 2,020,831 657,001 18,218 2,696,050 Acquired during the period (see Note 2 ) 20,723 — — 20,723 Foreign currency translation (8,697) — (2,323) (11,020) Balance at December 31, 2024 $ 2,032,857 $ 657,001 $ 15,895 $ 2,705,753 We had no goodwill impairment charges in 2024, 2023 or 2022. The following table provides the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization for each major class of intangible asset: December 31, 2024 2023 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Intangible assets subject to amortization: Trademarks $ 1,721,159 $ (282,819) $ 1,703,029 $ (249,947) Customer-related 552,594 (151,409) 513,910 (123,282) Patents 7,579 (7,579) 8,233 (8,233) Total 2,281,332 (441,807) 2,225,172 (381,462) Intangible assets not subject to amortization: Trademarks 34,341 35,519 Total other intangible assets $ 1,873,866 $ 1,879,229 Total amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 was $84,640, $88,771 and $79,690, respectively. Amortization expense for the next five years, based on current intangible asset balances, is estimated to be as follows: Year ending December 31, 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 Amortization expense $ 82,221 $ 82,174 $ 81,081 $ 81,081 $ 79,553

SHORT AND LONG-TERM DEBT

SHORT AND LONG-TERM DEBT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
SHORT AND LONG-TERM DEBT	SHORT AND LONG-TERM DEBT Short-term Debt As a source of short-term financing, we utilize cash on hand and commercial paper or bank loans with an original maturity of three months or less. We maintain a $1.35 billion unsecured revolving credit facility with the option to increase borrowings by an additional $500 million with the consent of the lenders. This facility is scheduled to expire on April 26, 2028; however, we may extend the termination date for up to two additional one-year periods upon notice to the administrative agent under the facility. The unsecured committed revolving credit agreement contains a financial covenant whereby the ratio of (a) pre-tax income from operations from the most recent four fiscal quarters to (b) consolidated interest expense for the most recent four fiscal quarters may not be less than 2.0 to 1.0 at the end of each fiscal quarter. The credit agreement also contains customary representations, warranties and events of default. Payment of outstanding advances may be accelerated, at the option of the lenders, should we default in our obligation under the credit agreement. As of December 31, 2024, we are in compliance with all affirmative and negative covenants and the financial covenant pertaining to our credit agreement. There were no significant compensating balance agreements that legally restricted these funds. In addition to the revolving credit facility, we maintain lines of credit with domestic and international commercial banks. Our credit limit in various currencies was $391,279 at December 31, 2024 and $411,553 at December 31, 2023. These lines permit us to borrow at the respective banks’ prime commercial interest rates, or lower. Commitment fees relating to our revolving credit facility and lines of credit are not material. Short-term debt consisted of the following: December 31, 2024 December 31, 2023 Short-term foreign bank borrowings against lines of credit $ 161,364 $ 192,278 U.S. commercial paper 1,145,612 527,561 Total short-term debt $ 1,306,976 $ 719,839 Weighted average interest rate on outstanding commercial paper 4.5 % 5.4 % The maximum amount of short-term borrowings outstanding during 2024 and 2023 was $1,321,274 and $859,773, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on short-term borrowings outstanding was 4.8% as of December 31, 2024 and 5.8% as of December 31, 2023. Long-term Debt Long-term debt consisted of the following: December 31, Maturity Date 2024 2023 2.050% Notes (1) November 15, 2024 — 300,000 0.900% Notes June 1, 2025 300,000 300,000 3.200% Notes August 21, 2025 300,000 300,000 2.300% Notes August 15, 2026 500,000 500,000 7.200% Debentures August 15, 2027 193,639 193,639 4.250% Notes (2) May 4, 2028 350,000 350,000 2.450% Notes November 15, 2029 300,000 300,000 1.700% Notes June 1, 2030 350,000 350,000 4.500% Notes (2) May 4, 2033 400,000 400,000 3.375% Notes August 15, 2046 300,000 300,000 3.125% Notes November 15, 2049 400,000 400,000 2.650% Notes June 1, 2050 350,000 350,000 Finance lease obligations (see Note 7 ) 73,802 76,385 Net impact of interest rate swaps, debt issuance costs and unamortized debt discounts (22,266) (25,834) Total long-term debt 3,795,175 4,094,190 Less—current portion 604,965 305,058 Long-term portion $ 3,190,210 $ 3,789,132 (1) In November 2024, we repaid $300,000 of 2.050% Notes due upon their maturity. (2) During the second quarter of 2023, we issued $350,000 of 4.250% Notes due in May 2028 and $400,000 of 4.500% Notes due in May 2033 (together, the “2023 Notes”). Proceeds from the issuance of the 2023 Notes, net of discounts and issuance costs, totaled $744,092. The 2023 Notes were issued under a shelf registration on Form S-3 filed in May 2021 that registered an indeterminate amount of debt securities. Aggregate annual maturities of our long-term Notes (excluding finance lease obligations and net impact of interest rate swaps, debt issuance costs and unamortized debt discounts) are as follows for the years ending December 31: 2025 $ 600,000 2026 500,000 2027 193,639 2028 350,000 2029 300,000 Thereafter 1,800,000 Our debt is principally unsecured and of equal priority. None of our debt is convertible into our Common Stock. Interest Expense Net interest expense consists of the following: For the years ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022 Interest expense $ 194,240 $ 176,066 $ 148,226 Capitalized interest (19,923) (14,555) (8,131) Interest expense 174,317 161,511 140,095 Interest income (8,662) (9,726) (2,538) Interest expense, net $ 165,655 $ 151,785 $ 137,557

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS	DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS We are exposed to market risks arising principally from changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices. We use certain derivative instruments to manage these risks. These include interest rate swaps to manage interest rate risk, foreign currency forward exchange contracts to manage foreign currency exchange rate risk, and commodities futures and options contracts to manage commodity market price risk exposures. In entering into these contracts, we have assumed the risk that might arise from the possible inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts. We mitigate this risk by entering into exchanged-traded contracts with collateral posting requirements and/or by performing financial assessments prior to contract execution, conducting periodic evaluations of counterparty performance and maintaining a diverse portfolio of qualified counterparties. We do not expect any significant losses from counterparty defaults. Commodity Price Risk We enter into commodities futures and options contracts and other commodity derivative instruments to reduce the effect of future price fluctuations associated with the purchase of raw materials, energy requirements and transportation services. We generally hedge commodity price risks for 3- to 24-month periods. Our open commodity derivative contracts had a notional value of $667,421 as of December 31, 2024 and $94,917 as of December 31, 2023. Derivatives used to manage commodity price risk are not designated for hedge accounting treatment. Therefore, the changes in fair value of these derivatives are recorded as incurred within cost of sales. As discussed in Note 13 , we define our segment income to exclude gains and losses on commodity derivatives until the related inventory is sold, at which time the related gains and losses are reflected within segment income. This enables us to continue to align the derivative gains and losses with the underlying economic exposure being hedged and thereby eliminate the mark-to-market volatility within our reported segment income. Foreign Exchange Price Risk We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk related to our international operations, including non-functional currency intercompany debt and other non-functional currency transactions of certain subsidiaries. Principal currencies hedged include the euro, Canadian dollar, Japanese yen, British pound, Brazilian real, Malaysian ringgit, Mexican peso and Swiss franc. We typically utilize foreign currency forward exchange contracts to hedge these exposures for periods ranging from 3 to 12 months. The contracts are either designated as cash flow hedges or are undesignated. The net notional amount of foreign exchange contracts accounted for as cash flow hedges was $79,028 at December 31, 2024 and $80,068 at December 31, 2023. The effective portion of the changes in fair value on these contracts is recorded in other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings in the same period in which the hedged transactions affect earnings. The net notional amount of foreign exchange contracts that are not designated as accounting hedges was $123,014 at December 31, 2024 and $13,665 at December 31, 2023. The change in fair value on these instruments is recorded directly in cost of sales or selling, marketing and administrative expense, depending on the nature of the underlying exposure. Interest Rate Risk In order to manage interest rate exposure, from time to time, we enter into interest rate swap agreements to protect against unfavorable interest rate changes relating to forecasted debt transactions. These swaps, which are settled upon issuance of the related debt, are designated as cash flow hedges and the gains and losses that are deferred in other comprehensive income are being recognized as an adjustment to interest expense over the same period that the hedged interest payments affect earnings. Equity Price Risk We are exposed to market price changes in certain broad market indices related to our deferred compensation obligations to our employees. To mitigate this risk, we use equity swap contracts to hedge the portion of the exposure that is linked to market-level equity returns. These contracts are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes and are entered into for periods of 3 to 12 months. The change in fair value of these derivatives is recorded in SM&A expense, together with the change in the related liabilities. The notional amount of the contracts outstanding at December 31, 2024 and 2023 was $30,524 and $22,867, respectively. The following table presents the classification of derivative assets and liabilities within the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023: December 31, 2024 2023 Assets (1) Liabilities (1) Assets (1) Liabilities (1) Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts $ 8,598 $ 3,280 $ 1,219 $ 1,670 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Commodities futures and options (2) 514,623 14,321 66 679 Deferred compensation derivatives 460 — 2,343 — Foreign exchange contracts 164 4,800 1,123 — 515,247 19,121 3,532 679 Total $ 523,845 $ 22,401 $ 4,751 $ 2,349 (1) Derivatives assets are classified on our Consolidated Balance Sheets Consolidated Balance Sheets (2) As of December 31, 2024, amounts reflected on a net basis in assets were assets of $533,115 and liabilities of $32,998, which are associated with cash transfers receivable or payable on commodities futures contracts reflecting the change in quoted market prices on the last trading day for the period and the fair value of options contracts based on quoted market prices. The comparable amounts reflected on a net basis in liabilities at December 31, 2023 were assets of $29,881 and liabilities of $30,493. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, the remaining amount reflected in assets and liabilities related to the fair value of other non-exchange traded derivative instruments, respectively. Income Statement Impact of Derivative Instruments The effect of derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows: Non-designated Hedges Cash Flow Hedges Gains (losses) recognized in income (a) Gains (losses) recognized in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) Gains (losses) reclassified from AOCI into income (b) 2024 2023 2024 2023 2024 2023 Commodities futures and options $ 509,870 $ (53,085) $ — $ — $ — $ — Foreign exchange contracts (4,781) 1,111 11,036 (4,860) 5,268 (1,150) Interest rate swap agreements — — — 5,814 (9,199) (9,716) Deferred compensation derivatives 4,772 4,119 — — — — Total $ 509,861 $ (47,855) $ 11,036 $ 954 $ (3,931) $ (10,866) (a) Gains (losses) recognized in income for non-designated commodities futures and options contracts were included in cost of sales. Gains (losses) recognized in income for non-designated foreign currency forward exchange contracts and deferred compensation derivatives were included in selling, marketing and administrative expenses. (b) Gains (losses) reclassified from AOCI into income for foreign currency forward exchange contracts were included in selling, marketing and administrative expenses. Losses reclassified from AOCI into income for interest rate swap agreements were included in interest expense. The amount of pretax net losses on derivative instruments, including interest rate swap agreements and foreign currency forward exchange contracts expected to be reclassified into earnings in the next 12 months was approximately $4,088 as of December 31, 2024. This amount is primarily associated with interest rate swap agreements.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Accounting guidance on fair value measurements requires that financial assets and liabilities be classified and disclosed in one of the following categories of the fair value hierarchy: Level 1 – Based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market. Level 2 – Based on observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data. Level 3 – Based on unobservable inputs that reflect the entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability. We did not have any Level 3 financial assets or liabilities, nor were there any transfers between levels during the periods presented. The following table presents assets and liabilities that were measured at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2024 and 2023: Assets / Liabilities Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total December 31, 2024: Derivative Instruments: Assets: Foreign exchange contracts (1) $ — $ 8,761 $ — $ 8,761 Deferred compensation derivatives (2) — 460 — 460 Commodities futures and options (3) 514,623 — — 514,623 Liabilities: Foreign exchange contracts (1) — 8,080 — 8,080 Commodities futures and options (3) 14,321 — — 14,321 December 31, 2023: Assets: Foreign exchange contracts (1) $ — $ 2,342 $ — $ 2,342 Deferred compensation derivatives (2) — 2,343 — 2,343 Commodities futures and options (3) 66 — — 66 Liabilities: Foreign exchange contracts (1) — 1,670 — 1,670 Commodities futures and options (3) 679 — — 679 (1) The fair value of foreign currency forward exchange contracts is the difference between the contract and current market foreign currency exchange rates at the end of the period. We estimate the fair value of foreign currency forward exchange contracts on a quarterly basis by obtaining market quotes of spot and forward rates for contracts with similar terms, adjusted where necessary for maturity differences. (2) The fair value of deferred compensation derivatives is based on quoted prices for market interest rates and a broad market equity index. (3) The fair value of commodities futures and options contracts is based on quoted market prices. Other Financial Instruments The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and short-term debt approximated fair values as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 because of the relatively short maturity of these instruments. The estimated fair value of our long-term debt is based on quoted market prices for similar debt issuances and is, therefore, classified as Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy. The fair values and carrying values of long-term debt, including the current portion, were as follows: Fair Value Carrying Value At December 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Current portion of long-term debt $ 597,547 $ 297,842 $ 604,965 $ 305,058 Long-term debt 2,734,322 3,413,411 3,190,210 3,789,132 Total $ 3,331,869 $ 3,711,253 $ 3,795,175 $ 4,094,190 Other Fair Value Measurements In addition to assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, GAAP requires that, under certain circumstances, we also record assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. 2024 Activity In connection with the acquisition of Sour Strips in 2024, as discussed in Note 2 , we used various valuation techniques to determine fair value, with the primary techniques being discounted cash flow analysis and the relief-from-royalty, a form of the multi-period excess earnings, which use significant unobservable inputs, or Level 3 inputs, as defined by the fair value hierarchy. Additionally, we estimated the fair value of the contingent consideration using a Monte Carlo simulation model. 2023 Activity In connection with the acquisition of Weaver during 2023, as discussed in Note 2

LEASES

LEASES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024
Leases [Abstract]
LEASES	LEASES We lease office and retail space, warehouse and distribution facilities, land, vehicles, and equipment. We determine if an agreement is or contains a lease at inception. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet. ROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU assets and liabilities are based on the estimated present value of lease payments over the lease term and are recognized at the lease commencement date. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use our estimated incremental borrowing rate in determining the present value of lease payments. The estimated incremental borrowing rate is derived from information available at the lease commencement date. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. A limited number of our lease agreements include rental payments adjusted periodically for inflation. Our lease agreements generally do not contain residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. For real estate, equipment and vehicles that support selling, marketing and general administrative activities the Company accounts for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component. These asset categories comprise the majority of our leases. The lease and non-lease components of real estate and equipment leases supporting production activities are not accounted for as a single lease component. Consideration for such contracts is allocated to the lease component and non-lease components based upon relative standalone prices either observable or estimated if observable prices are not readily available. The components of lease expense were as follows: Lease expense Classification 2024 2023 Operating lease cost Cost of sales or SM&A (1) $ 53,141 $ 48,577 Finance lease cost: Amortization of ROU assets Depreciation and amortization (1) 9,017 8,140 Interest on lease liabilities Interest expense, net 4,702 4,593 Net lease cost (2) $ 66,860 $ 61,310 (1) Supply chain-related amounts were included in cost of sales. (2) Net lease cost does not include short-term leases, variable lease costs or sublease income, all of which are immaterial. Information regarding our lease terms and discount rates were as follows: 2024 2023 Weighted-average remaining lease term (years) Operating leases 12.4 14.4 Finance leases 25.9 25.9 Weighted-average discount rate Operating leases 3.7 % 3.5 % Finance leases 6.3 % 6.2 % Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases were as follows: Leases Classification 2024 2023 Assets Operating lease ROU assets Other non-current assets $ 337,739 $ 307,976 Finance lease ROU assets, at cost Property, plant and equipment, gross 87,999 89,335 Accumulated amortization Accumulated depreciation (25,515) (19,472) Finance lease ROU assets, net Property, plant and equipment, net 62,484 69,863 Total leased assets $ 400,223 $ 377,839 Liabilities Current Operating Accrued liabilities $ 40,636 $ 34,494 Finance Current portion of long-term debt 5,666 5,900 Non-current Operating Other long-term liabilities 304,767 277,089 Finance Long-term debt 68,136 70,485 Total lease liabilities $ 419,205 $ 387,968 The maturity of our lease liabilities as of December 31, 2024 were as follows: Operating leases Finance leases Total 2025 $ 52,557 $ 9,951 $ 62,508 2026 48,923 6,824 55,747 2027 46,511 4,796 51,307 2028 28,973 4,366 33,339 2029 25,375 4,231 29,606 Thereafter 225,278 133,638 358,916 Total lease payments 427,617 163,806 591,423 Less: Imputed interest 82,214 90,004 172,218 Total lease liabilities $ 345,403 $ 73,802 $ 419,205 Supplemental cash flow and other information related to leases were as follows: 2024 2023 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 48,757 $ 45,176 Operating cash flows from finance leases $ 4,702 $ 4,593 Financing cash flows from finance leases $ 6,507 $ 5,381 ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities: Operating leases $ 71,804 $ 18,469 Finance leases $ 3,875 $ 7,448

INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED A

INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024
Business Combination, Asset Acquisition, and Joint Venture Formation [Abstract]
INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES	INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES We invest in partnerships that make equity investments in projects eligible to receive federal historic and renewable energy tax credits. The tax credits, when realized, are recognized as a reduction of tax expense under the flow-through method, at which time the corresponding equity investment is written-down to reflect the remaining value of the future benefits to be realized. The equity investment write-down is reflected within other (income) expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income (see Note 17 ). Additionally, we acquire ownership interests in emerging snacking businesses and startup companies, which vary in method of accounting based on our percentage of ownership and ability to exercise significant influence over decisions relating to operating and financial affairs. These investments afford the Company the rights to distribute brands that the Company does not own to third-party customers primarily in North America. Net sales and expenses of our equity method investees are not consolidated into our financial statements; rather, our proportionate share of earnings or losses are recorded on a net basis within other (income) expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Both equity method investments and cost, less impairment, investments are reported within other non-current assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We regularly review our investments and adjust accordingly for capital contributions, dividends received and other-than-temporary impairments. Total investments in unconsolidated affiliates was $212,928 and $207,177 as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.

BUSINESS REALIGNMENT ACTIVITIES

BUSINESS REALIGNMENT ACTIVITIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
BUSINESS REALIGNMENT ACTIVITIES	BUSINESS REALIGNMENT ACTIVITIES We periodically undertake business realignment activities designed to increase our efficiency and focus our business in support of our key growth strategies. Advancing Agility & Automation Initiative On February 2, 2024, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a multi-year productivity initiative (“Advancing Agility & Automation Initiative” or “AAA Initiative”) to improve supply chain and manufacturing-related spend, optimize selling, general and administrative expenses, leverage new technology and business models to further simplify and automate processes, and generate long-term savings. The Company estimates that the AAA Initiative will result in total pre-tax costs of $200,000 to $250,000 from inception through 2026. This estimate primarily includes program office execution and third-party costs supporting the design and implementation of the new organizational structure of $100,000 to $120,000, as well as implementation and technology capability costs of $55,000 to $70,000. Additionally, we expect to incur employee severance and related separation benefits of $45,000 to $60,000 as we facilitate workforce reductions and reallocate resources to further drive the Company’s strategic priorities. The cash portion of the total cost is estimated to be $175,000 to $225,000. At the conclusion of the program in 2026, ongoing annual savings are expected to be approximately $300,000. Since inception through December 31, 2024, we recognized total costs associated with the AAA Initiative of $117,536. These charges predominantly included employee severance and related separation benefits related to workforce reductions and third-party costs supporting the design and implementation of the new organizational structure, as well as technology capability costs. The costs and related benefits of the AAA Initiative predominantly relates to the North America Confectionery segment and Corporate. However, segment operating results do not include these business realignment expenses because we evaluate segment performance excluding such costs. 2020 International Optimization Program In the fourth quarter of 2020, we commenced a program (“International Optimization Program”) to streamline resources and investments in select international markets, including the optimization of our China operating model that will improve our operational efficiency and provide for a strong, sustainable and simplified base going forward. The International Optimization Program was originally expected to total pre-tax costs of $50,000 to $75,000, with cash costs in the range of $40,000 to $65,000, primarily related to workforce reductions of approximately 350 positions outside of the United States, costs to consolidate and relocate production, and third-party costs incurred to execute these activities. The costs and related benefits of the International Optimization Program relate to the International segment. However, segment operating results do not include these business realignment expenses because we evaluate segment performance excluding such costs. This program was completed in 2023. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we recognized total costs associated with the International Optimization Program of $3,440 and $4,417, respectively. These charges predominantly included third-party charges in support of our initiative to transform our China operating model, as well as severance and employee benefit costs. Since inception, we have incurred pre-tax charges to execute the program totaling $53,799. Costs associated with business realignment activities are classified in our Consolidated Statements of Income as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022 Cost of sales $ 12,168 $ 527 $ 3 Selling, marketing and administrative expense 76,333 2,472 2,425 Business realignment costs 29,035 441 1,989 Costs associated with business realignment activities $ 117,536 $ 3,440 $ 4,417 Costs recorded by program in 2024, 2023 and 2022 related to these activities were as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022 Advancing Agility & Automation Initiative: Severance and employee benefit costs $ 29,035 $ — $ — Other program costs 88,501 — — International Optimization Program: Severance and employee benefit costs $ — $ 441 $ 2,001 Other program costs — 2,999 2,416 Total $ 117,536 $ 3,440 $ 4,417 The following table presents the liability activity for costs qualifying as exit and disposal costs for the year ended December 31, 2024: Total Liability balance at December 31, 2023 (1) $ — 2024 business realignment charges (2) 29,035 Cash payments (18,618) Liability balance at December 31, 2024 (1) $ 10,417 (1) The liability balances reflected above are reported within accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities. (2) The costs reflected in the liability roll-forward represent employee-related charges.

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES The components of income before income taxes were as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022 Domestic $ 1,796,428 $ 1,832,771 $ 1,816,622 Foreign 677,508 339,093 100,449 Income before income taxes $ 2,473,936 $ 2,171,864 $ 1,917,071 The components of our provision for income taxes were as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022 Current: Federal $ 23,345 $ 141,753 $ 121,968 State 85,746 83,802 85,741 Foreign 70,371 68,289 27,656 179,462 293,844 235,365 Deferred: Federal 21,223 28,191 34,848 State 3,616 (9,531) 3,393 Foreign 48,396 (2,427) (1,352) 73,235 16,233 36,889 Total provision for income taxes $ 252,697 $ 310,077 $ 272,254 Deferred taxes reflect temporary differences between the tax basis and financial statement carrying value of assets and liabilities. The significant temporary differences that comprised the deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows: December 31, 2024 2023 Deferred tax assets: Post-retirement benefit obligations $ 23,503 $ 24,969 Accrued expenses and other reserves 83,263 85,601 Stock-based compensation 16,656 21,656 Derivative instruments — 12,268 Lease liabilities 98,915 90,405 Accrued trade promotion reserves 18,706 18,796 Net operating loss carryforwards 98,159 110,342 Capital loss carryforwards 8,002 — Other 87,525 83,011 Gross deferred tax assets 434,729 447,048 Valuation allowance (117,239) (114,149) Total deferred tax assets 317,490 332,899 Deferred tax liabilities: Property, plant and equipment, net 295,911 271,465 Acquired intangibles 254,884 228,711 Lease ROU assets 78,852 71,150 Inventories 10,736 13,250 Derivative instruments 37,558 — Pension 8,440 10,001 Other 18,287 39,566 Total deferred tax liabilities 704,668 634,143 Net deferred tax liabilities $ (387,178) $ (301,244) Included in: Non-current deferred tax assets, net $ 37,065 $ 44,454 Non-current deferred tax liabilities, net (424,243) (345,698) Net deferred tax liabilities $ (387,178) $ (301,244) Changes in deferred taxes were primarily due to acquired intangibles, derivative instruments and accelerated tax depreciation on property, plant and equipment. The valuation allowances as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 were primarily related to various foreign jurisdictions' net operating loss carryforwards and other deferred tax assets that we do not expect to realize. The following table reconciles the federal statutory income tax rate with our effective income tax rate: For the years ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022 Federal statutory income tax rate 21.0 % 21.0 % 21.0 % Increase (reduction) resulting from: State income taxes, net of Federal income tax benefits 2.4 2.8 3.2 Foreign rate differences (1.2) (1.0) (0.1) Historic and solar tax credits (9.4) (9.5) (9.9) Tax contingencies (1.6) 1.1 0.4 Stock compensation (0.2) (0.5) (0.7) Other, net (0.8) 0.4 0.3 Effective income tax rate 10.2 % 14.3 % 14.2 % A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: December 31, 2024 2023 Balance at beginning of year $ 149,625 $ 148,345 Additions for tax positions taken during prior years 7,207 11,567 Reductions for tax positions taken during prior years (4,913) (26) Additions for tax positions taken during the current year 9,339 6,194 Settlements (201) (9,838) Expiration of statutes of limitations (43,479) (6,617) Balance at end of year $ 117,578 $ 149,625 The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate was $88,230 as of December 31, 2024 and $122,706 as of December 31, 2023. We report accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. We recognized a net tax benefit of $7,068 in 2024, and a net tax expense of $12,027 and $4,862 in 2023 and 2022, respectively, for interest and penalties. Accrued net interest and penalties were $30,286 as of December 31, 2024 and $37,355 as of December 31, 2023. The Company and its subsidiaries file tax returns in the United States, including various state and local returns, and in other foreign jurisdictions. We are routinely audited by taxing authorities in our filing jurisdictions, and a number of these disputes are currently underway, including multi-year controversies at various stages of review, negotiation and litigation in Mexico, Canada, Switzerland and the United States. The outcome of tax audits cannot be predicted with certainty, including the timing of resolution or potential settlements. If any issues addressed in our tax audits are resolved in a manner not consistent with management’s expectations, we could be required to adjust our provision for income taxes in the period such resolution occurs. Based on our current assessments, we believe adequate provision has been made for all income tax uncertainties. We reasonably expect reductions in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $5,462 within the next 12 months because of the expiration of statutes of limitations and settlements of tax audits. As of December 31, 2024, we had approximately $1.1 billion of undistributed earnings of our international subsidiaries. We continue to reinvest the remainder of the earnings outside of the United States for which there would be a material tax implication to distributing, such as withholding tax, for the foreseeable future and, therefore, have not recognized additional tax expense on these earnings beyond the one-time U.S. repatriation tax due under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Organization for Economic Cooperation Development The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (“OECD”) introduced Global Anti-Base Erosion and Profit Shifting Pillar Two regulations which aim to ensure that multi-national entities that exceed the threshold revenue levels are subject to a minimum effective tax rate of 15% in jurisdictions where they operate. Numerous countries, including European Union member states, have enacted, or are expected to enact, related legislation with general implementation of a global minimum tax as of January 1, 2025. The Company is subject to OECD Pillar Two regulations, which may result in additional tax liabilities in jurisdictions where the effective tax rate falls below the 15% threshold. The Company has evaluated and will continue to monitor the impact of these new rules but does not anticipate that they will have a material impact on the Company’s effective tax rate. Investments in Partnerships Qualifying for Tax Credits We invest in partnerships which make equity investments in projects eligible to receive federal historic and energy tax credits. The investments are accounted for under the equity method and reported within other non-current assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The tax credits, when realized, are recognized as a reduction of tax expense under the flow-through method, at which time the corresponding equity investment is written-down to reflect the remaining value of the future benefits to be realized. For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 we recognized investment tax credits and related outside basis difference benefits totaling $300,597, $251,827 and $228,819, respectively, and we wrote-down the equity investment by $243,311, $210,484 and $188,286, respectively, to reflect the realization of these benefits. The equity investment write-down is reflected within other (income) expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income (see Note 17 ).

PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREME

PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS	PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS We sponsor a number of defined benefit pension plans. The primary plan is The Hershey Retirement Plan for Salaried and Hourly Employees. This is a cash balance plan that provides pension benefits for most U.S. employees hired prior to January 1, 2007. We also sponsor two post-retirement benefit plans: health care and life insurance. The health care plan is contributory, with participants’ contributions adjusted annually. The life insurance plan is non-contributory. Obligations and Funded Status A summary of the changes in benefit obligations, plan assets and funded status of these plans is as follows: Pension Benefits Other Benefits December 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Change in benefit obligation Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 822,035 $ 830,285 $ 100,311 $ 164,889 Service cost 15,323 14,991 131 221 Interest cost 38,675 41,205 4,852 7,171 Actuarial (gain) loss (5,337) 23,187 4,845 38,789 Curtailment — — — (740) Settlement (64,665) (66,132) — (88,689) Currency translation and other (5,008) 2,466 (2,143) (324) Benefits paid (22,341) (23,967) (12,033) (21,006) Projected benefit obligation at end of year 778,682 822,035 95,963 100,311 Change in plan assets Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 836,843 848,432 — — Actual return on plan assets 30,626 70,096 — — Employer contributions 3,566 6,576 12,033 21,006 Settlement (64,665) (66,132) — (88,689) Annuity purchase — — — 88,689 Currency translation and other (4,052) 1,838 — — Benefits paid (22,341) (23,967) (12,033) (21,006) Fair value of plan assets at end of year 779,977 836,843 — — Funded status at end of year $ 1,295 $ 14,808 $ (95,963) $ (100,311) Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets: Other assets $ 41,298 $ 48,506 $ — $ — Accrued liabilities (6,166) (4,749) (8,957) (9,593) Other long-term liabilities (33,837) (28,949) (87,006) (90,718) Total $ 1,295 $ 14,808 $ (95,963) $ (100,311) Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax: Actuarial net (loss) gain $ (117,030) $ (129,184) $ (10,903) $ (7,704) Net prior service credit 4,631 8,561 1,205 527 Net amounts recognized in AOCI $ (112,399) $ (120,623) $ (9,698) $ (7,177) The projected benefit obligation during 2024 was impacted by actuarial gain of $5,337 which was mainly the result of the discount rate assumption increasing from 5.1% at December 31, 2023 to 5.5% at December 31, 2024. The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $753,886 as of December 31, 2024 and $789,257 as of December 31, 2023. Plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were as follows: December 31, 2024 2023 Projected benefit obligation $ 46,812 $ 40,278 Accumulated benefit obligation 41,853 33,812 Fair value of plan assets 7,138 6,695 Plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were as follows: December 31, 2024 2023 Projected benefit obligation $ 49,539 $ 84,416 Accumulated benefit obligation 42,897 71,046 Fair value of plan assets 9,536 50,718 Net Periodic Benefit Cost The components of net periodic benefit cost were as follows: Pension Benefits Other Benefits For the years ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022 2024 2023 2022 Amounts recognized in net periodic benefit cost Service cost $ 15,323 $ 14,991 $ 17,500 $ 131 $ 221 $ 302 Interest cost 38,675 41,205 30,491 4,852 7,171 4,603 Expected return on plan assets (51,193) (48,978) (47,637) — — — Amortization of prior service credit (5,493) (5,658) (5,651) (151) (50) — Amortization of net (gain) loss 15,248 19,846 16,060 557 (966) (92) Curtailment credit — — — — (740) — Settlement loss 14,894 15,254 20,692 — 926 — Total net periodic benefit cost $ 27,454 $ 36,660 $ 31,455 $ 5,389 $ 6,562 $ 4,813 Change in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in AOCI, pre-tax Actuarial net (gain) loss $ (15,513) $ (32,720) $ 22,609 $ 4,609 $ 38,698 $ (26,212) Prior service cost (credit) 5,436 5,670 5,601 (963) (736) — Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss, pre-tax $ (10,077) $ (27,050) $ 28,210 $ 3,646 $ 37,962 $ (26,212) Net amounts recognized in periodic benefit cost and AOCI $ 17,377 $ 9,610 $ 59,665 $ 9,035 $ 44,524 $ (21,399) The non-service cost components of net periodic benefit cost relating to pension and other post-retirement benefit plans is reflected within other (income) expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income (see Note 17 ). Assumptions The weighted-average assumptions used in computing the year end benefit obligations were as follows: Pension Benefits Other Benefits December 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Discount rate 5.5 % 5.1 % 5.7 % 5.2 % Rate of increase in compensation levels 3.6 % 3.6 % 4.0 % 4.0 % Interest crediting rate 4.6 % 4.8 % N/A N/A The weighted-average assumptions used in computing net periodic benefit cost were as follows: Pension Benefits Other Benefits For the years ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022 2024 2023 2022 Discount rate 5.1 % 5.5 % 2.7 % 5.2 % 5.5 % 2.9 % Expected long-term return on plan assets 6.6 % 6.2 % 4.9 % N/A N/A N/A Rate of compensation increase 3.6 % 3.4 % 3.5 % N/A N/A N/A The Company’s discount rate assumption is determined by developing a yield curve based on high quality corporate bonds with maturities matching the plans’ expected benefit payment streams. The plans’ expected cash flows are then discounted by the resulting year-by-year spot rates. We base the asset return assumption on current and expected asset allocations, as well as historical and expected returns on the plan asset categories. We utilize a full yield curve approach in the estimation of service and interest costs by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve used in the determination of the benefit obligation to the relevant projected cash flows. This approach provides a more precise measurement of service and interest costs by improving the correlation between the projected cash flows to the corresponding spot rates along the yield curve. This approach does not affect the measurement of our pension and other post-retirement benefit liabilities, but generally results in lower benefit expense in periods when the yield curve is upward sloping. For purposes of measuring our post-retirement benefit obligation at December 31, 2024, we assumed a 6.9% annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits for 2025, grading down to 4.9% by 2033. For purposes of measuring our post-retirement benefit obligation at December 31, 2023, we assumed a 6.4% annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits for 2024, grading down to 5.0% by 2030. The valuations and assumptions reflect adoption of the Society of Actuaries updated Pri-2012 mortality tables with MP-2021 generational projection scales, which we adopted as of December 31, 2021. The Society of Actuaries did not update the Pri-2012 mortality tables in 2023 or 2024. Plan Assets We broadly diversify our pension plan assets across public equity, fixed income, diversified credit strategies and diversified alternative strategies asset classes. Our target asset allocation for our major domestic pension plans as of December 31, 2024 was as follows: Asset Class Target Asset Allocation Cash 1% Equity securities 27% Fixed income securities 48% Alternative investments, including real estate, listed infrastructure and other 24% As of December 31, 2024, actual allocations were consistent with the targets and within our allowable ranges. We expect the level of volatility in pension plan asset returns to be in line with the overall volatility of the markets within each asset class. The following table sets forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy (as defined in Note 6 ), pension plan assets at their fair values as of December 31, 2024: Quoted prices in active Significant other observable inputs Significant other unobservable inputs Investments Using NAV as a Practical Expedient Total Cash and cash equivalents $ 981 $ 32,404 $ — $ 598 $ 33,983 Equity securities: International all-cap — — — 483 483 Global all-cap (a) — — — 204,421 204,421 Fixed income securities: U.S. government/agency — — — 156,146 156,146 Corporate bonds (b) — — — 59,602 59,602 International government/corporate bonds (c) — — — 27,303 27,303 Diversified credit (d) — — — 120,259 120,259 Alternative investments: Global diversified assets (e) — — — 63,497 63,497 Real assets fund (f) — — — 114,283 114,283 Total pension plan assets $ 981 $ 32,404 $ — $ 746,592 $ 779,977 The following table sets forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, pension plan assets at their fair values as of December 31, 2023: Quoted prices in active Significant other observable inputs Significant other unobservable inputs Investments Using NAV as a Practical Expedient Total Cash and cash equivalents $ 909 $ 42,202 $ — $ 600 $ 43,711 Equity securities: International all-cap — — — 395 395 Global all-cap (a) — — — 209,245 209,245 Fixed income securities: U.S. government/agency — — — 186,095 186,095 Corporate bonds (b) — — — 60,293 60,293 International government/corporate bonds (c) — — — 29,254 29,254 Diversified credit (d) — — — 123,081 123,081 Alternative investments: Global diversified assets (e) — — — 68,856 68,856 Real assets fund (f) — — — 115,913 115,913 Total pension plan assets $ 909 $ 42,202 $ — $ 793,732 $ 836,843 (1) Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy but are included to reconcile to the amounts presented in our Obligations and Funded Status table. (a) This category comprises equity funds that primarily track the MSCI World Index or MSCI All Country World Index. (b) This category comprises fixed income funds primarily invested in investment grade and high yield bonds. (c) This category comprises fixed income funds primarily invested in Canadian and other international bonds. (d) This category comprises fixed income funds primarily invested in high yield bonds, loans, securitized debt and emerging market debt. (e) This category comprises diversified funds invested across alternative asset classes. (f) This category comprises funds primarily invested in publicly traded real estate securities, publicly listed infrastructure securities and real estate debt. The fair value of the Level 1 assets was based on quoted prices in active markets for the identical assets. The fair value of the Level 2 assets was determined by management based on an assessment of valuations provided by asset management entities and was calculated by aggregating market prices for all underlying securities. Investment objectives for our domestic plan assets are: • To ensure high correlation between the value of plan assets and liabilities; • To maintain careful control of the risk level within each asset class; and • To focus on a long-term return objective. We believe that there are no significant concentrations of risk within our plan assets as of December 31, 2024. We comply with the rules and regulations promulgated under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) and we prohibit investments and investment strategies not allowed by ERISA. We do not permit direct purchases of our Company’s securities or the use of derivatives for the purpose of speculation. We invest the assets of non-domestic plans in compliance with laws and regulations applicable to those plans. Cash Flows and Plan Termination Our policy is to fund domestic pension liabilities in accordance with the limits imposed by the ERISA, federal income tax laws and the funding requirements of the Pension Protection Act of 2006. We fund non-domestic pension liabilities in accordance with laws and regulations applicable to those plans. We made total contributions to the pension plans of $3,566 during 2024. In 2023, we made total contributions of $6,576 to the pension plans. For 2025, minimum funding requirements for our pension plans are approximately $1,936. Total benefit payments expected to be paid to plan participants, including pension benefits funded from the plans and other benefits funded from Company assets, are as follows: Expected Benefit Payments 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030-2034 Pension Benefits $ 119,232 $ 80,359 $ 103,062 $ 72,257 $ 70,008 $ 291,879 Other Benefits 8,957 8,372 7,918 7,569 7,303 32,483 Annuitization of Other Post Employment Benefits On August 21, 2023, the Hershey Employee Benefits Committee approved the purchase of an irrevocable group annuity contract with an insurance company for eligible retirees of The Hershey Company Retiree Medical and Life Insurance Plan to cover their medical benefits. On August 31, 2023, we paid $88,689 for the irrevocable group annuity contract. As a result of this transaction, we remeasured the projected benefit obligation and recognized a $926 non-cash pre-tax settlement charge during the quarter ended October 1, 2023. Savings Plans The Company sponsors several defined contribution plans to provide retirement benefits to employees. Contributions to The Hershey Company 401(k) Plan and similar plans for non-domestic employees are based on a portion of eligible pay up to a defined maximum. All matching contributions were made in cash. Expense associated with the defined contribution plans was $74,094 in 2024, $67,763 in 2023 and $61,477 in 2022.

STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS

STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS	STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS Share-based grants for compensation and incentive purposes are made pursuant to the Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan (“EICP”). The EICP provides for grants of one or more of the following stock-based compensation awards to employees, non-employee directors and certain service providers upon whom the successful conduct of our business is dependent: • Non-qualified stock options (“stock options”); • Performance stock units (“PSUs”) and performance stock; • Stock appreciation rights; • Restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and restricted stock; and • Other stock-based awards. As of December 31, 2024, 68.5 million shares were authorized and approved by our stockholders for grants under the EICP. The EICP also provides for the deferral of stock-based compensation awards by participants if approved by the Compensation and Human Capital Committee of our Board and if in accordance with an applicable deferred compensation plan of the Company. Currently, the Compensation and Human Capital Committee has authorized the deferral of PSU and RSU awards by certain eligible employees under the Company’s Deferred Compensation Plan. Our Board has authorized our non-employee directors to defer any portion of their cash retainer, committee chair fees and RSUs awarded that they elect to convert into deferred stock units under our Directors’ Compensation Plan. At the time stock options are exercised or PSUs and RSUs become payable, Common Stock is issued from our accumulated treasury shares. Dividend equivalents are credited on RSUs on the same date and at the same rate as dividends paid on our Common Stock. Dividend equivalents are charged to retained earnings and included in accrued liabilities until paid. Awards to employees eligible for retirement prior to the award becoming fully vested are amortized to expense over the period through the date that the employee first becomes eligible to retire and is no longer required to provide service to earn the award. In addition, historical data is used to estimate forfeiture rates and record share-based compensation expense only for those awards that are expected to vest. For the periods presented, compensation expense for all types of stock-based compensation programs and the related income tax benefit recognized were as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022 Pre-tax compensation expense $ 44,414 $ 81,021 $ 65,991 Related income tax benefit 5,418 11,910 9,635 Compensation expenses for stock compensation plans are primarily included in SM&A expense. As of December 31, 2024, total stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested awards not yet recognized was $53,368 and the weighted-average period over which this amount is expected to be recognized was approximately 1.7 years. Stock Options The exercise price of each stock option awarded under the EICP equals the closing price of our Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange on the date of grant. Each stock option has a maximum term of 10 years. Grants of stock options provide for pro-rated vesting, typically over a four-year period. Expense for stock options is based on grant date fair value and recognized on a straight-line method over the vesting period, net of estimated forfeitures. A summary of activity relating to grants of stock options for the year ended December 31, 2024 is as follows: Stock Options Shares Weighted-Average Weighted-Average Remaining Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding at beginning of the period 726,701 $105.67 3.3 years Granted 2,455 $192.49 Exercised (146,202) $102.02 Forfeited (1,555) $147.98 Expired (1,565) $147.98 Outstanding as of December 31, 2024 579,834 $106.73 2.7 years $ 36,872 Options exercisable as of December 31, 2024 566,004 $104.69 2.6 years $ 36,756 The weighted-average fair value of options granted was $45.95, $57.65 and $37.28 per share in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The fair value was estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model and the following weighted-average assumptions: For the years ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022 Dividend yields 2.0 % 1.7 % 1.9 % Expected volatility 21.3 % 20.9 % 21.1 % Risk-free interest rates 4.3 % 4.1 % 1.9 % Expected term in years 6.3 6.3 6.3 • “Dividend yields” means the sum of dividends declared for the four most recent quarterly periods, divided by the average price of our Common Stock for the comparable periods; • “Expected volatility” means the historical volatility of our Common Stock over the expected term of each grant; • “Risk-free interest rates” means the U.S. Treasury yield curve rate in effect at the time of grant for periods within the contractual life of the stock option; and • “Expected term” means the period of time that stock options granted are expected to be outstanding based on historical data. The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $14,018, $35,474 and $40,882 in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. As of December 31, 2024, there was $545 of total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock option awards granted under the EICP, which we expect to recognize over a weighted-average period of 0.8 years. The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2024: Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Range of Exercise Prices Number Outstanding as of 12/31/24 Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years Weighted-Average Exercise Price Number Exercisable as of 12/31/24 Weighted-Average Exercise Price $60.68 - $99.90 337,308 2.6 $97.24 337,308 $97.24 $99.91 - $107.95 116,610 1.9 $107.68 116,610 $107.68 $107.96 - $240.90 125,916 3.7 $131.25 112,086 $124.00 $60.68 - $240.90 579,834 2.7 $106.73 566,004 $104.69 Performance Stock Units and Restricted Stock Units Under the EICP, we grant PSUs to selected executives and other key employees. Vesting is contingent upon the achievement of certain performance objectives. We grant PSUs over 3-year performance cycles. If we meet targets for financial measures at the end of the applicable 3-year performance cycle, we award a resulting number of shares of our Common Stock to the participants. The number of shares may be increased to the maximum or reduced to the minimum threshold based on the results of these performance metrics in accordance with the terms established at the time of the award . For PSUs granted, the target award is a combination of a market-based total shareholder return and performance-based components. For market-based condition components, market volatility and other factors are taken into consideration in determining the grant date fair value and the related compensation expense is recognized regardless of whether the market condition is satisfied, provided that the requisite service has been provided. For performance-based condition components, we estimate the probability that the performance conditions will be achieved each quarter and adjust compensation expenses accordingly. The performance scores of PSUs granted in 2024, 2023, and 2022 can range from 0% to 250% of the targeted amounts. We recognize the compensation expense associated with PSUs ratably over the 3-year term. Compensation expense is based on the grant date fair value because the grants can only be settled in shares of our Common Stock. The grant date fair value of PSUs is determined based on the Monte Carlo simulation model for the market-based total shareholder return component and the closing market price of the Company’s Common Stock on the date of grant for performance-based components. In 2024, 2023 and 2022, we awarded RSUs to certain executive officers and other key employees under the EICP. We also awarded RSUs quarterly to non-employee directors. We recognize the compensation expense associated with employee RSUs over a specified award vesting period based on the grant date fair value of our Common Stock. We recognize expense for employee RSUs based on the straight-line method. The compensation expense associated with non-employee director RSUs is recognized ratably over the vesting period, net of estimated forfeitures. A summary of activity relating to grants of PSUs and RSUs for the period ended December 31, 2024 is as follows: Performance Stock Units and Restricted Stock Units Number of units Weighted-average grant date fair value for equity awards (per unit) Outstanding at beginning of year 1,039,691 $198.31 Granted 392,046 $194.43 Performance assumption change (1) (301,291) $210.95 Vested (506,293) $179.10 Forfeited (85,350) $210.01 Outstanding at end of year 538,803 $204.65 (1) Reflects the net number of PSUs above and below target levels based on the performance metrics. The following table sets forth information about the fair value of the PSUs and RSUs granted for potential future distribution to employees and non-employee directors. In addition, the table provides assumptions used to determine the fair value of the market-based total shareholder return component using the Monte Carlo simulation model on the date of grant. For the years ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022 Units granted 392,046 341,374 313,285 Weighted-average fair value at date of grant $ 194.43 $ 241.41 $ 211.85 Monte Carlo simulation assumptions: Estimated values $ 84.13 $ 118.90 $ 100.41 Dividend yields 2.8 % 1.7 % 1.8 % Expected volatility 18.5 % 19.2 % 25.3 % • “Estimated values” means the fair value for the market-based total shareholder return component of each PSU at the date of grant using a Monte Carlo simulation model; • “Dividend yields” means the sum of dividends declared for the four most recently quarterly periods, divided by the average price of our Common Stock for the comparable periods; • “Expected volatility” means the historical volatility of our Common Stock over the expected term of each grant. The fair value of shares vested totaled $96,946, $106,243 and $105,668 in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Deferred PSUs, deferred RSUs and deferred stock units representing directors’ fees totaled 249,411 units as of December 31, 2024. Each unit is equivalent to one share of the Company’s Common Stock.

SEGMENT INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
SEGMENT INFORMATION	SEGMENT INFORMATION The Company reports its operations through three segments: (i) North America Confectionery, (ii) North America Salty Snacks and (iii) International. This organizational structure aligns with how our CODM, Michele Buck, Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer manages our business, including resource allocation and performance assessment, and further aligns with our product categories and the key markets we serve. • North America Confectionery – This segment is responsible for our traditional chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery market position in the United States and Canada. This includes our business in chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery, gum and refreshment products, protein bars, spreads, snack bites and mixes, as well as pantry and food service lines. This segment also includes our retail operations, including Hershey’s Chocolate World stores in Hershey, Pennsylvania; New York, New York; Las Vegas, Nevada; Niagara Falls (Ontario) and Singapore, as well as operations associated with licensing the use of certain of the Company’s trademarks and products to third parties around the world. • North America Salty Snacks – This segment is responsible for our salty snacking products in the United States. This includes ready-to-eat popcorn, baked and trans fat free snacks, pretzels and other snacks. • International – International is a combination of all other operating segments that are not individually material, including those geographic regions where we operate outside of North America. We currently have operations and manufacture product in Mexico, Brazil, India and Malaysia, primarily for consumers in these regions, and also distribute and sell confectionery products in export markets of Asia, Latin America, Middle East, Europe, Africa and other regions. For segment reporting purposes, the CODM uses “segment income” to evaluate segment performance and allocate resources, including considering budget-to-actual variances and prior year-to-actual variances on a monthly basis. Segment income excludes unallocated general corporate administrative expenses, unallocated mark-to-market gains and losses on commodity derivatives, business realignment and impairment charges, acquisition-related costs and other unusual gains or losses that are not part of our measurement of segment performance. These items of our operating profit are managed centrally at the corporate level and are excluded from the measure of segment income reviewed by the CODM as well the measure of segment performance used for incentive compensation purposes. Accounting policies associated with our operating segments are generally the same as those described in Note 1 . As discussed in Note 5 , derivatives used to manage commodity price risk are not designated for hedge accounting treatment. These derivatives are recognized at fair market value with the resulting realized and unrealized (gains) losses recognized in unallocated derivative (gains) losses outside of the reporting segment results until the related inventory is sold, at which time the related gains and losses are reallocated to segment income. This enables us to align the derivative gains and losses with the underlying economic exposure being hedged and thereby eliminate the mark-to-market volatility within our reported segment income. Certain manufacturing, warehousing, distribution and other activities supporting our global operations are integrated to maximize efficiency and productivity. As a result, assets and capital expenditures are not managed on a segment basis and are not included in the information reported to the CODM for the purpose of evaluating performance or allocating resources. We disclose depreciation and amortization that is generated by segment-specific assets, since these amounts are included within the measure of segment income reported to the CODM. Our segment net sales and earnings were as follows: For the year ended December 31, 2024 North America Confectionery North America Salty Snacks International Total Net sales $ 9,118,590 $ 1,135,720 $ 947,953 $ 11,202,263 Cost of sales 4,984,764 719,850 642,634 SM&A expense 1,188,138 216,480 193,800 Total segment income $ 2,945,688 $ 199,390 $ 111,519 $ 3,256,597 Unallocated corporate expense (1) 701,266 Unallocated mark-to-market gains on commodity derivatives (460,437) Costs associated with business realignment activities (see Note 9 ) 117,536 Operating profit $ 2,898,232 Interest expense, net (see Note 4 ) 165,655 Other (income) expense, net (see Note 17 ) 258,641 Income before income taxes $ 2,473,936 For the year ended December 31, 2023 North America Confectionery North America Salty Snacks International Total Net sales $ 9,123,139 $ 1,092,689 $ 949,164 $ 11,164,992 Cost of sales 4,781,671 726,569 601,175 SM&A expense 1,224,424 207,787 199,730 Total segment income $ 3,117,044 $ 158,333 $ 148,259 $ 3,423,636 Unallocated corporate expense (1) 800,390 Unallocated mark-to-market losses on commodity derivatives 58,939 Costs associated with business realignment activities (see Note 9 ) 3,440 Operating profit $ 2,560,867 Interest expense, net (see Note 4 ) 151,785 Other (income) expense, net (see Note 17 ) 237,218 Income before income taxes $ 2,171,864 For the year ended December 31, 2022 North America Confectionery North America Salty Snacks International Total Net sales $ 8,536,480 $ 1,029,405 $ 853,409 $ 10,419,294 Cost of sales 4,573,435 704,589 560,258 SM&A expense 1,151,979 164,881 185,224 Total segment income $ 2,811,066 $ 159,935 $ 107,927 $ 3,078,928 Unallocated corporate expense (1) 735,542 Unallocated mark-to-market losses on commodity derivatives 78,182 Costs associated with business realignment activities (see Note 9 ) 4,417 Operating profit $ 2,260,787 Interest expense, net (see Note 4 ) 137,557 Other (income) expense, net (see Note 17 ) 206,159 Income before income taxes $ 1,917,071 (1) Includes centrally-managed (a) corporate functional costs relating to legal, treasury, finance, and human resources, (b) expenses associated with the oversight and administration of our global operations, including warehousing, distribution and manufacturing, information systems and global shared services, (c) non-cash stock-based compensation expense, (d) acquisition-related costs and (e) other gains or losses that are not integral to segment performance. Activity within the unallocated mark-to-market losses (gains) on commodity derivatives is as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022 Net (gains) losses on mark-to-market valuation of commodity derivative positions recognized in income $ (509,870) $ 53,085 $ (44,569) Net gains on commodity derivative positions reclassified from unallocated to segment income 49,433 5,854 122,751 Net (gains) losses on mark-to-market valuation of commodity derivative positions recognized in unallocated derivative losses (gains) $ (460,437) $ 58,939 $ 78,182 As of December 31, 2024, the cumulative amount of mark-to-market gains on commodity derivatives that have been recognized in our consolidated cost of sales and not yet allocated to reportable segments was $410,230. Based on our forecasts of the timing of the recognition of the underlying hedged items, we expect to reclassify net pretax gains on commodity derivatives of $143,779 to segment operating results in the next twelve months. Depreciation and amortization expense included within segment income presented above is as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022 North America Confectionery $ 259,502 $ 238,786 $ 228,399 North America Salty Snacks 86,446 85,566 68,600 International 24,793 23,699 23,148 Corporate 84,514 71,764 58,812 Total $ 455,255 $ 419,815 $ 378,959 Additional information regarding our net sales and long-lived assets disaggregated by geographical region is as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022 Net sales: United States $ 9,771,343 $ 9,752,314 $ 9,121,166 Other 1,430,920 1,412,678 1,298,128 Total $ 11,202,263 $ 11,164,992 $ 10,419,294 Long-lived assets: United States $ 2,925,420 $ 2,732,787 $ 2,272,811 Other 533,433 576,891 496,891 Total $ 3,458,853 $ 3,309,678 $ 2,769,702

EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTER

EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTEREST	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024
Equity [Abstract]
EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTEREST	EQUITY AND TREASURY STOCK ACTIVITY We had 1,055,000,000 authorized shares of capital stock as of December 31, 2024. Of this total, 900,000,000 shares were designated as Common Stock, 150,000,000 shares were designated as Class B Common Stock (“Class B Stock”) and 5,000,000 shares were designated as Preferred Stock. Each class has a par value of one dollar per share. Holders of the Common Stock and the Class B Stock generally vote together without regard to class on matters submitted to stockholders, including the election of directors. The holders of Common Stock have 1 vote per share and the holders of Class B Common Stock have 10 votes per share. However, the Common Stock holders, voting separately as a class, are entitled to elect one-sixth of the Board. With respect to dividend rights, the Common Stock holders are entitled to cash dividends 10% higher than those declared and paid on the Class B Common Stock. Class B Stock can be converted into Common Stock on a share-for-share basis at any time. During 2024, no shares of Class B Stock were converted into Common Stock. During 2023 and 2022, 3,500,000 shares and 2,500,000 shares, respectively, of Class B Stock were converted to Common Stock by Hershey Trust Company, as trustee for the Milton Hershey School Trust (the “School Trust”). Changes in the outstanding shares of Common Stock for the past three years were as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022 Shares issued 221,553,025 221,553,025 221,553,025 Treasury shares at beginning of year (17,160,099) (16,588,308) (15,444,011) Stock repurchases: Shares repurchased in the open market under pre-approved share repurchase programs (2,022,064) — — Milton Hershey School Trust repurchase — (1,000,000) (1,000,000) Shares repurchased in the open market to replace Treasury Stock issued for stock options and incentive compensation (483,033) (127,609) (824,701) Stock issuances: Shares issued for stock options and incentive compensation 495,240 555,818 680,404 Treasury shares at end of year (19,169,956) (17,160,099) (16,588,308) Net shares outstanding at end of year 202,383,069 204,392,926 204,964,717 On August 16, 2022, the IRA was signed into law, which enacted a 1% excise tax on share repurchases beginning after December 31, 2022. As of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, Hershey’s excise tax associated with net share repurchases was $4.7 million and $2.4 million, respectively. A corresponding liability for the December 31, 2024 excise tax associated with net share repurchases is classified on our Consolidated Balance Sheets within accrued liabilities. In July 2018, our Board of Directors approved a $500 million share repurchase authorization to repurchase shares of our Common Stock. As a result of the February 2023 Stock Purchase Agreement with Hershey Trust Company, as trustee for the School Trust, the July 2018 share repurchase authorization was completed. In May 2021, our Board of Directors approved an additional $500 million share repurchase authorization, which was completed as of March 31, 2024. In December 2023, our Board of Directors approved an additional $500 million share repurchase authorization. This program commenced after the existing May 2021 authorization was completed and is to be utilized at management’s discretion. Approximately $470 million remains available for repurchases under our December 2023 share repurchase authorization. We are authorized to purchase our outstanding shares in open market and privately negotiated transactions. The program has no expiration date and acquired shares of Common Stock will be held as treasury shares. Purchases under approved share repurchase authorizations are in addition to our practice of buying back shares sufficient to offset those issued under incentive compensation plans. Purchases under approved share repurchase authorizations are in addition to our practice of buying back shares sufficient to offset those issued under incentive compensation plans. Hershey Trust Company Hershey Trust Company, as trustee for the School Trust and as direct owner of investment shares, held 2,105,749 shares of our Common Stock as of December 31, 2024. As trustee for the School Trust, Hershey Trust Company held 54,612,012 shares of the Class B Common Stock as of December 31, 2024, and was entitled to cast approximately 79% of all of the votes entitled to be cast on matters requiring the vote of both classes of our common stock voting together. Hershey Trust Company, as trustee for the School Trust, or any successor trustee, or Milton Hershey School, as appropriate, must approve any issuance of shares of Common Stock or other action that would result in it not continuing to have voting control of our Company. Stock Purchase Agreements In February 2023, the Company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with Hershey Trust Company, as trustee for the School Trust, pursuant to which the Company purchased 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock from the School Trust at a price equal to $239.91 per share, for a total purchase price of $239,910. As a result of this repurchase, our July 2018 share repurchase authorization program was completed in February 2023. In February 2022, the Company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with Hershey Trust Company, as trustee for the School Trust, pursuant to which the Company purchased 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock from the School Trust at a price equal to $203.35 per share, for a total purchase price of $203,350.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Purchase obligations We enter into certain obligations for the purchase of raw materials. These obligations are primarily in the form of forward contracts for the purchase of raw materials from third-party brokers and dealers. These contracts minimize the effect of future price fluctuations by fixing the price of part or all of these purchase obligations. Total obligations consisted of fixed price contracts for the purchase of commodities and unpriced contracts that were valued using market prices as of December 31, 2024. The cost of commodities associated with the unpriced contracts is variable as market prices change over future periods. We mitigate the variability of these costs to the extent that we have entered into commodities futures contracts or other commodity derivative instruments to hedge our costs for those periods. Increases or decreases in market prices are offset by gains or losses on commodities futures contracts or other commodity derivative instruments. Taking delivery of and making payments for the specific commodities for use in the manufacture of finished goods satisfies our obligations under the forward purchase contracts. For each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024, we satisfied these obligations by taking delivery of and making payment for the specific commodities. As of December 31, 2024, we had entered into agreements for the purchase of raw materials with various suppliers. Subject to meeting our quality standards, the purchase obligations covered by these agreements were as follows as of December 31, 2024: in millions 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 Purchase obligations $ 1,143.4 $ 496.7 $ 13.9 $ 13.7 $ 13.7 Environmental contingencies We have a number of facilities that contain varying amounts of asbestos in certain locations within the facilities. Our asbestos management program is compliant with current applicable regulations, which require that we handle or dispose of asbestos in a special manner if such facilities undergo major renovations or are demolished. We do not have sufficient information to estimate the fair value of any asset retirement obligations related to these facilities. We cannot specify the settlement date or range of potential settlement dates and, therefore, sufficient information is not available to apply an expected present value technique. We expect to maintain the facilities with repairs and maintenance activities that would not involve or require the removal of significant quantities of asbestos. Legal contingencies The Company is subject to certain legal proceedings and claims arising out of the ordinary course of our business, which cover a wide range of matters including trade regulation, product liability, advertising, contracts, environmental issues, patent and trademark matters, labor and employment matters, human and workplace rights matters and tax. While it is not feasible to predict or determine the outcome of such proceedings and claims with certainty, in our opinion these matters, both individually and in the aggregate, are not expected to have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Collective Bargaining As of December 31, 2024, the Company employed approximately 18,540 full-time and 1,490 part-time employees worldwide. Collective bargaining agreements covered approximately 6,525 employees, or approximately 33% of the Company’s employees worldwide. During 2025, agreements will be negotiated for certain employees at seven facilities, none of which are within the United States, comprising approximately 69% of total employees under collective bargaining agreements. We currently expect that we will be able to renegotiate such agreements on satisfactory terms when they expire.

EARNINGS PER SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
EARNINGS PER SHARE	EARNINGS PER SHARE We compute basic earnings per share for Common Stock and Class B common stock using the two-class method. The Class B common stock is convertible into Common Stock on a share-for-share basis at any time. The computation of diluted earnings per share for Common Stock assumes the conversion of Class B common stock using the if-converted method, while the diluted earnings per share of Class B common stock does not assume the conversion of those shares. We compute basic and diluted earnings per share based on the weighted-average number of shares of Common Stock and Class B common stock outstanding as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022 Common Stock Class B Common Stock Common Stock Class B Common Stock Common Stock Class B Common Stock Basic earnings per share: Numerator: Allocation of distributed earnings (cash dividends paid) $ 812,826 $ 271,975 $ 663,176 $ 225,895 $ 567,897 $ 207,133 Allocation of undistributed earnings 851,549 284,889 728,175 244,541 637,438 232,349 Total earnings—basic $ 1,664,375 $ 556,864 $ 1,391,351 $ 470,436 $ 1,205,335 $ 439,482 Denominator (shares in thousands): Total weighted-average shares—basic 148,349 54,614 149,499 55,239 146,713 58,822 Earnings Per Share—basic $ 11.22 $ 10.20 $ 9.31 $ 8.52 $ 8.22 $ 7.47 Diluted earnings per share: Numerator: Allocation of total earnings used in basic computation $ 1,664,375 $ 556,864 $ 1,391,351 $ 470,436 $ 1,205,335 $ 439,482 Reallocation of total earnings as a result of conversion of Class B common stock to Common stock 556,864 — 470,436 — 439,482 — Reallocation of undistributed earnings — (753) — (987) — (1,201) Total earnings—diluted $ 2,221,239 $ 556,111 $ 1,861,787 $ 469,449 $ 1,644,817 $ 438,281 Denominator (shares in thousands): Number of shares used in basic computation 148,349 54,614 149,499 55,239 146,713 58,822 Weighted-average effect of dilutive securities: Conversion of Class B common stock to Common shares outstanding 54,614 — 55,239 — 58,822 — Employee stock options 285 — 424 — 571 — Performance and restricted stock units 239 — 385 — 469 — Total weighted-average shares—diluted 203,487 54,614 205,547 55,239 206,575 58,822 Earnings Per Share—diluted $ 10.92 $ 10.18 $ 9.06 $ 8.50 $ 7.96 $ 7.45 The earnings per share calculations for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 excluded 13, 15 and 5 stock options (in thousands), respectively, that would have been antidilutive.

OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSE, NET

OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSE, NET	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSE, NET	OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSE, NET Other (income) expense, net reports certain gains and losses associated with activities not directly related to our core operations. A summary of the components of other (income) expense, net is as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022 Write-down of equity investments in partnerships qualifying for historic and renewable energy tax credits (see Note 8 ) $ 243,311 $ 210,484 $ 188,286 Non-service cost components of net periodic benefit cost relating to pension and other post-retirement benefit plans (see Note 11 ) 17,389 28,010 18,466 Other (income) expense, net (2,059) (1,276) (593) Total $ 258,641 $ 237,218 $ 206,159

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Hershey Trust Company, as trustee for the trust established by Milton S. and Catherine S. Hershey that has as its sole beneficiary the School Trust, maintains voting control over The Hershey Company. In any given year, we may engage in certain transactions with Hershey Trust Company, Milton Hershey School, the Milton Hershey School Trust and companies owned by and/or affiliated with any of the foregoing. Most transactions with these related parties are immaterial and do not require disclosure, but certain transactions are more significant in nature and have been deemed material for disclosure. There were no material related party transactions with Hershey Trust Company and/or its affiliates for the year ended December 31, 2024. A summary of material related party transactions with Hershey Trust Company and/or its affiliates for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 is noted below. Sale and Donation of Property, Plant and Equipment In May 2022, the Company entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Hershey Trust Company, as trustee for the School Trust, pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell certain real and personal property consisting of approximately six acres of land located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, together with portions of a building located on the land. Additionally, in June 2022, the Company entered into a Donation Agreement with Hershey Trust Company, as trustee for The M.S. Hershey Foundation, pursuant to which the Company agreed to donate a portion of the building concurrently with the closing of the Purchase Agreement. The sale and donation transactions closed in June 2022. Total proceeds from the sale were approximately $6,300 (net of transaction and closing costs), resulting in a loss of $13,568, which was recorded in the SM&A expense caption within the Consolidated Statements of Income. The fair values of the disposed assets were supported by a proposed sales price submitted by a third-party buyer received prior to executing the Purchase Agreement. Stock Purchase Agreements In February 2023 and February 2022, the Company entered into Stock Purchase Agreements with Hershey Trust Company, as trustee for the School Trust, pursuant to which the Company purchased shares of its Common Stock from the School Trust (see Note 14 ).

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFO

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION	SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION The components of certain asset accounts included within our Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows: December 31, 2024 2023 Inventories: Raw materials $ 477,592 $ 481,111 Goods in process 204,674 192,232 Finished goods 990,785 948,974 Inventories at FIFO 1,673,051 1,622,317 Adjustment to LIFO (418,957) (281,321) Total inventories $ 1,254,094 $ 1,340,996 Prepaid expenses and other: Prepaid expenses $ 269,792 $ 227,567 Other current assets 704,423 118,021 Total prepaid expenses and other $ 974,215 $ 345,588 Property, plant and equipment: Land $ 194,502 $ 180,751 Buildings 1,991,937 1,763,070 Machinery and equipment 4,147,530 3,861,006 Construction in progress 478,842 644,244 Property, plant and equipment, gross 6,812,811 6,449,071 Accumulated depreciation (3,353,958) (3,139,393) Property, plant and equipment, net $ 3,458,853 $ 3,309,678 Other non-current assets: Pension $ 41,298 $ 48,506 Capitalized software, net 367,087 360,205 Operating lease ROU assets 337,739 307,976 Investments in unconsolidated affiliates 212,928 207,177 Other non-current assets 152,815 137,563 Total other non-current assets $ 1,111,867 $ 1,061,427 The components of certain liability and stockholders’ equity accounts included within our Consolidated Balance Sheet accounts are as follows: December 31, 2024 2023 Accounts Payable: Accounts Payable—trade $ 807,918 $ 630,536 Supplier finance program obligations 215,122 149,261 Other 136,137 306,386 Total accounts payable $ 1,159,177 $ 1,086,183 Accrued liabilities: Payroll, compensation and benefits $ 226,774 $ 261,961 Advertising, promotion and product allowances 359,986 343,444 Operating lease liabilities 40,636 34,494 Other 179,945 227,916 Total accrued liabilities $ 807,341 $ 867,815 Other long-term liabilities: Post-retirement benefits liabilities $ 87,006 $ 90,718 Pension benefits liabilities 33,837 28,949 Operating lease liabilities 304,767 277,089 Other 262,649 263,917 Total other long-term liabilities $ 688,259 $ 660,673 Accumulated other comprehensive loss: Foreign currency translation adjustments $ (177,741) $ (87,706) Pension and post-retirement benefit plans, net of tax (122,098) (126,800) Cash flow hedges, net of tax (4,051) (15,572) Total accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (303,890) $ (230,078)

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUA

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS For the Years Ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 Additions Description Balance at Beginning of Period Charged to Costs and Expenses Charged to Other Accounts Deductions from Reserves Balance at End of Period In thousands of dollars For the year ended December 31, 2024 Allowances deducted from assets Accounts receivable—trade, net (a) $ 31,663 $ 238,284 $ — $ (229,460) $ 40,487 Valuation allowance on net deferred taxes (b) 114,149 19,801 — (16,711) 117,239 Inventory obsolescence reserve (c) 41,839 48,548 — (45,682) 44,705 Total allowances deducted from assets $ 187,651 $ 306,633 $ — $ (291,853) $ 202,431 For the year ended December 31, 2023 Allowances deducted from assets Accounts receivable—trade, net (a) $ 26,001 $ 248,022 $ — $ (242,360) $ 31,663 Valuation allowance on net deferred taxes (b) 137,531 6,927 — (30,309) 114,149 Inventory obsolescence reserve (c) 29,354 73,687 — (61,202) 41,839 Total allowances deducted from assets $ 192,886 $ 328,636 $ — $ (333,871) $ 187,651 For the year ended December 31, 2022 Allowances deducted from assets Accounts receivable—trade, net (a) $ 28,837 $ 228,463 $ — $ (231,299) $ 26,001 Valuation allowance on net deferred taxes (b) 184,896 9,578 — (56,943) 137,531 Inventory obsolescence reserve (c) 19,472 44,497 — (34,615) 29,354 Total allowances deducted from assets $ 233,205 $ 282,538 $ — $ (322,857) $ 192,886 (a) Includes allowances for doubtful accounts, anticipated discounts and write-offs of uncollectible accounts receivable. (b) Includes adjustments to the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets that we do not expect to realize, as well as the release of valuation allowances. (c) Includes adjustments to the inventory reserve, transfers, disposals and write-offs of obsolete inventory.

Pay vs Performance Disclosure

Pay vs Performance Disclosure - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Pay vs Performance Disclosure
Net income	$ 2,221,239	$ 1,861,787	$ 1,644,817

Insider Trading Arrangements

Insider Trading Arrangements	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024
Trading Arrangements, by Individual
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted	false
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted	false
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated	false
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated	false

Insider Trading Policies and Pr

Insider Trading Policies and Procedures	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024
Insider Trading Policies and Procedures [Line Items]
Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Adopted	true

Cybersecurity Risk Management a

Cybersecurity Risk Management and Strategy Disclosure	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024
Cybersecurity Risk Management, Strategy, and Governance [Line Items]
Cybersecurity Risk Management Processes for Assessing, Identifying, and Managing Threats [Text Block]	Information technology is important to our business operations, and we are committed to protecting the privacy, security and integrity of our data, as well as our employee and customer data. The Company has a comprehensive cybersecurity program in place for assessing, identifying and managing cybersecurity risks that is designed to protect its systems and data from unauthorized access, use or other security impact, that is aligned with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (“NIST”). This program is integrated into the Company’s overall Enterprise Risk Management and Resiliency process. We continuously monitor and update our information technology networks and infrastructure to prevent, detect, address and mitigate risks associated with unauthorized access, misuse, computer viruses and other events that could have a security impact. We invest in industry standard security technology to protect the Company’s data and business processes against risk of cybersecurity incidents. Our data security management program includes identity, trust, vulnerability and threat management business processes, as well as adoption of standard data protection policies. We measure our data security effectiveness by benchmarking against industry-accepted methods and we work to remediate any significant findings. We maintain and routinely test backup systems and disaster recovery and also have processes in place to prevent disruptions resulting from our implementation of new software and systems. The Company has a comprehensive incident response plan to address cybersecurity incidents. The Company’s incident response plan includes procedures for identifying, containing and responding to cybersecurity incidents and is subject to regular review and assessment to ensure that it is effective in protecting the Company’s information technology. To date, the Company believes that its cybersecurity program has been effective in protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of its information; however, the Company cannot guarantee that its cybersecurity program will be successful in preventing all cybersecurity incidents. Further, we currently maintain a cyber insurance policy that provides coverage for security breaches; however, such insurance may not be sufficient in type or amount to cover us against claims related to security breaches, cyber-attacks and other related breaches. The Company engages external parties, including consultants, computer security firms and risk management and governance experts, to enhance its cybersecurity oversight. In order to oversee and identify risks from cybersecurity threats associated with the Company’s use of third-party service providers, we also have a third-party risk management program designed to help protect against the misuse of information technology by third parties and business partners, which includes certification of our major technology suppliers and any outsourced services through accepted security certification standards. While we are regularly subject to cybersecurity attacks, ransomware and other security breaches, the Company has not experienced any material cybersecurity incidents or a series of related unauthorized occurrences for the year ended December 31, 2024. The Company does not believe that there are currently any known risks from cybersecurity threats that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company or its business strategy, results of operations or financial condition. However, as discussed under “ Item 1A. Risk Factors ,” specifically the risks titled “Disruptions, failures or security breaches of our information technology infrastructure could have a negative impact on our operations,” the sophistication of cyber, ransomware and other security threats continues to increase, and the preventative actions we take to reduce the risk of these incidents and protect our systems and information may be insufficient. Accordingly, no matter how well designed or implemented our controls are, we will not be able to anticipate all cybersecurity attacks, ransomware and other security breaches and we may not be able to implement effective preventive measures against such security breaches in a timely manner.
Cybersecurity Risk Management Processes Integrated [Flag]	true
Cybersecurity Risk Management Processes Integrated [Text Block]	This program is integrated into the Company’s overall Enterprise Risk Management and Resiliency process.
Cybersecurity Risk Management Third Party Engaged [Flag]	true
Cybersecurity Risk Third Party Oversight and Identification Processes [Flag]	true
Cybersecurity Risk Materially Affected or Reasonably Likely to Materially Affect Registrant [Flag]	false
Cybersecurity Risk Board of Directors Oversight [Text Block]	The Company’s Board of Directors has a mix of experiences, skills, qualifications and backgrounds to support strategy and risk oversight, including expertise in cybersecurity and oversight of cybersecurity matters. This oversight is achieved through the Company’s Finance and Risk Management (“F&RM”) Committee, which is comprised of five members of our Board of Directors, and one Board member who serves in an ex-officio capacity. The F&RM Committee is responsible for reviewing key enterprise risks identified through our Enterprise Risk Management and Resiliency process, which includes information security strategies and risks, as well as data privacy and protection risks and mitigation strategies (collectively, “Information Security”). At each regularly scheduled F&RM Committee meeting, management, through the Company’s Chief Information Security Officer (“CISO”), reports on Information Security controls, audits, guidelines and developments and the F&RM Committee is notified between such updates regarding significant new cybersecurity threats or incidents. The CISO, who reports to the Chief Technology Officer (“CTO”), oversees a dedicated Information Security team that is supported by the Privacy Center of Excellence, and works in partnership with internal audit to review certain information technology-related internal controls with our independent auditors as part of the overall internal controls process. The Chief Information Officer (“CIO”), who also reports to the CTO, focuses on our technology modernization priorities, integrating innovative technology solutions to support our business goals, and leading enterprise-wide IT transformation initiatives. Our CTO, who reports to the Chief Executive Officer, has oversight of our Information Security team and leads the company’s global technology strategy, architecting and deploying digital capabilities that are innovative, flexible and prepared to meet the changing needs of our consumers, retail partners and employees. The CISO’s cybersecurity experience includes over thirty years of Information Technology experience, including twenty years within the Information Security field. The CISO’s Information Security roles have included security engineering, security architecture, strategy development and execution, risk and compliance management and identity and access management and incident response. The Company’s CIO has over twenty years of experience, including leading digital transformation and global information technology governance. The Company’s CTO has over twenty years of experience, including deep expertise in developing cutting-edge automated systems, supply chain planning, optimization and simulation, artificial intelligence and predictive analytics. Additional experience held by the CTO is described further under Information about Our Executive Officers . To ensure our employees are educated on potential cybersecurity threats or actions, we train our executive officers and global workforce on an ongoing basis in the event of a potential cyber threat or cybersecurity incident. Our Company-wide Information Security training program includes security awareness training, including regular phishing simulations, acceptable use training, cyber wellness trainings and other targeted trainings throughout the year. Additional training mechanisms we may use to assess, identify, and manage risks from cybersecurity threats, include simulations, tabletop exercises and response readiness tests to test our preparedness and incident response process. These trainings provide employees the opportunity to gain an understanding of the various forms of cybersecurity incidents and enable our employees to handle and report any suspicious activity or threat.
Cybersecurity Risk Board Committee or Subcommittee Responsible for Oversight [Text Block]	The Company’s Board of Directors has a mix of experiences, skills, qualifications and backgrounds to support strategy and risk oversight, including expertise in cybersecurity and oversight of cybersecurity matters. This oversight is achieved through the Company’s Finance and Risk Management (“F&RM”) Committee, which is comprised of five members of our Board of Directors, and one Board member who serves in an ex-officio capacity. The F&RM Committee is responsible for reviewing key enterprise risks identified through our Enterprise Risk Management and Resiliency process, which includes information security strategies and risks, as well as data privacy and protection risks and mitigation strategies (collectively, “Information Security”). At each regularly scheduled F&RM Committee meeting, management, through the Company’s Chief Information Security Officer (“CISO”), reports on Information Security controls, audits, guidelines and developments and the F&RM Committee is notified between such updates regarding significant new cybersecurity threats or incidents.
Cybersecurity Risk Process for Informing Board Committee or Subcommittee Responsible for Oversight [Text Block]	At each regularly scheduled F&RM Committee meeting, management, through the Company’s Chief Information Security Officer (“CISO”), reports on Information Security controls, audits, guidelines and developments and the F&RM Committee is notified between such updates regarding significant new cybersecurity threats or incidents.
Cybersecurity Risk Role of Management [Text Block]	The CISO, who reports to the Chief Technology Officer (“CTO”), oversees a dedicated Information Security team that is supported by the Privacy Center of Excellence, and works in partnership with internal audit to review certain information technology-related internal controls with our independent auditors as part of the overall internal controls process. The Chief Information Officer (“CIO”), who also reports to the CTO, focuses on our technology modernization priorities, integrating innovative technology solutions to support our business goals, and leading enterprise-wide IT transformation initiatives. Our CTO, who reports to the Chief Executive Officer, has oversight of our Information Security team and leads the company’s global technology strategy, architecting and deploying digital capabilities that are innovative, flexible and prepared to meet the changing needs of our consumers, retail partners and employees. The CISO’s cybersecurity experience includes over thirty years of Information Technology experience, including twenty years within the Information Security field. The CISO’s Information Security roles have included security engineering, security architecture, strategy development and execution, risk and compliance management and identity and access management and incident response. The Company’s CIO has over twenty years of experience, including leading digital transformation and global information technology governance. The Company’s CTO has over twenty years of experience, including deep expertise in developing cutting-edge automated systems, supply chain planning, optimization and simulation, artificial intelligence and predictive analytics. Additional experience held by the CTO is described further under Information about Our Executive Officers . To ensure our employees are educated on potential cybersecurity threats or actions, we train our executive officers and global workforce on an ongoing basis in the event of a potential cyber threat or cybersecurity incident. Our Company-wide Information Security training program includes security awareness training, including regular phishing simulations, acceptable use training, cyber wellness trainings and other targeted trainings throughout the year. Additional training mechanisms we may use to assess, identify, and manage risks from cybersecurity threats, include simulations, tabletop exercises and response readiness tests to test our preparedness and incident response process. These trainings provide employees the opportunity to gain an understanding of the various forms of cybersecurity incidents and enable our employees to handle and report any suspicious activity or threat.
Cybersecurity Risk Management Positions or Committees Responsible [Flag]	true
Cybersecurity Risk Management Positions or Committees Responsible [Text Block]	The CISO, who reports to the Chief Technology Officer (“CTO”), oversees a dedicated Information Security team that is supported by the Privacy Center of Excellence, and works in partnership with internal audit to review certain information technology-related internal controls with our independent auditors as part of the overall internal controls process. The Chief Information Officer (“CIO”), who also reports to the CTO, focuses on our technology modernization priorities, integrating innovative technology solutions to support our business goals, and leading enterprise-wide IT transformation initiatives. Our CTO, who reports to the Chief Executive Officer, has oversight of our Information Security team and leads the company’s global technology strategy, architecting and deploying digital capabilities that are innovative, flexible and prepared to meet the changing needs of our consumers, retail partners and employees.
Cybersecurity Risk Management Expertise of Management Responsible [Text Block]	The CISO’s cybersecurity experience includes over thirty years of Information Technology experience, including twenty years within the Information Security field. The CISO’s Information Security roles have included security engineering, security architecture, strategy development and execution, risk and compliance management and identity and access management and incident response. The Company’s CIO has over twenty years of experience, including leading digital transformation and global information technology governance. The Company’s CTO has over twenty years of experience, including deep expertise in developing cutting-edge automated systems, supply chain planning, optimization and simulation, artificial intelligence and predictive analytics. Additional experience held by the CTO is described further under Information about Our Executive Officers
Cybersecurity Risk Process for Informing Management or Committees Responsible [Text Block]	At each regularly scheduled F&RM Committee meeting, management, through the Company’s Chief Information Security Officer (“CISO”), reports on Information Security controls, audits, guidelines and developments and the F&RM Committee is notified between such updates regarding significant new cybersecurity threats or incidents.
Cybersecurity Risk Management Positions or Committees Responsible Report to Board [Flag]	true

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of The Hershey Company and its majority-owned or controlled subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. We have a controlling financial interest if we own a majority of the outstanding voting common stock and minority shareholders do not have substantive participating rights, we have significant control through contractual or economic interests in which we are the primary beneficiary or we have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance. We use the equity method of accounting when we have a 20% to 50% interest in other companies and exercise significant influence. In addition, we use the equity method of accounting for our investments in partnership entities which make equity investments in projects eligible to receive federal historic and energy tax credits. See Note 10 for additional information on our equity investments in partnership entities qualifying for tax credits. Other investments that are not controlled, and over which we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence, are accounted for at cost, less impairments. Both equity method and cost, less impairment investments are included as Other non-current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For additional information on our investments in unconsolidated affiliates, see Note 8 .
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying disclosures. Our significant estimates and assumptions include, among others, pension and other post-retirement benefit plan assumptions, valuation assumptions of goodwill and other intangible assets, useful lives of long-lived assets, marketing and trade promotion accruals and income taxes. These estimates and assumptions are based on management’s best judgment. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, and the effects of any revisions are reflected in the consolidated financial statements in the period that they are determined. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition The majority of our revenue contracts represent a single performance obligation related to the fulfillment of customer orders for the purchase of our products, including chocolate, sweets, mints and other grocery and snack offerings. Net sales reflect the transaction prices for these contracts based on our selling list price which is then reduced by estimated costs for trade promotional programs, consumer incentives, and allowances and discounts associated with aged or potentially unsaleable products. We recognize revenue at the point in time that control of the ordered product(s) is transferred to the customer, which is typically upon delivery to the customer or other customer-designated delivery point. Amounts billed and due from our customers are classified as accounts receivables on the balance sheet and require payment on a short-term basis. Our trade promotional programs and consumer incentives are used to promote our products and include, but are not limited to, discounts, coupons, rebates, in-store display incentives, and volume-based incentives. The estimated costs associated with these programs and incentives are based upon our analysis of the programs offered, expectations regarding customer and consumer participation, historical sales and payment trends, and our experience with payment patterns associated with similar programs offered in the past. The estimated costs of these programs are reasonably likely to change in future periods due to changes in trends with regard to customer and consumer participation, particularly for new programs and for programs related to the introduction of new products. Differences between estimated expense and actual program performance are recognized as a change in estimate in a subsequent period and are normally not significant. During 2024, 2023 and 2022, actual promotional costs have not deviated from the estimated amount by more than 3%. The Company’s unsettled portion remaining in accrued liabilities at year-end for these activities was $221,275 and $194,032 at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. We also recognize a minor amount of royalty income (less than 1% of our consolidated net sales) from sales-based licensing arrangements, pursuant to which revenue is recognized as the third-party licensee sales occur. Shipping and handling costs incurred to deliver product to the customer are recorded within cost of sales. Sales, value add and other taxes we collect concurrent with revenue producing activities are excluded from revenue. The majority of our products are confectionery or confectionery-based and, therefore, exhibit similar economic characteristics, as they are based on similar ingredients and are marketed and sold through the same channels to the same customers. In connection with our recent acquisitions, we have expanded our portfolio of salty snacking products, which also exhibit similar economic characteristics to our confectionery products and are sold through the same channels to the same customers. See Note 13 for revenues reported by geographic segment, which is consistent with how we organize and manage our operations, as well as product line net sales information.
Cost of Sales	Cost of Sales
Selling, Marketing and Administrative Expense	Selling, Marketing and Administrative Expense Selling, marketing and administrative expense (“SM&A”) represents costs incurred in generating revenues and in managing our business. Such costs include advertising and other marketing expenses, selling expenses, research and development costs, administrative and other indirect overhead costs, amortization of capitalized software and intangible assets and depreciation of administrative facilities.
Cash Equivalents	Cash Equivalents Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid debt instruments, time deposits and money market funds with original maturities of three months or less. The fair value of cash equivalents approximates the carrying amount.
Accounts Receivable - Trade	Accounts Receivable—Trade
Inventories	Inventories Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value, adjusted for the value of inventory that is estimated to be excess, obsolete or otherwise unsaleable. As of December 31, 2024, approximately 75% of our inventories, representing the majority of our United States (“U.S.”) inventories, were valued under the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method. For the remainder of our inventories in the U.S. and inventories for our international businesses, cost is determined by either first-in, first-out ("FIFO") or average cost. LIFO cost of inventories valued using the LIFO method was $945,335 as of December 31, 2024 and $741,040 as of December 31, 2023. The adjustment to LIFO, as shown in Note 19
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, as follows: 3 to 15 years for machinery and equipment; and 25 to 40 years for buildings and related improvements. At December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, property, plant and equipment included assets under finance lease arrangements with net book values totaling $62,484 and $69,863, respectively. Total depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 was $292,170, $265,604 and $253,582, respectively, and included depreciation on assets recorded under finance lease arrangements. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. We capitalize applicable interest charges incurred during the construction of new facilities and production lines and amortize these costs over the assets’ estimated useful lives. We review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. We measure the recoverability of assets to be held and used by a comparison of the carrying amount of long-lived assets to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated. If these assets are considered to be impaired, we measure impairment as the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. We report assets held for sale or disposal at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell.
Computer Software	Computer Software We capitalize costs associated with software developed or obtained for internal use when both the preliminary project stage is completed and it is probable the software being developed will be completed and placed in service. Capitalized costs include only (i) external direct costs of materials and services consumed in developing or obtaining internal-use software, (ii) payroll and other related costs for employees who are directly associated with and who devote time to the internal-use software project and (iii) interest costs incurred, when material, while developing internal-use software. We cease capitalization of such costs no later than the point at which the project is substantially complete and ready for its intended purpose. The unamortized amount of capitalized software totaled $367,087 and $360,205 at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. We amortize software costs using the straight-line method over the expected life of the software, generally 3 to 7 years. Accumulated amortization of capitalized software was $476,611 and $395,410 as of 2024 and 2023, respectively. Such amounts are recorded within other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but are evaluated for impairment annually or more often if indicators of a potential impairment are present. Our annual impairment tests are conducted at the beginning of the fourth quarter. We test goodwill for impairment by performing either a qualitative or quantitative assessment. If we choose to perform a qualitative assessment, we evaluate economic, industry and company-specific factors in assessing the fair value of the related reporting unit. If we determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, a quantitative test is then performed. Otherwise, no further testing is required. For those reporting units tested using a quantitative approach, we compare the fair value of each reporting unit with the carrying amount of the reporting unit, including goodwill. If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying amount of the reporting unit, impairment is indicated, requiring recognition of a goodwill impairment charge for the differential (up to the carrying value of goodwill). We test individual indefinite-lived intangible assets by comparing the estimated fair values with the book values of each asset. We determine the fair value of our reporting units and indefinite-lived intangible assets using an income approach. Under the income approach, we calculate the fair value of our reporting units and indefinite-lived intangible assets based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. Considerable management judgment is necessary to evaluate the impact of operating and macroeconomic changes and to estimate the future cash flows used to measure fair value. Our estimates of future cash flows consider past performance, current and anticipated market conditions and internal projections and operating plans which incorporate estimates for sales growth and profitability, and cash flows associated with taxes and capital spending. Additional assumptions include forecasted growth rates, estimated discount rates, which may be risk-adjusted for the operating market of the reporting unit, and estimated royalty rates that would be charged for comparable branded licenses. We believe such assumptions also reflect current and anticipated market conditions and are consistent with those that would be used by other marketplace participants for similar valuation purposes. Such assumptions are subject to change due to changing economic and competitive conditions. The cost of intangible assets with finite useful lives is amortized on a straight-line basis. Our finite-lived intangible assets consist primarily of certain trademarks, customer-related intangible assets and patents obtained through business acquisitions. The weighted-average amortization period for our finite-lived intangible assets is approximately 27 years, which is primarily driven by recently acquired trademarks. If certain events or changes in operating conditions indicate that the carrying value of these assets, or related asset groups, may not be recoverable, we perform an impairment assessment and may adjust the remaining useful lives. See Note 3 for additional information regarding the results of impairment tests.
Supplier Finance Program Obligations	Supplier Finance Program Obligations
Currency Translation	Currency Translation The financial statements of our foreign entities with functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars, with the resulting translation adjustments recorded as a component of other comprehensive income (loss). Assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date, while income and expense items are translated using the average exchange rates during the period. In 2024, the Company recorded a reclassification related to foreign currency between additional paid-in capital and other comprehensive income (loss). This adjustment did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Derivative Instruments	Derivative Instruments We use derivative instruments principally to offset exposure to market risks arising from changes in commodity prices, foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. See Note 5 for additional information on our risk management strategy and the types of instruments we use. Derivative instruments are recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at their fair values. When we become party to a derivative instrument and intend to apply hedge accounting, we designate the instrument for financial reporting purposes as a cash flow or fair value hedge. The accounting for changes in fair value (gains or losses) of a derivative instrument depends on whether we have designated it and it qualified as part of a hedging relationship, as noted below: • Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is designated as a cash flow hedge are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) to the extent effective and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the transaction hedged by that derivative also affects earnings. • Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is designated as a fair value hedge, along with the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged asset or liability that is attributable to the risk being hedged, are recorded in earnings, thereby reflecting in earnings the net extent to which the hedge is not effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair value. • Changes in the fair value of a derivative not designated as a hedging instrument are recognized in earnings in cost of sales or SM&A, consistent with the related exposure. For derivatives designated as hedges, we assess, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether they are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of hedged items. The ineffective portion, if any, is recorded directly in earnings. In addition, if we determine that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge or that it has ceased to be a highly effective hedge, we discontinue hedge accounting prospectively. We do not hold or issue derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes and are not a party to any instruments with leverage or prepayment features.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures . This ASU requires disclosure of significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”), an amount for other segment items with a description of the composition, and disclosure of the title and position of the CODM. ASU 2023-07 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2023 and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. We adopted the provisions of this ASU in the fourth quarter of 2024 and applied the provisions retrospectively to each period presented in the consolidated financial statements. Adoption of the new standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting . The ASU is intended to provide temporary optional expedients and exceptions to the GAAP guidance on contract modifications and hedge accounting to ease the financial reporting burdens related to the expected market transition from the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates. Entities may apply this ASU upon issuance through December 31, 2022 on a prospective basis. We early adopted the provisions of this ASU in the first quarter of 2022. Adoption of the new standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In September 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-04, Liabilities—Supplier Finance Programs (Subtopic 405-50): Disclosure of Supplier Finance Program Obligations . This ASU requires a buyer in a supplier finance program to disclose qualitative and quantitative information about the program including the program’s nature, activity during the period, changes from period to period and potential magnitude. ASU 2022-04 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2022 and interim periods within those annual periods. A rollforward of obligations during the annual period, including the amount of obligations confirmed and obligations subsequently paid, is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2023 with early adoption permitted. This ASU should be applied retrospectively to each period in which a balance sheet is presented, except for the amendment on rollforward information, which should be applied prospectively. We early adopted provisions of this ASU in the fourth quarter of 2022, with the exception of the amendment on rollforward information, which we adopted in the fourth quarter of 2023. Adoption of the new standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers. This ASU requires an acquirer to recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities acquired in a business combination in accordance with Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) rather than adjust them to fair value at the acquisition date. ASU 2021-08 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2022 and interim periods within those annual periods. This ASU should be applied prospectively to business combinations occurring on or after the date of adoption. As a result, we adopted the provisions of this ASU in the first quarter of 2023, and was applied to acquisitions since the date of adoption. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures . This ASU requires public business entities on an annual basis to disclose specific categories in a tabular rate reconciliation and provide additional information for reconciling items that meet a five percent quantitative threshold. Additionally, the ASU requires all entities to disclose the amount of income taxes paid disaggregated by federal, state, and foreign taxes, as well as individual jurisdictions where income taxes paid are equal to or greater than five percent of total income taxes paid. ASU 2023-09 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted and the updated should be applied on a prospective basis, with a retrospective application permitted in the financial statements. We are currently evaluating the impact of the new standard on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. As a result, we intend to adopt the provisions of this ASU in the fourth quarter of 2025. In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU No. 2024-03, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income—Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses. This ASU requires entities to disclose certain additional expense information including, among other items, purchases of inventory, employee compensation, depreciation and intangible asset amortization included within each Consolidated Statement of Income expense caption. ASU 2024-03 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted and the update should be applied on a prospective basis, with a retrospective application permitted in the financial statements. We are currently evaluating the impact of the new standard on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. No other new accounting pronouncement issued or effective during the fiscal year had or is expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_3

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Supplier Finance Program	The rollforward of the Company’s outstanding obligations confirmed as valid under its supplier finance program, which are included in Accounts Payable in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 are as follows: 2024 2023 Supplier finance program obligations outstanding at beginning of the year $ 149,261 $ 105,293 Invoice amounts added during the year 860,250 585,872 Invoice amounts paid during the year (794,389) (541,904) Supplier finance program obligations outstanding at end of the year $ 215,122 $ 149,261

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of the Changes in the Carrying Value of Goodwill by Reportable Segment	The changes in the carrying value of goodwill by segment for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 are as follows: North America Confectionery North America Salty Snacks International Total Goodwill $ 2,023,403 $ 571,770 $ 374,131 $ 2,969,304 Accumulated impairment loss (4,973) — (357,375) (362,348) Balance at January 1, 2023 2,018,430 571,770 16,756 2,606,956 Acquired during the period — 85,231 — 85,231 Foreign currency translation 2,401 — 1,462 3,863 Balance at December 31, 2023 2,020,831 657,001 18,218 2,696,050 Acquired during the period (see Note 2 ) 20,723 — — 20,723 Foreign currency translation (8,697) — (2,323) (11,020) Balance at December 31, 2024 $ 2,032,857 $ 657,001 $ 15,895 $ 2,705,753
Schedule of Gross Carrying Amount and Accumulated Amortization for Each Major Class of Intangible Asset	The following table provides the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization for each major class of intangible asset: December 31, 2024 2023 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Intangible assets subject to amortization: Trademarks $ 1,721,159 $ (282,819) $ 1,703,029 $ (249,947) Customer-related 552,594 (151,409) 513,910 (123,282) Patents 7,579 (7,579) 8,233 (8,233) Total 2,281,332 (441,807) 2,225,172 (381,462) Intangible assets not subject to amortization: Trademarks 34,341 35,519 Total other intangible assets $ 1,873,866 $ 1,879,229
Schedule of Amortization Expense, for the Next Five Years	Amortization expense for the next five years, based on current intangible asset balances, is estimated to be as follows: Year ending December 31, 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 Amortization expense $ 82,221 $ 82,174 $ 81,081 $ 81,081 $ 79,553

SHORT AND LONG-TERM DEBT (Table

SHORT AND LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Short-term Debt	Short-term debt consisted of the following: December 31, 2024 December 31, 2023 Short-term foreign bank borrowings against lines of credit $ 161,364 $ 192,278 U.S. commercial paper 1,145,612 527,561 Total short-term debt $ 1,306,976 $ 719,839 Weighted average interest rate on outstanding commercial paper 4.5 % 5.4 %
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments	Long-term debt consisted of the following: December 31, Maturity Date 2024 2023 2.050% Notes (1) November 15, 2024 — 300,000 0.900% Notes June 1, 2025 300,000 300,000 3.200% Notes August 21, 2025 300,000 300,000 2.300% Notes August 15, 2026 500,000 500,000 7.200% Debentures August 15, 2027 193,639 193,639 4.250% Notes (2) May 4, 2028 350,000 350,000 2.450% Notes November 15, 2029 300,000 300,000 1.700% Notes June 1, 2030 350,000 350,000 4.500% Notes (2) May 4, 2033 400,000 400,000 3.375% Notes August 15, 2046 300,000 300,000 3.125% Notes November 15, 2049 400,000 400,000 2.650% Notes June 1, 2050 350,000 350,000 Finance lease obligations (see Note 7 ) 73,802 76,385 Net impact of interest rate swaps, debt issuance costs and unamortized debt discounts (22,266) (25,834) Total long-term debt 3,795,175 4,094,190 Less—current portion 604,965 305,058 Long-term portion $ 3,190,210 $ 3,789,132 (1) In November 2024, we repaid $300,000 of 2.050% Notes due upon their maturity.
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	Aggregate annual maturities of our long-term Notes (excluding finance lease obligations and net impact of interest rate swaps, debt issuance costs and unamortized debt discounts) are as follows for the years ending December 31: 2025 $ 600,000 2026 500,000 2027 193,639 2028 350,000 2029 300,000 Thereafter 1,800,000
Schedule of Net Interest Expense	Net interest expense consists of the following: For the years ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022 Interest expense $ 194,240 $ 176,066 $ 148,226 Capitalized interest (19,923) (14,555) (8,131) Interest expense 174,317 161,511 140,095 Interest income (8,662) (9,726) (2,538) Interest expense, net $ 165,655 $ 151,785 $ 137,557

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Tables)

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of the Classification of Derivative Assets and Liabilities within the Consolidated Balance Sheets	The following table presents the classification of derivative assets and liabilities within the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023: December 31, 2024 2023 Assets (1) Liabilities (1) Assets (1) Liabilities (1) Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts $ 8,598 $ 3,280 $ 1,219 $ 1,670 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Commodities futures and options (2) 514,623 14,321 66 679 Deferred compensation derivatives 460 — 2,343 — Foreign exchange contracts 164 4,800 1,123 — 515,247 19,121 3,532 679 Total $ 523,845 $ 22,401 $ 4,751 $ 2,349 (1) Derivatives assets are classified on our Consolidated Balance Sheets Consolidated Balance Sheets (2)
Schedule of the Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Income	The effect of derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows: Non-designated Hedges Cash Flow Hedges Gains (losses) recognized in income (a) Gains (losses) recognized in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) Gains (losses) reclassified from AOCI into income (b) 2024 2023 2024 2023 2024 2023 Commodities futures and options $ 509,870 $ (53,085) $ — $ — $ — $ — Foreign exchange contracts (4,781) 1,111 11,036 (4,860) 5,268 (1,150) Interest rate swap agreements — — — 5,814 (9,199) (9,716) Deferred compensation derivatives 4,772 4,119 — — — — Total $ 509,861 $ (47,855) $ 11,036 $ 954 $ (3,931) $ (10,866) (a) Gains (losses) recognized in income for non-designated commodities futures and options contracts were included in cost of sales. Gains (losses) recognized in income for non-designated foreign currency forward exchange contracts and deferred compensation derivatives were included in selling, marketing and administrative expenses. (b) Gains (losses) reclassified from AOCI into income for foreign currency forward exchange contracts were included in selling, marketing and administrative expenses. Losses reclassified from AOCI into income for interest rate swap agreements were included in interest expense.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS FAIR VA

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS [Abstract]
Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value	The following table presents assets and liabilities that were measured at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2024 and 2023: Assets / Liabilities Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total December 31, 2024: Derivative Instruments: Assets: Foreign exchange contracts (1) $ — $ 8,761 $ — $ 8,761 Deferred compensation derivatives (2) — 460 — 460 Commodities futures and options (3) 514,623 — — 514,623 Liabilities: Foreign exchange contracts (1) — 8,080 — 8,080 Commodities futures and options (3) 14,321 — — 14,321 December 31, 2023: Assets: Foreign exchange contracts (1) $ — $ 2,342 $ — $ 2,342 Deferred compensation derivatives (2) — 2,343 — 2,343 Commodities futures and options (3) 66 — — 66 Liabilities: Foreign exchange contracts (1) — 1,670 — 1,670 Commodities futures and options (3) 679 — — 679 (1) The fair value of foreign currency forward exchange contracts is the difference between the contract and current market foreign currency exchange rates at the end of the period. We estimate the fair value of foreign currency forward exchange contracts on a quarterly basis by obtaining market quotes of spot and forward rates for contracts with similar terms, adjusted where necessary for maturity differences. (2) The fair value of deferred compensation derivatives is based on quoted prices for market interest rates and a broad market equity index. (3) The fair value of commodities futures and options contracts is based on quoted market prices.
Schedule of Fair Values and Carrying Values of Long-Term Debt	The fair values and carrying values of long-term debt, including the current portion, were as follows: Fair Value Carrying Value At December 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Current portion of long-term debt $ 597,547 $ 297,842 $ 604,965 $ 305,058 Long-term debt 2,734,322 3,413,411 3,190,210 3,789,132 Total $ 3,331,869 $ 3,711,253 $ 3,795,175 $ 4,094,190

LEASES (Tables)

LEASES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Lease Expense	The components of lease expense were as follows: Lease expense Classification 2024 2023 Operating lease cost Cost of sales or SM&A (1) $ 53,141 $ 48,577 Finance lease cost: Amortization of ROU assets Depreciation and amortization (1) 9,017 8,140 Interest on lease liabilities Interest expense, net 4,702 4,593 Net lease cost (2) $ 66,860 $ 61,310 (1) Supply chain-related amounts were included in cost of sales. (2) Net lease cost does not include short-term leases, variable lease costs or sublease income, all of which are immaterial. Information regarding our lease terms and discount rates were as follows: 2024 2023 Weighted-average remaining lease term (years) Operating leases 12.4 14.4 Finance leases 25.9 25.9 Weighted-average discount rate Operating leases 3.7 % 3.5 % Finance leases 6.3 % 6.2 %
Schedule of Supplemental Balance Sheet Information	Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases were as follows: Leases Classification 2024 2023 Assets Operating lease ROU assets Other non-current assets $ 337,739 $ 307,976 Finance lease ROU assets, at cost Property, plant and equipment, gross 87,999 89,335 Accumulated amortization Accumulated depreciation (25,515) (19,472) Finance lease ROU assets, net Property, plant and equipment, net 62,484 69,863 Total leased assets $ 400,223 $ 377,839 Liabilities Current Operating Accrued liabilities $ 40,636 $ 34,494 Finance Current portion of long-term debt 5,666 5,900 Non-current Operating Other long-term liabilities 304,767 277,089 Finance Long-term debt 68,136 70,485 Total lease liabilities $ 419,205 $ 387,968 December 31, 2024 2023 Inventories: Raw materials $ 477,592 $ 481,111 Goods in process 204,674 192,232 Finished goods 990,785 948,974 Inventories at FIFO 1,673,051 1,622,317 Adjustment to LIFO (418,957) (281,321) Total inventories $ 1,254,094 $ 1,340,996 Prepaid expenses and other: Prepaid expenses $ 269,792 $ 227,567 Other current assets 704,423 118,021 Total prepaid expenses and other $ 974,215 $ 345,588 Property, plant and equipment: Land $ 194,502 $ 180,751 Buildings 1,991,937 1,763,070 Machinery and equipment 4,147,530 3,861,006 Construction in progress 478,842 644,244 Property, plant and equipment, gross 6,812,811 6,449,071 Accumulated depreciation (3,353,958) (3,139,393) Property, plant and equipment, net $ 3,458,853 $ 3,309,678 Other non-current assets: Pension $ 41,298 $ 48,506 Capitalized software, net 367,087 360,205 Operating lease ROU assets 337,739 307,976 Investments in unconsolidated affiliates 212,928 207,177 Other non-current assets 152,815 137,563 Total other non-current assets $ 1,111,867 $ 1,061,427 The components of certain liability and stockholders’ equity accounts included within our Consolidated Balance Sheet accounts are as follows: December 31, 2024 2023 Accounts Payable: Accounts Payable—trade $ 807,918 $ 630,536 Supplier finance program obligations 215,122 149,261 Other 136,137 306,386 Total accounts payable $ 1,159,177 $ 1,086,183 Accrued liabilities: Payroll, compensation and benefits $ 226,774 $ 261,961 Advertising, promotion and product allowances 359,986 343,444 Operating lease liabilities 40,636 34,494 Other 179,945 227,916 Total accrued liabilities $ 807,341 $ 867,815 Other long-term liabilities: Post-retirement benefits liabilities $ 87,006 $ 90,718 Pension benefits liabilities 33,837 28,949 Operating lease liabilities 304,767 277,089 Other 262,649 263,917 Total other long-term liabilities $ 688,259 $ 660,673 Accumulated other comprehensive loss: Foreign currency translation adjustments $ (177,741) $ (87,706) Pension and post-retirement benefit plans, net of tax (122,098) (126,800) Cash flow hedges, net of tax (4,051) (15,572) Total accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (303,890) $ (230,078)
Schedule of Maturity of Operating Lease Liabilities	The maturity of our lease liabilities as of December 31, 2024 were as follows: Operating leases Finance leases Total 2025 $ 52,557 $ 9,951 $ 62,508 2026 48,923 6,824 55,747 2027 46,511 4,796 51,307 2028 28,973 4,366 33,339 2029 25,375 4,231 29,606 Thereafter 225,278 133,638 358,916 Total lease payments 427,617 163,806 591,423 Less: Imputed interest 82,214 90,004 172,218 Total lease liabilities $ 345,403 $ 73,802 $ 419,205
Schedule of Maturity of Finance Lease Liabilities	The maturity of our lease liabilities as of December 31, 2024 were as follows: Operating leases Finance leases Total 2025 $ 52,557 $ 9,951 $ 62,508 2026 48,923 6,824 55,747 2027 46,511 4,796 51,307 2028 28,973 4,366 33,339 2029 25,375 4,231 29,606 Thereafter 225,278 133,638 358,916 Total lease payments 427,617 163,806 591,423 Less: Imputed interest 82,214 90,004 172,218 Total lease liabilities $ 345,403 $ 73,802 $ 419,205
Schedule of Supplemental Cash Flow Information Related To Leases	Supplemental cash flow and other information related to leases were as follows: 2024 2023 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 48,757 $ 45,176 Operating cash flows from finance leases $ 4,702 $ 4,593 Financing cash flows from finance leases $ 6,507 $ 5,381 ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities: Operating leases $ 71,804 $ 18,469 Finance leases $ 3,875 $ 7,448

BUSINESS REALIGNMENT ACTIVITI_2

BUSINESS REALIGNMENT ACTIVITIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Schedule of Business Realignment Activity	Costs associated with business realignment activities are classified in our Consolidated Statements of Income as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022 Cost of sales $ 12,168 $ 527 $ 3 Selling, marketing and administrative expense 76,333 2,472 2,425 Business realignment costs 29,035 441 1,989 Costs associated with business realignment activities $ 117,536 $ 3,440 $ 4,417 Costs recorded by program in 2024, 2023 and 2022 related to these activities were as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022 Advancing Agility & Automation Initiative: Severance and employee benefit costs $ 29,035 $ — $ — Other program costs 88,501 — — International Optimization Program: Severance and employee benefit costs $ — $ 441 $ 2,001 Other program costs — 2,999 2,416 Total $ 117,536 $ 3,440 $ 4,417 The following table presents the liability activity for costs qualifying as exit and disposal costs for the year ended December 31, 2024: Total Liability balance at December 31, 2023 (1) $ — 2024 business realignment charges (2) 29,035 Cash payments (18,618) Liability balance at December 31, 2024 (1) $ 10,417 (1) The liability balances reflected above are reported within accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities. (2) The costs reflected in the liability roll-forward represent employee-related charges.

INCOME TAXES (Tables)

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	The components of income before income taxes were as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022 Domestic $ 1,796,428 $ 1,832,771 $ 1,816,622 Foreign 677,508 339,093 100,449 Income before income taxes $ 2,473,936 $ 2,171,864 $ 1,917,071
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	The components of our provision for income taxes were as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022 Current: Federal $ 23,345 $ 141,753 $ 121,968 State 85,746 83,802 85,741 Foreign 70,371 68,289 27,656 179,462 293,844 235,365 Deferred: Federal 21,223 28,191 34,848 State 3,616 (9,531) 3,393 Foreign 48,396 (2,427) (1,352) 73,235 16,233 36,889 Total provision for income taxes $ 252,697 $ 310,077 $ 272,254
Schedule of Deferred Tax Asset and Liabilities	: December 31, 2024 2023 Deferred tax assets: Post-retirement benefit obligations $ 23,503 $ 24,969 Accrued expenses and other reserves 83,263 85,601 Stock-based compensation 16,656 21,656 Derivative instruments — 12,268 Lease liabilities 98,915 90,405 Accrued trade promotion reserves 18,706 18,796 Net operating loss carryforwards 98,159 110,342 Capital loss carryforwards 8,002 — Other 87,525 83,011 Gross deferred tax assets 434,729 447,048 Valuation allowance (117,239) (114,149) Total deferred tax assets 317,490 332,899 Deferred tax liabilities: Property, plant and equipment, net 295,911 271,465 Acquired intangibles 254,884 228,711 Lease ROU assets 78,852 71,150 Inventories 10,736 13,250 Derivative instruments 37,558 — Pension 8,440 10,001 Other 18,287 39,566 Total deferred tax liabilities 704,668 634,143 Net deferred tax liabilities $ (387,178) $ (301,244) Included in: Non-current deferred tax assets, net $ 37,065 $ 44,454 Non-current deferred tax liabilities, net (424,243) (345,698) Net deferred tax liabilities $ (387,178) $ (301,244)
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	The following table reconciles the federal statutory income tax rate with our effective income tax rate: For the years ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022 Federal statutory income tax rate 21.0 % 21.0 % 21.0 % Increase (reduction) resulting from: State income taxes, net of Federal income tax benefits 2.4 2.8 3.2 Foreign rate differences (1.2) (1.0) (0.1) Historic and solar tax credits (9.4) (9.5) (9.9) Tax contingencies (1.6) 1.1 0.4 Stock compensation (0.2) (0.5) (0.7) Other, net (0.8) 0.4 0.3 Effective income tax rate 10.2 % 14.3 % 14.2 %
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: December 31, 2024 2023 Balance at beginning of year $ 149,625 $ 148,345 Additions for tax positions taken during prior years 7,207 11,567 Reductions for tax positions taken during prior years (4,913) (26) Additions for tax positions taken during the current year 9,339 6,194 Settlements (201) (9,838) Expiration of statutes of limitations (43,479) (6,617) Balance at end of year $ 117,578 $ 149,625

PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIRE_2

PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Schedule of Defined Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets, and Funded Status	A summary of the changes in benefit obligations, plan assets and funded status of these plans is as follows: Pension Benefits Other Benefits December 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Change in benefit obligation Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 822,035 $ 830,285 $ 100,311 $ 164,889 Service cost 15,323 14,991 131 221 Interest cost 38,675 41,205 4,852 7,171 Actuarial (gain) loss (5,337) 23,187 4,845 38,789 Curtailment — — — (740) Settlement (64,665) (66,132) — (88,689) Currency translation and other (5,008) 2,466 (2,143) (324) Benefits paid (22,341) (23,967) (12,033) (21,006) Projected benefit obligation at end of year 778,682 822,035 95,963 100,311 Change in plan assets Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 836,843 848,432 — — Actual return on plan assets 30,626 70,096 — — Employer contributions 3,566 6,576 12,033 21,006 Settlement (64,665) (66,132) — (88,689) Annuity purchase — — — 88,689 Currency translation and other (4,052) 1,838 — — Benefits paid (22,341) (23,967) (12,033) (21,006) Fair value of plan assets at end of year 779,977 836,843 — — Funded status at end of year $ 1,295 $ 14,808 $ (95,963) $ (100,311) Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets: Other assets $ 41,298 $ 48,506 $ — $ — Accrued liabilities (6,166) (4,749) (8,957) (9,593) Other long-term liabilities (33,837) (28,949) (87,006) (90,718) Total $ 1,295 $ 14,808 $ (95,963) $ (100,311) Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax: Actuarial net (loss) gain $ (117,030) $ (129,184) $ (10,903) $ (7,704) Net prior service credit 4,631 8,561 1,205 527 Net amounts recognized in AOCI $ (112,399) $ (120,623) $ (9,698) $ (7,177)
Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets	Plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were as follows: December 31, 2024 2023 Projected benefit obligation $ 46,812 $ 40,278 Accumulated benefit obligation 41,853 33,812 Fair value of plan assets 7,138 6,695
Schedule of Accumulated Projected Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets	Plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were as follows: December 31, 2024 2023 Projected benefit obligation $ 49,539 $ 84,416 Accumulated benefit obligation 42,897 71,046 Fair value of plan assets 9,536 50,718
Schedule of Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	The components of net periodic benefit cost were as follows: Pension Benefits Other Benefits For the years ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022 2024 2023 2022 Amounts recognized in net periodic benefit cost Service cost $ 15,323 $ 14,991 $ 17,500 $ 131 $ 221 $ 302 Interest cost 38,675 41,205 30,491 4,852 7,171 4,603 Expected return on plan assets (51,193) (48,978) (47,637) — — — Amortization of prior service credit (5,493) (5,658) (5,651) (151) (50) — Amortization of net (gain) loss 15,248 19,846 16,060 557 (966) (92) Curtailment credit — — — — (740) — Settlement loss 14,894 15,254 20,692 — 926 — Total net periodic benefit cost $ 27,454 $ 36,660 $ 31,455 $ 5,389 $ 6,562 $ 4,813 Change in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in AOCI, pre-tax Actuarial net (gain) loss $ (15,513) $ (32,720) $ 22,609 $ 4,609 $ 38,698 $ (26,212) Prior service cost (credit) 5,436 5,670 5,601 (963) (736) — Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss, pre-tax $ (10,077) $ (27,050) $ 28,210 $ 3,646 $ 37,962 $ (26,212) Net amounts recognized in periodic benefit cost and AOCI $ 17,377 $ 9,610 $ 59,665 $ 9,035 $ 44,524 $ (21,399)
Schedule of Weighted-Average Assumptions Used in Computing the Benefit Obligation	The weighted-average assumptions used in computing the year end benefit obligations were as follows: Pension Benefits Other Benefits December 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Discount rate 5.5 % 5.1 % 5.7 % 5.2 % Rate of increase in compensation levels 3.6 % 3.6 % 4.0 % 4.0 % Interest crediting rate 4.6 % 4.8 % N/A N/A The weighted-average assumptions used in computing net periodic benefit cost were as follows: Pension Benefits Other Benefits For the years ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022 2024 2023 2022 Discount rate 5.1 % 5.5 % 2.7 % 5.2 % 5.5 % 2.9 % Expected long-term return on plan assets 6.6 % 6.2 % 4.9 % N/A N/A N/A Rate of compensation increase 3.6 % 3.4 % 3.5 % N/A N/A N/A
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets	Our target asset allocation for our major domestic pension plans as of December 31, 2024 was as follows: Asset Class Target Asset Allocation Cash 1% Equity securities 27% Fixed income securities 48% Alternative investments, including real estate, listed infrastructure and other 24% The following table sets forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy (as defined in Note 6 ), pension plan assets at their fair values as of December 31, 2024: Quoted prices in active Significant other observable inputs Significant other unobservable inputs Investments Using NAV as a Practical Expedient Total Cash and cash equivalents $ 981 $ 32,404 $ — $ 598 $ 33,983 Equity securities: International all-cap — — — 483 483 Global all-cap (a) — — — 204,421 204,421 Fixed income securities: U.S. government/agency — — — 156,146 156,146 Corporate bonds (b) — — — 59,602 59,602 International government/corporate bonds (c) — — — 27,303 27,303 Diversified credit (d) — — — 120,259 120,259 Alternative investments: Global diversified assets (e) — — — 63,497 63,497 Real assets fund (f) — — — 114,283 114,283 Total pension plan assets $ 981 $ 32,404 $ — $ 746,592 $ 779,977 The following table sets forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, pension plan assets at their fair values as of December 31, 2023: Quoted prices in active Significant other observable inputs Significant other unobservable inputs Investments Using NAV as a Practical Expedient Total Cash and cash equivalents $ 909 $ 42,202 $ — $ 600 $ 43,711 Equity securities: International all-cap — — — 395 395 Global all-cap (a) — — — 209,245 209,245 Fixed income securities: U.S. government/agency — — — 186,095 186,095 Corporate bonds (b) — — — 60,293 60,293 International government/corporate bonds (c) — — — 29,254 29,254 Diversified credit (d) — — — 123,081 123,081 Alternative investments: Global diversified assets (e) — — — 68,856 68,856 Real assets fund (f) — — — 115,913 115,913 Total pension plan assets $ 909 $ 42,202 $ — $ 793,732 $ 836,843 (1) Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy but are included to reconcile to the amounts presented in our Obligations and Funded Status table. (a) This category comprises equity funds that primarily track the MSCI World Index or MSCI All Country World Index. (b) This category comprises fixed income funds primarily invested in investment grade and high yield bonds. (c) This category comprises fixed income funds primarily invested in Canadian and other international bonds. (d) This category comprises fixed income funds primarily invested in high yield bonds, loans, securitized debt and emerging market debt. (e) This category comprises diversified funds invested across alternative asset classes. (f) This category comprises funds primarily invested in publicly traded real estate securities, publicly listed infrastructure securities and real estate debt.
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments	Total benefit payments expected to be paid to plan participants, including pension benefits funded from the plans and other benefits funded from Company assets, are as follows: Expected Benefit Payments 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030-2034 Pension Benefits $ 119,232 $ 80,359 $ 103,062 $ 72,257 $ 70,008 $ 291,879 Other Benefits 8,957 8,372 7,918 7,569 7,303 32,483

STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS (Table

STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Schedule of Stock Compensation Costs	For the periods presented, compensation expense for all types of stock-based compensation programs and the related income tax benefit recognized were as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022 Pre-tax compensation expense $ 44,414 $ 81,021 $ 65,991 Related income tax benefit 5,418 11,910 9,635
Schedule of Activity Relating to the Grants of Stock Options	A summary of activity relating to grants of stock options for the year ended December 31, 2024 is as follows: Stock Options Shares Weighted-Average Weighted-Average Remaining Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding at beginning of the period 726,701 $105.67 3.3 years Granted 2,455 $192.49 Exercised (146,202) $102.02 Forfeited (1,555) $147.98 Expired (1,565) $147.98 Outstanding as of December 31, 2024 579,834 $106.73 2.7 years $ 36,872 Options exercisable as of December 31, 2024 566,004 $104.69 2.6 years $ 36,756
Schedule of Fair Value Estimated on the Grant Date and the Weighted Average Assumptions	The fair value was estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model and the following weighted-average assumptions: For the years ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022 Dividend yields 2.0 % 1.7 % 1.9 % Expected volatility 21.3 % 20.9 % 21.1 % Risk-free interest rates 4.3 % 4.1 % 1.9 % Expected term in years 6.3 6.3 6.3 • “Dividend yields” means the sum of dividends declared for the four most recent quarterly periods, divided by the average price of our Common Stock for the comparable periods; • “Expected volatility” means the historical volatility of our Common Stock over the expected term of each grant; • “Risk-free interest rates” means the U.S. Treasury yield curve rate in effect at the time of grant for periods within the contractual life of the stock option; and • “Expected term” means the period of time that stock options granted are expected to be outstanding based on historical data.
Schedule of Outstanding Stock Options	The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2024: Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Range of Exercise Prices Number Outstanding as of 12/31/24 Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years Weighted-Average Exercise Price Number Exercisable as of 12/31/24 Weighted-Average Exercise Price $60.68 - $99.90 337,308 2.6 $97.24 337,308 $97.24 $99.91 - $107.95 116,610 1.9 $107.68 116,610 $107.68 $107.96 - $240.90 125,916 3.7 $131.25 112,086 $124.00 $60.68 - $240.90 579,834 2.7 $106.73 566,004 $104.69
Schedule of Activity Relating to Grants of PSUs and RSUs	A summary of activity relating to grants of PSUs and RSUs for the period ended December 31, 2024 is as follows: Performance Stock Units and Restricted Stock Units Number of units Weighted-average grant date fair value for equity awards (per unit) Outstanding at beginning of year 1,039,691 $198.31 Granted 392,046 $194.43 Performance assumption change (1) (301,291) $210.95 Vested (506,293) $179.10 Forfeited (85,350) $210.01 Outstanding at end of year 538,803 $204.65 (1) Reflects the net number of PSUs above and below target levels based on the performance metrics.
Schedule of Information Pertaining to Fair Value of PSUs and RSUs Granted for Potential Future Distribution	The following table sets forth information about the fair value of the PSUs and RSUs granted for potential future distribution to employees and non-employee directors. In addition, the table provides assumptions used to determine the fair value of the market-based total shareholder return component using the Monte Carlo simulation model on the date of grant. For the years ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022 Units granted 392,046 341,374 313,285 Weighted-average fair value at date of grant $ 194.43 $ 241.41 $ 211.85 Monte Carlo simulation assumptions: Estimated values $ 84.13 $ 118.90 $ 100.41 Dividend yields 2.8 % 1.7 % 1.8 % Expected volatility 18.5 % 19.2 % 25.3 % • “Estimated values” means the fair value for the market-based total shareholder return component of each PSU at the date of grant using a Monte Carlo simulation model; • “Dividend yields” means the sum of dividends declared for the four most recently quarterly periods, divided by the average price of our Common Stock for the comparable periods; • “Expected volatility” means the historical volatility of our Common Stock over the expected term of each grant.

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Net Sales and Earnings by Segment	Our segment net sales and earnings were as follows: For the year ended December 31, 2024 North America Confectionery North America Salty Snacks International Total Net sales $ 9,118,590 $ 1,135,720 $ 947,953 $ 11,202,263 Cost of sales 4,984,764 719,850 642,634 SM&A expense 1,188,138 216,480 193,800 Total segment income $ 2,945,688 $ 199,390 $ 111,519 $ 3,256,597 Unallocated corporate expense (1) 701,266 Unallocated mark-to-market gains on commodity derivatives (460,437) Costs associated with business realignment activities (see Note 9 ) 117,536 Operating profit $ 2,898,232 Interest expense, net (see Note 4 ) 165,655 Other (income) expense, net (see Note 17 ) 258,641 Income before income taxes $ 2,473,936 For the year ended December 31, 2023 North America Confectionery North America Salty Snacks International Total Net sales $ 9,123,139 $ 1,092,689 $ 949,164 $ 11,164,992 Cost of sales 4,781,671 726,569 601,175 SM&A expense 1,224,424 207,787 199,730 Total segment income $ 3,117,044 $ 158,333 $ 148,259 $ 3,423,636 Unallocated corporate expense (1) 800,390 Unallocated mark-to-market losses on commodity derivatives 58,939 Costs associated with business realignment activities (see Note 9 ) 3,440 Operating profit $ 2,560,867 Interest expense, net (see Note 4 ) 151,785 Other (income) expense, net (see Note 17 ) 237,218 Income before income taxes $ 2,171,864 For the year ended December 31, 2022 North America Confectionery North America Salty Snacks International Total Net sales $ 8,536,480 $ 1,029,405 $ 853,409 $ 10,419,294 Cost of sales 4,573,435 704,589 560,258 SM&A expense 1,151,979 164,881 185,224 Total segment income $ 2,811,066 $ 159,935 $ 107,927 $ 3,078,928 Unallocated corporate expense (1) 735,542 Unallocated mark-to-market losses on commodity derivatives 78,182 Costs associated with business realignment activities (see Note 9 ) 4,417 Operating profit $ 2,260,787 Interest expense, net (see Note 4 ) 137,557 Other (income) expense, net (see Note 17 ) 206,159 Income before income taxes $ 1,917,071 (1) Includes centrally-managed (a) corporate functional costs relating to legal, treasury, finance, and human resources, (b) expenses associated with the oversight and administration of our global operations, including warehousing, distribution and manufacturing, information systems and global shared services, (c) non-cash stock-based compensation expense, (d) acquisition-related costs and (e) other gains or losses that are not integral to segment performance.
Schedule of Unallocated Mark-to-Market Losses (Gains) on Commodity Derivatives	Activity within the unallocated mark-to-market losses (gains) on commodity derivatives is as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022 Net (gains) losses on mark-to-market valuation of commodity derivative positions recognized in income $ (509,870) $ 53,085 $ (44,569) Net gains on commodity derivative positions reclassified from unallocated to segment income 49,433 5,854 122,751 Net (gains) losses on mark-to-market valuation of commodity derivative positions recognized in unallocated derivative losses (gains) $ (460,437) $ 58,939 $ 78,182
Schedule of Depreciation and Amortization Expense Included within Segment Income	Depreciation and amortization expense included within segment income presented above is as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022 North America Confectionery $ 259,502 $ 238,786 $ 228,399 North America Salty Snacks 86,446 85,566 68,600 International 24,793 23,699 23,148 Corporate 84,514 71,764 58,812 Total $ 455,255 $ 419,815 $ 378,959
Schedule of Segment Information by Geography	Additional information regarding our net sales and long-lived assets disaggregated by geographical region is as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022 Net sales: United States $ 9,771,343 $ 9,752,314 $ 9,121,166 Other 1,430,920 1,412,678 1,298,128 Total $ 11,202,263 $ 11,164,992 $ 10,419,294 Long-lived assets: United States $ 2,925,420 $ 2,732,787 $ 2,272,811 Other 533,433 576,891 496,891 Total $ 3,458,853 $ 3,309,678 $ 2,769,702

EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INT_2

EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTEREST (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of the Changes in the Outstanding Shares of Common Stock	Changes in the outstanding shares of Common Stock for the past three years were as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022 Shares issued 221,553,025 221,553,025 221,553,025 Treasury shares at beginning of year (17,160,099) (16,588,308) (15,444,011) Stock repurchases: Shares repurchased in the open market under pre-approved share repurchase programs (2,022,064) — — Milton Hershey School Trust repurchase — (1,000,000) (1,000,000) Shares repurchased in the open market to replace Treasury Stock issued for stock options and incentive compensation (483,033) (127,609) (824,701) Stock issuances: Shares issued for stock options and incentive compensation 495,240 555,818 680,404 Treasury shares at end of year (19,169,956) (17,160,099) (16,588,308) Net shares outstanding at end of year 202,383,069 204,392,926 204,964,717

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Purchase Obligations Covered by Purchase Agreements with Various Suppliers Future Maturity Schedule	As of December 31, 2024, we had entered into agreements for the purchase of raw materials with various suppliers. Subject to meeting our quality standards, the purchase obligations covered by these agreements were as follows as of December 31, 2024: in millions 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 Purchase obligations $ 1,143.4 $ 496.7 $ 13.9 $ 13.7 $ 13.7

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	We compute basic and diluted earnings per share based on the weighted-average number of shares of Common Stock and Class B common stock outstanding as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022 Common Stock Class B Common Stock Common Stock Class B Common Stock Common Stock Class B Common Stock Basic earnings per share: Numerator: Allocation of distributed earnings (cash dividends paid) $ 812,826 $ 271,975 $ 663,176 $ 225,895 $ 567,897 $ 207,133 Allocation of undistributed earnings 851,549 284,889 728,175 244,541 637,438 232,349 Total earnings—basic $ 1,664,375 $ 556,864 $ 1,391,351 $ 470,436 $ 1,205,335 $ 439,482 Denominator (shares in thousands): Total weighted-average shares—basic 148,349 54,614 149,499 55,239 146,713 58,822 Earnings Per Share—basic $ 11.22 $ 10.20 $ 9.31 $ 8.52 $ 8.22 $ 7.47 Diluted earnings per share: Numerator: Allocation of total earnings used in basic computation $ 1,664,375 $ 556,864 $ 1,391,351 $ 470,436 $ 1,205,335 $ 439,482 Reallocation of total earnings as a result of conversion of Class B common stock to Common stock 556,864 — 470,436 — 439,482 — Reallocation of undistributed earnings — (753) — (987) — (1,201) Total earnings—diluted $ 2,221,239 $ 556,111 $ 1,861,787 $ 469,449 $ 1,644,817 $ 438,281 Denominator (shares in thousands): Number of shares used in basic computation 148,349 54,614 149,499 55,239 146,713 58,822 Weighted-average effect of dilutive securities: Conversion of Class B common stock to Common shares outstanding 54,614 — 55,239 — 58,822 — Employee stock options 285 — 424 — 571 — Performance and restricted stock units 239 — 385 — 469 — Total weighted-average shares—diluted 203,487 54,614 205,547 55,239 206,575 58,822 Earnings Per Share—diluted $ 10.92 $ 10.18 $ 9.06 $ 8.50 $ 7.96 $ 7.45

OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSE, NET (Ta

OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSE, NET (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Schedule of Other (Income) Expense, Net	A summary of the components of other (income) expense, net is as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022 Write-down of equity investments in partnerships qualifying for historic and renewable energy tax credits (see Note 8 ) $ 243,311 $ 210,484 $ 188,286 Non-service cost components of net periodic benefit cost relating to pension and other post-retirement benefit plans (see Note 11 ) 17,389 28,010 18,466 Other (income) expense, net (2,059) (1,276) (593) Total $ 258,641 $ 237,218 $ 206,159

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET IN_2

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Supplemental Balance Sheet Information	Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases were as follows: Leases Classification 2024 2023 Assets Operating lease ROU assets Other non-current assets $ 337,739 $ 307,976 Finance lease ROU assets, at cost Property, plant and equipment, gross 87,999 89,335 Accumulated amortization Accumulated depreciation (25,515) (19,472) Finance lease ROU assets, net Property, plant and equipment, net 62,484 69,863 Total leased assets $ 400,223 $ 377,839 Liabilities Current Operating Accrued liabilities $ 40,636 $ 34,494 Finance Current portion of long-term debt 5,666 5,900 Non-current Operating Other long-term liabilities 304,767 277,089 Finance Long-term debt 68,136 70,485 Total lease liabilities $ 419,205 $ 387,968 December 31, 2024 2023 Inventories: Raw materials $ 477,592 $ 481,111 Goods in process 204,674 192,232 Finished goods 990,785 948,974 Inventories at FIFO 1,673,051 1,622,317 Adjustment to LIFO (418,957) (281,321) Total inventories $ 1,254,094 $ 1,340,996 Prepaid expenses and other: Prepaid expenses $ 269,792 $ 227,567 Other current assets 704,423 118,021 Total prepaid expenses and other $ 974,215 $ 345,588 Property, plant and equipment: Land $ 194,502 $ 180,751 Buildings 1,991,937 1,763,070 Machinery and equipment 4,147,530 3,861,006 Construction in progress 478,842 644,244 Property, plant and equipment, gross 6,812,811 6,449,071 Accumulated depreciation (3,353,958) (3,139,393) Property, plant and equipment, net $ 3,458,853 $ 3,309,678 Other non-current assets: Pension $ 41,298 $ 48,506 Capitalized software, net 367,087 360,205 Operating lease ROU assets 337,739 307,976 Investments in unconsolidated affiliates 212,928 207,177 Other non-current assets 152,815 137,563 Total other non-current assets $ 1,111,867 $ 1,061,427 The components of certain liability and stockholders’ equity accounts included within our Consolidated Balance Sheet accounts are as follows: December 31, 2024 2023 Accounts Payable: Accounts Payable—trade $ 807,918 $ 630,536 Supplier finance program obligations 215,122 149,261 Other 136,137 306,386 Total accounts payable $ 1,159,177 $ 1,086,183 Accrued liabilities: Payroll, compensation and benefits $ 226,774 $ 261,961 Advertising, promotion and product allowances 359,986 343,444 Operating lease liabilities 40,636 34,494 Other 179,945 227,916 Total accrued liabilities $ 807,341 $ 867,815 Other long-term liabilities: Post-retirement benefits liabilities $ 87,006 $ 90,718 Pension benefits liabilities 33,837 28,949 Operating lease liabilities 304,767 277,089 Other 262,649 263,917 Total other long-term liabilities $ 688,259 $ 660,673 Accumulated other comprehensive loss: Foreign currency translation adjustments $ (177,741) $ (87,706) Pension and post-retirement benefit plans, net of tax (122,098) (126,800) Cash flow hedges, net of tax (4,051) (15,572) Total accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (303,890) $ (230,078)

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_4

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024 segment country brandName
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Number of brand names | brandName	90
Number of countries in which products are marketed, sold and distributed (country) | country	70
Number of reportable segments (segment)	3
Number of operating segments (segment)	3

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_5

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - REVENUE RECOGNITION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Promotional costs, estimate deviation, percentage (less than)	3%	3%	3%
Unsettled accrued liabilities	$ 221,275	$ 194,032
Revenue from Contract with Customer Benchmark | Customer Concentration Risk | McLane Company, Inc.
Concentration risk, percentage	27%	28%	28%

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_6

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - SELLING, MARKETING AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Research and development costs	$ 55,798	$ 50,030	$ 46,943
Advertising expense	600,094	604,853	$ 517,677
Prepaid advertising expense	$ 1,351	$ 0

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_7

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE - TRADE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 40,487	$ 31,663
McLane Company, Inc. | Customer Concentration Risk | Accounts Receivable
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	23%

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_8

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - INVENTORIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Percentage of LIFO inventory	75%
LIFO inventory amount	$ 945,335	$ 741,040
Net impact of LIFO acquisitions and liquidations	$ 32,139	$ 0	$ 0

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_9

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Finance lease, right-of-use asset	$ 62,484	$ 69,863
Depreciation	$ 292,170	$ 265,604	$ 253,582
Machinery and Equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	3 years
Machinery and Equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	15 years
Building and Building Improvements | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	25 years
Building and Building Improvements | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	40 years

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOU_10

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - COMPUTER SOFTWARE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Capitalized Software [Line Items]
Capitalized software, net	$ 367,087	$ 360,205
Computer Software
Capitalized Software [Line Items]
Capitalized software, net	367,087	360,205
Capitalized computer software, accumulated amortization	$ 476,611	$ 395,410
Computer Software | Minimum
Capitalized Software [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	3 years
Computer Software | Maximum
Capitalized Software [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	7 years

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOU_11

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES ASSETS (Details)	Dec. 31, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Finite-Lived intangible assets, weighted-average amortization period	27 years

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOU_12

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - SUPPLIER FINANCE PROGRAM OBLIGATIONS (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2021 institution
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Supplier finance program, obligation, number of agreements entered with third-party financial institutions | institution			2
Supplier Finance Program, Obligation [Roll Forward]
Supplier finance program obligations outstanding at beginning of the year	$ 149,261	$ 105,293
Invoice amounts added during the year	860,250	585,872
Invoice amounts paid during the year	(794,389)	(541,904)
Supplier finance program obligations outstanding at end of the year	$ 215,122	$ 149,261

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS - SOUR ST

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS - SOUR STRIPS NARRATIVE (Details) - Sour Strips $ in Thousands	Nov. 08, 2024 USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Trademarks	$ 41,800
Customer relationships	$ 41,300
Trademarks
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Useful life	22 years
Customer Relationships | Minimum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Useful life	14 years
Customer Relationships | Maximum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Useful life	16 years

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS - WEAVER

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS - WEAVER POPCRON MANUFACTURING, INC NARRATIVE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill		$ 2,705,753	$ 2,696,050	$ 2,606,956
Weaver Popcorn Manufacturing, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Consideration transferred	$ 165,818
Goodwill	85,231
Property, plant and equipment, net	79,136
Other net assets acquired	$ 1,451

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSET_2

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS - SCHEDULE OF CHANGES IN CARRYING VALUE OF GOODWILL BY REPORTABLE SEGMENT (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, gross			$ 2,969,304
Accumulated impairment loss			(362,348)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	$ 2,696,050	$ 2,606,956
Acquired during the period	20,723	85,231
Foreign currency translation	(11,020)	3,863
Goodwill, ending balance	2,705,753	2,696,050
Operating Segments | North America Confectionery
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, gross			2,023,403
Accumulated impairment loss			(4,973)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	2,020,831	2,018,430
Acquired during the period	20,723	0
Foreign currency translation	(8,697)	2,401
Goodwill, ending balance	2,032,857	2,020,831
Operating Segments | North America Salty Snacks
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, gross			571,770
Accumulated impairment loss			0
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	657,001	571,770
Acquired during the period	0	85,231
Foreign currency translation	0	0
Goodwill, ending balance	657,001	657,001
Operating Segments | International
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, gross			374,131
Accumulated impairment loss			$ (357,375)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	18,218	16,756
Acquired during the period	0	0
Foreign currency translation	(2,323)	1,462
Goodwill, ending balance	$ 15,895	$ 18,218

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSET_3

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS - GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS NARRATIVE (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill, impairment loss	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Amortization of intangible assets	$ 84,640,000	$ 88,771,000	$ 79,690,000

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSET_4

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS - SCHEDULE OF GROSS CARRYING AMOUNT AND ACCUMULATED AMORTIZATION FOR EACH MAJOR CLASS OF INTANGIBLE ASSET (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	$ 2,281,332	$ 2,225,172
Finite-lived intangible assets, accumulated amortization	(441,807)	(381,462)
Total other intangible assets	1,873,866	1,879,229
Trademarks
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, excluding goodwill	34,341	35,519
Trademarks
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	1,721,159	1,703,029
Finite-lived intangible assets, accumulated amortization	(282,819)	(249,947)
Customer-related
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	552,594	513,910
Finite-lived intangible assets, accumulated amortization	(151,409)	(123,282)
Patents
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	7,579	8,233
Finite-lived intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$ (7,579)	$ (8,233)

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSET_5

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS - SCHEDULE OF AMORTIZATION EXPENSE, FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2024 USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2025	$ 82,221
2026	82,174
2027	81,081
2028	81,081
2029	$ 79,553

SHORT AND LONG-TERM DEBT - SHOR

SHORT AND LONG-TERM DEBT - SHORT-TERM DEBT NARRATIVE (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024 USD ($) period	Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Short-term debt, weighted average interest rate	4.80%	5.80%
Maximum amount of short term borrowing outstanding	$ 1,321,274,000	$ 859,773,000
Revolving Credit Facility | Line of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt instrument, covenant, pre-tax income from operations to consolidated interest expense, minimum	200%
Revolving Credit Facility | Foreign Line of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 391,279,000	$ 411,553,000
Line of Credit | Revolving Credit Facility | Line of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	1,350,000,000
Line of credit facility, accordion feature increase limit	$ 500,000,000
Debt, termination date, number of extension option | period	2
Debt, termination date, extension term	1 year

SHORT AND LONG-TERM DEBT - SCHE

SHORT AND LONG-TERM DEBT - SCHEDULE OF LONG-TERM DEBT (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Short-term debt	$ 1,306,976	$ 719,839
Short-term debt, weighted average interest rate	4.80%	5.80%
Commercial Paper
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Short-term debt	$ 1,145,612	$ 527,561
Short-term debt, weighted average interest rate	4.50%	5.40%
Revolving Credit Facility | Foreign Line of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Short-term foreign bank loans against the lines of credit	$ 161,364	$ 192,278

SHORT AND LONG-TERM DEBT - SC_2

SHORT AND LONG-TERM DEBT - SCHEDULE OF LONG-TERM DEBT INSTRUMENTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2024	Jul. 02, 2023	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Finance lease obligations			$ 73,802	$ 76,385
Net impact of interest rate swaps, debt issuance costs and unamortized debt discounts			(22,266)	(25,834)
Total long-term debt			$ 3,795,175	$ 4,094,190
Finance lease obligations, extensible enumeration			Total long-term debt	Total long-term debt
Less—current portion			$ 604,965	$ 305,058
Long-term debt			$ 3,190,210	$ 3,789,132
Proceeds from issuance of other long-term debt		$ 744,092
Corporate Debt Securities | 2.050% Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percentage	2.05%		2.05%	2.05%
Long-term debt			$ 0	$ 300,000
Repayments of debt	$ 300,000
Corporate Debt Securities | 0.900% Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percentage			0.90%	0.90%
Long-term debt			$ 300,000	$ 300,000
Corporate Debt Securities | 3.200% Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percentage			3.20%	3.20%
Long-term debt			$ 300,000	$ 300,000
Corporate Debt Securities | 2.300% Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percentage			2.30%	2.30%
Long-term debt			$ 500,000	$ 500,000
Corporate Debt Securities | 7.200% Debentures
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percentage			7.20%	7.20%
Long-term debt			$ 193,639	$ 193,639
Corporate Debt Securities | 4.250% Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percentage		4.25%	4.25%	4.25%
Long-term debt		$ 350,000	$ 350,000	$ 350,000
Corporate Debt Securities | 2.450% Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percentage			2.45%	2.45%
Long-term debt			$ 300,000	$ 300,000
Corporate Debt Securities | 1.700% Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percentage			1.70%	1.70%
Long-term debt			$ 350,000	$ 350,000
Corporate Debt Securities | 4.500% Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percentage		4.50%	4.50%	4.50%
Long-term debt		$ 400,000	$ 400,000	$ 400,000
Corporate Debt Securities | 3.375% Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percentage			3.375%	3.375%
Long-term debt			$ 300,000	$ 300,000
Corporate Debt Securities | 3.125% Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percentage			3.125%	3.125%
Long-term debt			$ 400,000	$ 400,000
Corporate Debt Securities | 2.650% Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percentage			2.65%	2.65%
Long-term debt			$ 350,000	$ 350,000

SHORT AND LONG-TERM DEBT - SC_3

SHORT AND LONG-TERM DEBT - SCHEDULE OF MATURITIES OF LONG-TERM DEBT (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2024 USD ($)
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2025	$ 600,000
2026	500,000
2027	193,639
2028	350,000
2029	300,000
Thereafter	$ 1,800,000

SHORT AND LONG-TERM DEBT - SC_4

SHORT AND LONG-TERM DEBT - SCHEDULE OF NET INTEREST EXPENSE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest expense	$ 194,240	$ 176,066	$ 148,226
Capitalized interest	(19,923)	(14,555)	(8,131)
Interest expense	174,317	161,511	140,095
Interest income	(8,662)	(9,726)	(2,538)
Interest expense, net	$ 165,655	$ 151,785	$ 137,557

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - NARRAT

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - NARRATIVE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Derivative [Line Items]
Cash flow hedge loss to be reclassified within twelve months	$ 4,088
Commodities futures and options | Non-designated Hedges
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount	$ 667,421	$ 94,917
Commodities futures and options | Non-designated Hedges | Minimum
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, term of contract	3 months
Commodities futures and options | Non-designated Hedges | Maximum
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, term of contract	24 months
Foreign exchange contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Minimum length of time, hedged in cash flow hedge	3 months
Maximum length of time, hedged in cash flow hedge	12 months
Foreign exchange contracts | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cash Flow Hedges
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount	$ 79,028	80,068
Foreign exchange contracts | Non-designated Hedges
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount	123,014	13,665
Deferred compensation derivatives
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount	$ 30,524	$ 22,867
Deferred compensation derivatives | Non-designated Hedges | Minimum
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, term of contract	3 months
Deferred compensation derivatives | Non-designated Hedges | Maximum
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, term of contract	12 months

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - SCHEDU

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - SCHEDULE OF THE CLASSIFICATION OF DERIVATIVE ASSETS AND LIABILITIES WITHIN THE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative asset	$ 523,845	$ 4,751
Derivative Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration]	Other non-current assets, Prepaid expenses and other	Other non-current assets, Prepaid expenses and other
Derivative liability	$ 22,401	$ 2,349
Derivative Liability, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration]	Accrued liabilities, Other long-term liabilities	Accrued liabilities, Other long-term liabilities
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cash Flow Hedges | Foreign exchange contracts
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative asset	$ 8,598	$ 1,219
Derivative liability	3,280	1,670
Non-designated Hedges
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative asset	515,247	3,532
Derivative liability	19,121	679
Non-designated Hedges | Foreign exchange contracts
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative asset	164	1,123
Derivative liability	4,800	0
Non-designated Hedges | Commodities futures and options
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative asset	514,623	66
Derivative liability	14,321	679
Gross derivative assets, included within derivative liabilities	533,115	29,881
Derivative liability, gross liabilities	32,998	30,493
Non-designated Hedges | Deferred compensation derivatives
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative asset	460	2,343
Derivative liability	$ 0	$ 0

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - SCHE_2

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - SCHEDULE OF THE EFFECT OF DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS ON THE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	$ 509,861	$ (47,855)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax	11,036	954	$ 2,056
Commodities futures and options
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	509,870	(53,085)
Foreign exchange contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	(4,781)	1,111
Interest rate swap agreements
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	0	0
Deferred compensation derivatives
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	4,772	4,119
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cash Flow Hedges
Derivative [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax	11,036	954
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	(3,931)	(10,866)
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Commodities futures and options | Cash Flow Hedges
Derivative [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax	0	0
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	0	0
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign exchange contracts | Cash Flow Hedges
Derivative [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax	11,036	(4,860)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	5,268	(1,150)
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate swap agreements | Cash Flow Hedges
Derivative [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax	0	5,814
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	(9,199)	(9,716)
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Deferred compensation derivatives | Cash Flow Hedges
Derivative [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax	0	0
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	$ 0	$ 0

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - FAIR

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS NARRATIVE (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Significant other unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Derivative [Line Items]
Fair Value, Net Asset (Liability)	$ 0	$ 0

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - SCHED

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - SCHEDULE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES MEASURED AT FAIR VALUE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative asset	$ 523,845	$ 4,751
Derivative liability	22,401	2,349
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Foreign exchange contracts
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative asset	8,761	2,342
Derivative liability	8,080	1,670
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Foreign exchange contracts | Quoted prices in active markets of identical assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative asset	0	0
Derivative liability	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Foreign exchange contracts | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative asset	8,761	2,342
Derivative liability	8,080	1,670
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Foreign exchange contracts | Significant other unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative asset	0	0
Derivative liability	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Deferred compensation derivatives
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative asset	460	2,343
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Deferred compensation derivatives | Quoted prices in active markets of identical assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative asset	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Deferred compensation derivatives | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative asset	460	2,343
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Deferred compensation derivatives | Significant other unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative asset	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Commodities futures and options
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative asset	514,623	66
Derivative liability	14,321	679
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Commodities futures and options | Quoted prices in active markets of identical assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative asset	514,623	66
Derivative liability	14,321	679
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Commodities futures and options | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative asset	0	0
Derivative liability	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Commodities futures and options | Significant other unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative asset	0	0
Derivative liability	$ 0	$ 0

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - SCH_2

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - SCHEDULE OF FAIR VALUES AND CARRYING VALUES OF LONG-TERM DEBT (Details) - Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Current portion of long-term debt, fair value	$ 597,547	$ 297,842
Long-term debt, fair value	2,734,322	3,413,411
Total long-term debt, fair value	3,331,869	3,711,253
Current portion of long-term debt	604,965	305,058
Long-term portion	3,190,210	3,789,132
Long-term Debt	$ 3,795,175	$ 4,094,190

LEASES - SCHEDULE OF COMPONENTS

LEASES - SCHEDULE OF COMPONENTS OF LEASE EXPENSE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease cost	$ 53,141	$ 48,577
Amortization of ROU assets, Finance lease cost	9,017	8,140
Interest on lease liabilities, Finance lease cost	4,702	4,593
Net lease cost	$ 66,860	$ 61,310

LEASES - SCHEDULE OF INFORMATIO

LEASES - SCHEDULE OF INFORMATION REGARDING OUR LEASE TERMS AND DISCOUNT RATES (Details)	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Leases [Abstract]
Operating leases, Weighted-average remaining lease term	12 years 4 months 24 days	14 years 4 months 24 days
Finance leases, Weighted-average remaining lease term	25 years 10 months 24 days	25 years 10 months 24 days
Operating leases, Weighted-average remaining discount rate	3.70%	3.50%
Finance leases, Weighted-average remaining discount rate	6.30%	6.20%

LEASES - SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE S

LEASES - SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION RELATED TO LEASES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease ROU assets	$ 337,739	$ 307,976
Operating lease, ROU assets, extensible enumeration	Other non-current assets	Other non-current assets
Finance lease ROU assets, at cost	$ 87,999	$ 89,335
Accumulated amortization	(25,515)	(19,472)
Finance lease ROU assets, net	$ 62,484	$ 69,863
Finance lease ROU asset, net, extensible enumeration	Property, plant and equipment, net	Property, plant and equipment, net
Total leased assets	$ 400,223	$ 377,839
Operating lease liabilities, current	$ 40,636	$ 34,494
Operating lease liabilities, current, extensible enumeration	Accrued liabilities	Accrued liabilities
Finance lease liabilities, current	$ 5,666	$ 5,900
Finance lease liabilities, current, extensible enumeration	Current portion of long-term debt	Current portion of long-term debt
Operating lease liabilities, non-current	$ 304,767	$ 277,089
Operating lease liabilities, non-current, extensible enumeration	Other long-term liabilities	Other long-term liabilities
Finance lease liabilities, non-current	$ 68,136	$ 70,485
Finance lease liabilities, non-current, extensible Enumeration	Long-term debt	Long-term debt
Total leased liabilities	$ 419,205	$ 387,968

LEASES - SCHEDULE OF MATURITIES

LEASES - SCHEDULE OF MATURITIES OF LEASE LIABILITIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Leases [Abstract]
2025	$ 62,508
2026	55,747
2027	51,307
2028	33,339
2029	29,606
Thereafter	358,916
Total lease payments	591,423
Less: Imputed interest	172,218
Total lease liabilities	419,205
Operating leases
2025	52,557
2026	48,923
2027	46,511
2028	28,973
2029	25,375
Thereafter	225,278
Total lease payments	427,617
Less: Imputed interest	82,214
Total operating lease liabilities	345,403
Finance leases
2025	9,951
2026	6,824
2027	4,796
2028	4,366
2029	4,231
Thereafter	133,638
Total lease payments	163,806
Less: Imputed interest	90,004
Total finance lease liabilities	$ 73,802	$ 76,385

LEASES - SCHEDULE OF SUPPLEMENT

LEASES - SCHEDULE OF SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION RELATED TO LEASES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Leases [Abstract]
Operating cash flows from operating leases	$ 48,757	$ 45,176
Operating cash flows from finance leases	4,702	4,593
Financing cash flows from finance leases	6,507	5,381
Operating leases	71,804	18,469
Finance leases	$ 3,875	$ 7,448

INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED_2

INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	$ 212,928	$ 207,177
Other Noncurrent Assets
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	$ 212,928	$ 207,177

BUSINESS REALIGNMENT ACTIVITI_3

BUSINESS REALIGNMENT ACTIVITIES - BUSINESS REALIGNMENT ACTIVITIES NARRATIVE (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024 USD ($) position	Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($)	Feb. 02, 2024 USD ($)
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Business realignment costs	$ 117,536	$ 3,440	$ 4,417
Employee severance and related separation benefits
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Business realignment costs	29,035
Advancing Agility & Automation Initiative
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, cost incurred to date	117,536
Advancing Agility & Automation Initiative | Employee severance and related separation benefits
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Business realignment costs	29,035	0	0
International Optimization Program
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, cost incurred to date	$ 53,799
International Optimization Program | Other
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected number of positions eliminated | position	350
International Optimization Program | Employee severance and related separation benefits
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Business realignment costs	$ 0	$ 441	$ 2,001
Minimum | Advancing Agility & Automation Initiative
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost				$ 200,000
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost, cash portion				175,000
Minimum | Advancing Agility & Automation Initiative | Program office execution and third-party costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost				100,000
Minimum | Advancing Agility & Automation Initiative | Technology capability costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost				55,000
Minimum | Advancing Agility & Automation Initiative | Employee severance and related separation benefits
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost				45,000
Minimum | International Optimization Program
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost	50,000
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost, cash portion	40,000
Maximum | Advancing Agility & Automation Initiative
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost				250,000
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost, cash portion				225,000
Restructuring and related cost, expected savings				300,000
Maximum | Advancing Agility & Automation Initiative | Program office execution and third-party costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost				120,000
Maximum | Advancing Agility & Automation Initiative | Technology capability costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost				70,000
Maximum | Advancing Agility & Automation Initiative | Employee severance and related separation benefits
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost				$ 60,000
Maximum | International Optimization Program
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost	75,000
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost, cash portion	$ 65,000

BUSINESS REALIGNMENT ACTIVITI_4

BUSINESS REALIGNMENT ACTIVITIES - SCHEDULE OF BUSINESS REALIGNMENT ACTIVITY (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Business realignment costs	$ 117,536	$ 3,440	$ 4,417
Business realignment costs, extensible enumeration	Cost of sales, Selling, marketing and administrative expense, Business realignment costs	Cost of sales, Selling, marketing and administrative expense, Business realignment costs	Cost of sales, Selling, marketing and administrative expense, Business realignment costs
Severance and employee benefit costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Business realignment costs	$ 29,035
Severance and employee benefit costs | Advancing Agility & Automation Initiative
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Business realignment costs	29,035	$ 0	$ 0
Severance and employee benefit costs | International Optimization Program
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Business realignment costs	0	441	2,001
Other program costs | Advancing Agility & Automation Initiative
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Business realignment costs	88,501	0	0
Other program costs | International Optimization Program
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Business realignment costs	0	2,999	2,416
Cost of sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Business realignment costs	$ 12,168	$ 527	$ 3
Business realignment costs, extensible enumeration	Cost of sales	Cost of sales	Cost of sales
Selling, marketing and administrative
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Business realignment costs	$ 76,333	$ 2,472	$ 2,425
Business realignment costs, extensible enumeration	Selling, marketing and administrative expense	Selling, marketing and administrative expense	Selling, marketing and administrative expense
Business realignment charges
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Business realignment costs	$ 29,035	$ 441	$ 1,989
Business realignment costs, extensible enumeration	Business realignment costs	Business realignment costs	Business realignment costs

BUSINESS REALIGNMENT ACTIVITI_5

BUSINESS REALIGNMENT ACTIVITIES - SCHEDULE OF LIABILITY ACTIVITIY FOR COSTS QUALIFYING AS EXIT AND DISPOSAL COSTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Liability balance at December 31, 2023	$ 0
Business realignment costs	117,536	$ 3,440	$ 4,417
Cash payments	(18,618)
Liability balance at December 31, 2024	10,417	$ 0
Employee-related charges
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Business realignment costs	$ 29,035

INCOME TAXES - SCHEDULE OF INCO

INCOME TAXES - SCHEDULE OF INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Domestic	$ 1,796,428	$ 1,832,771	$ 1,816,622
Foreign	677,508	339,093	100,449
Income before income taxes	$ 2,473,936	$ 2,171,864	$ 1,917,071

INCOME TAXES - SCHEDULE OF COMP

INCOME TAXES - SCHEDULE OF COMPONENTS OF INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Current:
Federal	$ 23,345	$ 141,753	$ 121,968
State	85,746	83,802	85,741
Foreign	70,371	68,289	27,656
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total	179,462	293,844	235,365
Deferred:
Federal	21,223	28,191	34,848
State	3,616	(9,531)	3,393
Foreign	48,396	(2,427)	(1,352)
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total	73,235	16,233	36,889
Total provision for income taxes	$ 252,697	$ 310,077	$ 272,254

INCOME TAXES - SCHEDULE OF DEFE

INCOME TAXES - SCHEDULE OF DEFERRED TAX ASSET AND LIABILITIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Deferred tax assets:
Post-retirement benefit obligations	$ 23,503	$ 24,969
Accrued expenses and other reserves	83,263	85,601
Stock-based compensation	16,656	21,656
Derivative instruments	0	12,268
Lease liabilities	98,915	90,405
Accrued trade promotion reserves	18,706	18,796
Net operating loss carryforwards	98,159	110,342
Capital loss carryforwards	8,002	0
Other	87,525	83,011
Gross deferred tax assets	434,729	447,048
Valuation allowance	(117,239)	(114,149)
Total deferred tax assets	317,490	332,899
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment, net	295,911	271,465
Acquired intangibles	254,884	228,711
Lease ROU assets	78,852	71,150
Inventories	10,736	13,250
Derivative instruments	37,558	0
Pension	8,440	10,001
Other	18,287	39,566
Total deferred tax liabilities	704,668	634,143
Net deferred tax liabilities	(387,178)	(301,244)
Included in:
Non-current deferred tax assets, net	37,065	44,454
Non-current deferred tax liabilities, net	$ (424,243)	$ (345,698)

INCOME TAXES - SCHEDULE OF EFFE

INCOME TAXES - SCHEDULE OF EFFECTIVE INCOME TAX RATE RECONCILIATION (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Federal statutory income tax rate	21%	21%	21%
State income taxes, net of Federal income tax benefits	2.40%	2.80%	3.20%
Foreign rate differences	(1.20%)	(1.00%)	(0.10%)
Historic and solar tax credits	(9.40%)	(9.50%)	(9.90%)
Tax contingencies	(1.60%)	1.10%	0.40%
Stock compensation	(0.20%)	(0.50%)	(0.70%)
Other, net	(0.80%)	0.40%	0.30%
Effective income tax rate	10.20%	14.30%	14.20%

INCOME TAXES - SCHEDULE OF UNRE

INCOME TAXES - SCHEDULE OF UNRECOGNIZED TAX BENEFITS ROLL FORWARD (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 149,625	$ 148,345
Additions for tax positions taken during prior years	7,207	11,567
Reductions for tax positions taken during prior years	(4,913)	(26)
Additions for tax positions taken during the current year	9,339	6,194
Settlements	(201)	(9,838)
Expiration of statutes of limitations	(43,479)	(6,617)
Balance at end of year	$ 117,578	$ 149,625

INCOME TAXES - INCOME TAXES NAR

INCOME TAXES - INCOME TAXES NARRATIVE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Amount of unrecognized tax benefits that if recognized would affect the effective tax rate	$ 88,230	$ 122,706
Net tax expense (benefit) for interest and penalties	(7,068)	12,027	$ 4,862
Accrued net interest and penalties	30,286	37,355
Expected reduction in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits within the next 12 months	5,462
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries	1,100,000
Investment tax credits and related tax depreciation benefits	300,597	251,827	228,819
Write-down of equity investments	243,311	210,484	188,286
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) | Partnerships Qualifying For Tax Credits
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Write-down of equity investments	$ 243,311	$ 210,484	$ 188,286

PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIRE_3

PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS - PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS NARRATIVE (Details) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2023 USD ($)	Oct. 01, 2023 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2024 USD ($) post-retirementPlan	Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2033	Dec. 31, 2030
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of defined benefit other post-retirement plans and defined contribution other post-retirement plans | post-retirementPlan			2
Accumulated benefit obligation			$ 753,886	$ 789,257
Expense			74,094	67,763	$ 61,477
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, benefit obligation, actuarial gain			$ 5,337	$ (23,187)
Discount rate			5.50%	5.10%
Employer contributions			$ 3,566	$ 6,576
Minimum future employer contributions in next fiscal year			1,936
Benefits paid			22,341	23,967
Settlement			(14,894)	(15,254)	(20,692)
Other Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, benefit obligation, actuarial gain			$ (4,845)	$ (38,789)
Discount rate			5.70%	5.20%
Health care cost trend rate assumed, next fiscal year			6.90%	6.40%
Employer contributions			$ 12,033	$ 21,006
Benefits paid			12,033	21,006
Settlement			$ 0	$ (926)	$ 0
Other Benefits  | The Hershey Company Retiree Medical and Life Insurance Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefits paid	$ 88,689
Settlement		$ (926)
Other Benefits  | Scenario, Forecast
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Ultimate health care cost trend rate						4.90%	5%

PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIRE_4

PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS - SCHEDULE OF DEFINED BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS, PLAN ASSETS AND FUNDED STATUS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
Other assets	$ 41,298	$ 48,506
Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax:
Net amounts recognized in AOCI	122,098	126,800
Pension Benefits
Change in benefit obligation
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	822,035	830,285
Service cost	15,323	14,991	$ 17,500
Interest cost	38,675	41,205	30,491
Actuarial (gain) loss	(5,337)	23,187
Curtailment	0	0
Settlement	(64,665)	(66,132)
Currency translation and other	(5,008)	2,466
Benefits paid	(22,341)	(23,967)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	778,682	822,035	830,285
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	836,843	848,432
Actual return on plan assets	30,626	70,096
Employer contributions	3,566	6,576
Settlement	(64,665)	(66,132)
Annuity purchase	0	0
Currency translation and other	(4,052)	1,838
Benefits paid	(22,341)	(23,967)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	779,977	836,843	848,432
Funded status at end of year	1,295	14,808
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
Other assets	41,298	48,506
Accrued liabilities	(6,166)	(4,749)
Other long-term liabilities	(33,837)	(28,949)
Total	1,295	14,808
Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax:
Actuarial net (loss) gain	(117,030)	(129,184)
Net prior service credit	4,631	8,561
Net amounts recognized in AOCI	(112,399)	(120,623)
Other Benefits
Change in benefit obligation
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	100,311	164,889
Service cost	131	221	302
Interest cost	4,852	7,171	4,603
Actuarial (gain) loss	4,845	38,789
Curtailment	0	(740)
Settlement	0	(88,689)
Currency translation and other	(2,143)	(324)
Benefits paid	(12,033)	(21,006)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	95,963	100,311	164,889
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0	0
Actual return on plan assets	0	0
Employer contributions	12,033	21,006
Settlement	0	(88,689)
Annuity purchase	0	88,689
Currency translation and other	0	0
Benefits paid	(12,033)	(21,006)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0	$ 0
Funded status at end of year	(95,963)	(100,311)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
Other assets	0	0
Accrued liabilities	(8,957)	(9,593)
Other long-term liabilities	(87,006)	(90,718)
Total	(95,963)	(100,311)
Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax:
Actuarial net (loss) gain	(10,903)	(7,704)
Net prior service credit	1,205	527
Net amounts recognized in AOCI	$ (9,698)	$ (7,177)

PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIRE_5

PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS - SCHEDULE OF ACCUMULATED BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS IN EXCESS OF PLAN ASSETS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Projected benefit obligation	$ 46,812	$ 40,278
Accumulated benefit obligation	41,853	33,812
Fair value of plan assets	$ 7,138	$ 6,695

PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIRE_6

PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS - SCHEDULE OF PROJECTED BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS IN EXCESS OF PLAN ASSETS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Projected benefit obligation	$ 49,539	$ 84,416
Accumulated benefit obligation	42,897	71,046
Fair value of plan assets	$ 9,536	$ 50,718

PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIRE_7

PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS - SCHEDULE OF COMPONENTS OF NET PERIODIC BENEFIT COST (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Pension Benefits
Amounts recognized in net periodic benefit cost
Service cost	$ 15,323	$ 14,991	$ 17,500
Interest cost	38,675	41,205	30,491
Expected return on plan assets	(51,193)	(48,978)	(47,637)
Amortization of prior service credit	(5,493)	(5,658)	(5,651)
Amortization of net (gain) loss	15,248	19,846	16,060
Curtailment credit	0	0	0
Settlement loss	14,894	15,254	20,692
Total net periodic benefit cost	27,454	36,660	31,455
Change in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in AOCI, pre-tax
Actuarial net (gain) loss	(15,513)	(32,720)	22,609
Prior service cost (credit)	5,436	5,670	5,601
Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss, pre-tax	(10,077)	(27,050)	28,210
Net amounts recognized in periodic benefit cost and AOCI	17,377	9,610	59,665
Other Benefits
Amounts recognized in net periodic benefit cost
Service cost	131	221	302
Interest cost	4,852	7,171	4,603
Expected return on plan assets	0	0	0
Amortization of prior service credit	(151)	(50)	0
Amortization of net (gain) loss	557	(966)	(92)
Curtailment credit	0	(740)	0
Settlement loss	0	926	0
Total net periodic benefit cost	5,389	6,562	4,813
Change in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in AOCI, pre-tax
Actuarial net (gain) loss	4,609	38,698	(26,212)
Prior service cost (credit)	(963)	(736)	0
Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss, pre-tax	3,646	37,962	(26,212)
Net amounts recognized in periodic benefit cost and AOCI	$ 9,035	$ 44,524	$ (21,399)

PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIRE_8

PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS - SCHEDULE OF WEIGHTED AVERAGE ASSUMPTIONS USED IN COMPUTING BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS (Details)	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Interest crediting rate	4.60%	4.80%
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	5.50%	5.10%
Rate of increase in compensation levels	3.60%	3.60%
Other Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	5.70%	5.20%
Rate of increase in compensation levels	4%	4%

PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIRE_9

PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS - SCHEDULE OF WEIGHTED AVERAGE ASSUMPTIONS USED IN COMPUTING NET PERIODIC BENEFIT COST (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	5.10%	5.50%	2.70%
Expected long-term return on plan assets	6.60%	6.20%	4.90%
Rate of compensation increase	3.60%	3.40%	3.50%
Other Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	5.20%	5.50%	2.90%

PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIR_10

PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS - SCHEDULE OF PLAN ASSETS ACROSS ASSET CLASSES (Details) - Domestic Plans	Dec. 31, 2024
Cash
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Asset Allocation	1%
Equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Asset Allocation	27%
Fixed income securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Asset Allocation	48%
Alternative investments, including real estate, listed infrastructure and other
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Asset Allocation	24%

PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIR_11

PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS - SCHEDULE OF PENSION PLAN ASSETS WITHIN THE FAIR VALUE HIERARCHY (Details) - Pension Benefits  - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	$ 779,977	$ 836,843	$ 848,432
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	779,977	836,843
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Quoted prices in active markets of identical assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	981	909
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	32,404	42,202
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant other unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Investments Using NAV as a Practical Expedient
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	746,592	793,732
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	33,983	43,711
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Cash and cash equivalents | Quoted prices in active markets of identical assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	981	909
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Cash and cash equivalents | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	32,404	42,202
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Cash and cash equivalents | Significant other unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Cash and cash equivalents | Investments Using NAV as a Practical Expedient
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	598	600
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | International all-cap
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	483	395
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | International all-cap | Quoted prices in active markets of identical assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | International all-cap | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | International all-cap | Significant other unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | International all-cap | Investments Using NAV as a Practical Expedient
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	483	395
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Global all-cap
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	204,421	209,245
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Global all-cap | Quoted prices in active markets of identical assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Global all-cap | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Global all-cap | Significant other unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Global all-cap | Investments Using NAV as a Practical Expedient
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	204,421	209,245
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | U.S. government/agency
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	156,146	186,095
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | U.S. government/agency | Quoted prices in active markets of identical assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | U.S. government/agency | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | U.S. government/agency | Significant other unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | U.S. government/agency | Investments Using NAV as a Practical Expedient
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	156,146	186,095
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Corporate bonds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	59,602	60,293
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Corporate bonds | Quoted prices in active markets of identical assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Corporate bonds | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Corporate bonds | Significant other unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Corporate bonds | Investments Using NAV as a Practical Expedient
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	59,602	60,293
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | International government/corporate bonds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	27,303	29,254
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | International government/corporate bonds | Quoted prices in active markets of identical assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | International government/corporate bonds | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | International government/corporate bonds | Significant other unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | International government/corporate bonds | Investments Using NAV as a Practical Expedient
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	27,303	29,254
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Diversified credit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	120,259	123,081
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Diversified credit | Quoted prices in active markets of identical assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Diversified credit | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Diversified credit | Significant other unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Diversified credit | Investments Using NAV as a Practical Expedient
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	120,259	123,081
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Global diversified assets
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	63,497	68,856
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Global diversified assets | Quoted prices in active markets of identical assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Global diversified assets | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Global diversified assets | Significant other unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Global diversified assets | Investments Using NAV as a Practical Expedient
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	63,497	68,856
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Real assets fund
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	114,283	115,913
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Real assets fund | Quoted prices in active markets of identical assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Real assets fund | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Real assets fund | Significant other unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Real assets fund | Investments Using NAV as a Practical Expedient
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	$ 114,283	$ 115,913

PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIR_12

PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS - SCHEDULE OF EXPECTED BENEFIT PAYMENTS TO BE PAID (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2024 USD ($)
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2025	$ 119,232
2026	80,359
2027	103,062
2028	72,257
2029	70,008
2030-2034	291,879
Other Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2025	8,957
2026	8,372
2027	7,918
2028	7,569
2029	7,303
2030-2034	$ 32,483

STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS - STOC

STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS - STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS NARRATIVE (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, number of shares authorized (shares)	68,500,000
Employee service share-based compensation, nonvested awards, compensation cost not yet recognized	$ 53,368
Employee service share-based compensation, nonvested awards, compensation cost not yet recognized, period for recognition	1 year 8 months 12 days
Intrinsic value of share-based liabilities paid, combined with the fair value of shares vested	$ 96,946	$ 106,243	$ 105,668
Deferred performance stock units, deferred restricted stock units, and directors' fees and accumulated dividend amounts representing deferred stock units outstanding (shares)	249,411
Employee stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee service share-based compensation, nonvested awards, compensation cost not yet recognized, period for recognition	9 months 18 days
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, expiration period	10 years
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, award vesting period	4 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 45.95	$ 57.65	$ 37.28
Intrinsic value of options exercised	$ 14,018	$ 35,474	$ 40,882
Employee service share-based compensation, nonvested awards, compensation not yet recognized, stock options	$ 545
Performance stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee service share-based compensation, nonvested awards, compensation cost not yet recognized, period for recognition	3 years
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, award vesting period	3 years
Performance stock units | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share based compensation arrangement, by share based payment award, equity instruments other than options, performance score, percentage	0%
Performance stock units | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share based compensation arrangement, by share based payment award, equity instruments other than options, performance score, percentage	250%
Performance stock units and restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock, conversion basis (shares)	1

STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS - SCHE

STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS - SCHEDULE OF COMPENSATION EXPENSE AND INCOME TAX BENEFITS FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PROGRAMS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Pre-tax compensation expense	$ 44,414	$ 81,021	$ 65,991
Related income tax benefit	$ 5,418	$ 11,910	$ 9,635

STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS - SC_2

STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS - SCHEDULE OF STOCK OPTION ACTIVITY (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Outstanding shares at beginning of period (shares)	726,701
Granted (shares)	2,455
Exercised (shares)	(146,202)
Forfeited (shares)	(1,555)
Expired (shares)	(1,565)
Outstanding shares at end of period (shares)	579,834	726,701
Options exercisable (shares)	566,004
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Outstanding (USD per share)	$ 105.67
Granted (USD per share)	192.49
Exercises (USD per share)	102.02
Forfeited (USD per share)	147.98
Expired (USD per share)	147.98
Outstanding (USD per share)	106.73	$ 105.67
Options exercisable (USD per share)	$ 104.69
Options outstanding, weighted-average remaining contractual term	2 years 8 months 12 days	3 years 3 months 18 days
Options exercisable, weighted aver remaining contractual term	2 years 7 months 6 days
Aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding	$ 36,872
Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercisable	$ 36,756

STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS - SC_3

STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS - SCHEDULE OF FAIR VALUE WEIGHTED-AVERAGE ASSUMPTIONS (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Dividend yields	2%	1.70%	1.90%
Expected volatility	21.30%	20.90%	21.10%
Risk-free interest rates	4.30%	4.10%	1.90%
Expected term in years	6 years 3 months 18 days	6 years 3 months 18 days	6 years 3 months 18 days

STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS - SC_4

STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS - SCHEDULE OF STOCK OPTION INFORMATION BY EXERCISE PRICE RANGE (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024 $ / shares shares
$60.68 - $99.90
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit (USD per share)	$ 60.68
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit (USD per share)	$ 99.90
Number Outstanding (shares) | shares	337,308
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years	2 years 7 months 6 days
Weighted- Average Exercise Price (USD per share)	$ 97.24
Number Exercisable (shares) | shares	337,308
Weighted- Average Exercise Price (USD per share)	$ 97.24
$99.91 - $107.95
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit (USD per share)	99.91
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit (USD per share)	$ 107.95
Number Outstanding (shares) | shares	116,610
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years	1 year 10 months 24 days
Weighted- Average Exercise Price (USD per share)	$ 107.68
Number Exercisable (shares) | shares	116,610
Weighted- Average Exercise Price (USD per share)	$ 107.68
$107.96 - $240.90
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit (USD per share)	107.96
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit (USD per share)	$ 240.90
Number Outstanding (shares) | shares	125,916
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years	3 years 8 months 12 days
Weighted- Average Exercise Price (USD per share)	$ 131.25
Number Exercisable (shares) | shares	112,086
Weighted- Average Exercise Price (USD per share)	$ 124
$60.68 - $240.90
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit (USD per share)	60.68
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit (USD per share)	$ 240.90
Number Outstanding (shares) | shares	579,834
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years	2 years 8 months 12 days
Weighted- Average Exercise Price (USD per share)	$ 106.73
Number Exercisable (shares) | shares	566,004
Weighted- Average Exercise Price (USD per share)	$ 104.69

STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS - SC_5

STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS - SCHEDULE OF PSUs AND RSUs ACTIVITY (Details) - Performance and restricted stock units - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at beginning of year (shares)	1,039,691
Granted (shares)	392,046	341,374	313,285
Performance assumption change (shares)	(301,291)
Vested (shares)	(506,293)
Forfeited (shares)	(85,350)
Outstanding at end of year (shares)	538,803	1,039,691
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Outstanding at beginning of year (USD per share)	$ 198.31
Weighted-average fair value at date of grant (USD per share)	194.43	$ 241.41	$ 211.85
Performance assumption change (USD per share)	210.95
Vested (USD per share)	179.10
Forfeited (USD per share)	210.01
Outstanding at end of year (USD per share)	$ 204.65	$ 198.31

STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS - SC_6

STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS - SCHEDULE OF PSUs AND RSUS FAIR VALUE WEIGHTED-AVERAGE ASSUMPTIONS (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Jun. 28, 2024
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Estimated values (USD per share)				$ 183.83
Dividend yields	2%	1.70%	1.90%
Performance and restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Units granted (shares)	392,046	341,374	313,285
Weighted-average fair value at date of grant (USD per share)	$ 194.43	$ 241.41	$ 211.85
Estimated values (USD per share)	$ 84.13	$ 118.90	$ 100.41
Dividend yields	2.80%	1.70%	1.80%
Expected volatility	18.50%	19.20%	25.30%

SEGMENT INFORMATION - NARRATIVE

SEGMENT INFORMATION - NARRATIVE (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2025 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2024 USD ($) segment	Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($)
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Number of operating segments (segment) | segment		3
Operating Segments | Commodities futures and options
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Net pre-tax gains on commodity derivatives		$ (49,433)	$ (5,854)	$ (122,751)
Scenario, Forecast | Operating Segments | Commodities futures and options
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Net pre-tax gains on commodity derivatives	$ (143,779)
Cost of sales | Commodities futures and options
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Cumulative amount of mark-to-market gains on commodity derivatives		$ 410,230

SEGMENT INFORMATION - SCHEDULE

SEGMENT INFORMATION - SCHEDULE OF NET SALES AND EARNINGS BY SEGMENT (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 11,202,263	$ 11,164,992	$ 10,419,294
Cost of sales	5,901,375	6,167,176	5,920,509
Selling, marketing and administrative expense	2,373,621	2,436,508	2,236,009
Operating profit	$ 2,898,232	$ 2,560,867	$ 2,260,787
Unallocated mark-to-market losses on commodity derivatives, extensible enumeration, not disclosed	Unallocated mark-to-market gains on commodity derivatives	Unallocated mark-to-market losses on commodity derivatives	Unallocated mark-to-market losses on commodity derivatives
Costs associated with business realignment activities (see Note 9)	$ 117,536	$ 3,440	$ 4,417
Interest expense, net	165,655	151,785	137,557
Other (income) expense, net	258,641	237,218	206,159
Income before income taxes	2,473,936	2,171,864	1,917,071
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating profit	3,256,597	3,423,636	3,078,928
Operating Segments | North America Confectionery
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	9,118,590	9,123,139	8,536,480
Cost of sales	4,984,764	4,781,671	4,573,435
Selling, marketing and administrative expense	1,188,138	1,224,424	1,151,979
Operating profit	2,945,688	3,117,044	2,811,066
Operating Segments | North America Salty Snacks
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	1,135,720	1,092,689	1,029,405
Cost of sales	719,850	726,569	704,589
Selling, marketing and administrative expense	216,480	207,787	164,881
Operating profit	199,390	158,333	159,935
Operating Segments | International
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	947,953	949,164	853,409
Cost of sales	642,634	601,175	560,258
Selling, marketing and administrative expense	193,800	199,730	185,224
Operating profit	111,519	148,259	107,927
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Unallocated corporate expense	701,266	800,390	735,542
Excluding Corporate Nonsegment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Unallocated mark-to-market gains (losses) on commodity derivatives	(460,437)	58,939	78,182
Costs associated with business realignment activities (see Note 9)	$ 117,536	$ 3,440	$ 4,417

SEGMENT INFORMATION - SCHEDUL_2

SEGMENT INFORMATION - SCHEDULE OF UNALLOCATED MARK-TO-MARKET (GAINS) LOSSES ON COMMODITY DERIVATIVES (Details) - Commodities futures and options - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net (gains) losses on mark-to-market valuation of commodity derivative positions recognized in unallocated derivative losses (gains)	$ (460,437)	$ 58,939	$ 78,182
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net gains on commodity derivative positions reclassified from unallocated to segment income	49,433	5,854	122,751
Non-designated Hedges
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net (gains) losses on mark-to-market valuation of commodity derivative positions recognized in income	$ (509,870)	$ 53,085	$ (44,569)

SEGMENT INFORMATION - SCHEDUL_3

SEGMENT INFORMATION - SCHEDULE OF DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE INCLUDED WITHIN SEGMENT INCOME (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	$ 455,255	$ 419,815	$ 378,959
Operating Segments | North America Confectionery
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	259,502	238,786	228,399
Operating Segments | North America Salty Snacks
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	86,446	85,566	68,600
Operating Segments | International
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	24,793	23,699	23,148
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	$ 84,514	$ 71,764	$ 58,812

SEGMENT INFORMATION - SCHEDUL_4

SEGMENT INFORMATION - SCHEDULE OF SEGMENT INFORMATION BY GEOGRAPHY (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 11,202,263	$ 11,164,992	$ 10,419,294
Long-lived assets	3,458,853	3,309,678	2,769,702
United States
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	9,771,343	9,752,314	9,121,166
Long-lived assets	2,925,420	2,732,787	2,272,811
Other
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	1,430,920	1,412,678	1,298,128
Long-lived assets	$ 533,433	$ 576,891	$ 496,891

EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INT_3

EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTEREST - EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTEREST NARRATIVE (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands			12 Months Ended
	Feb. 13, 2023 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Feb. 14, 2022 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2024 USD ($) vote $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($) shares	Dec. 31, 2022 shares	Dec. 04, 2023 USD ($)	May 31, 2021 USD ($)	Jul. 24, 2018 USD ($)
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common and preferred shares authorized (shares)			1,055,000,000
Preferred stock, shares authorized (shares)			5,000,000
Preferred stock, par (USD per share) | $ / shares			$ 1
Dividends, common stock, cash, additional percentage over Class B common stock dividends			10%
Treasury Stock, Value, Excise Tax | $			$ 4,700	$ 2,400
Common stock, shares, outstanding (shares)			202,383,069	204,392,926	204,964,717
2018 Share Repurchase Program
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Share Repurchase Program, Authorized, Amount | $								$ 500,000
2021 Share Repurchase Program
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Share Repurchase Program, Authorized, Amount | $							$ 500,000
2023 Share Repurchase Program
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Share Repurchase Program, Authorized, Amount | $						$ 500,000
Share Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized, Amount | $			$ 470,000
Common stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, shares authorized (shares)			900,000,000
Common stock, par (USD per share) | $ / shares			$ 1
Common stock, voting rights (vote) | vote			1
Common stock voting rights, board election percentage			16.66%
Stock repurchases (shares)			2,022,064	0	0
Common stock | Hershey Trust Company
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, shares, outstanding (shares)			2,105,749
Class B common stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, shares authorized (shares)			150,000,000
Common stock, voting rights (vote) | vote			10
Conversion of stock (shares)			0	3,500,000	2,500,000
Class B common stock | Hershey Trust Company
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, shares, outstanding (shares)			54,612,012
Common stock, voting percentage			79%
Hershey Trust Company
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchases (shares)	1,000,000	1,000,000
Treasury stock acquired, average cost per share (USD per share) | $ / shares	$ 239.91	$ 203.35
Stock repurchased during period, value | $	$ 239,910	$ 203,350

EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INT_4

EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTEREST - SCHEDULE OF THE CHANGES IN THE OUTSTANDING SHARES OF COMMMON STOCK (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, shares issued (shares)	221,553,025	221,553,025	221,553,025
Treasury stock, shares (shares)	(17,160,099)	(16,588,308)	(15,444,011)
Stock issuances:
Treasury stock, shares (shares)	(19,169,956)	(17,160,099)	(16,588,308)
Common stock, shares, outstanding (shares)	202,383,069	204,392,926	204,964,717
Employee stock options
Stock repurchases:
Stock repurchases (shares)	(483,033)	(127,609)	(824,701)
Stock issuances:
Stock issued during period, shares, share-based compensation (gross) (shares)	495,240	555,818	680,404
Common stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, shares issued (shares)	166,939,511	166,939,511
Stock repurchases:
Stock repurchases (shares)	(2,022,064)	0	0
Hershey Trust Company
Stock repurchases:
Stock repurchases (shares)	0	(1,000,000)	(1,000,000)

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES -

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - SCHEDULE OF PURCHASE OBLIGATIONS COVERED BY PUTCHASE AGREEMENTS WITH VARIOUS SUPPLIERS FUTURE MATURTY SCHEDULE (Details) - Inventories $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2024 USD ($)
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2025	$ 1,143.4
2026	496.7
2027	13.9
2028	13.7
2029	$ 13.7

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES_2

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES NARRATIVE (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2025 facility	Dec. 31, 2024 employee
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Entity number of employees		18,540
Entity number of part-time employees		1,490
Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements | Unionized Employees Concentration Risk
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Entity number of employees		6,525
Percentage of employees		33%
Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements | Unionized Employees Concentration Risk | Scenario, Forecast
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Percentage of employees	69%
Entity number of facilities | facility	7
Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements | Unionized Employees Concentration Risk | Scenario, Forecast | United States
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Entity number of facilities | facility	0

EARNINGS PER SHARE - SCHEDULE O

EARNINGS PER SHARE - SCHEDULE OF BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Common stock
Basic earnings per share:
Allocation of distributed earnings (cash dividends paid)	$ 812,826	$ 663,176	$ 567,897
Allocation of undistributed earnings	851,549	728,175	637,438
Total earnings—basic	$ 1,664,375	$ 1,391,351	$ 1,205,335
Total weighted-average shares—basic (shares)	148,349	149,499	146,713
Earnings Per Share—basic (USD per share)	$ 11.22	$ 9.31	$ 8.22
Diluted earnings per share:
Allocation of total earnings used in basic computation	$ 1,664,375	$ 1,391,351	$ 1,205,335
Reallocation of total earnings as a result of conversion of Class B common stock to Common stock	556,864	470,436	439,482
Reallocation of undistributed earnings	0	0	0
Total earnings—diluted	$ 2,221,239	$ 1,861,787	$ 1,644,817
Conversion of Class B common stock to Common shares outstanding (shares	54,614	55,239	58,822
Total weighted-average shares—diluted (shares)	203,487	205,547	206,575
Earnings Per Share—diluted (USD per share)	$ 10.92	$ 9.06	$ 7.96
Common stock | Employee stock options
Diluted earnings per share:
Incremental common shares attributable to dilutive effect of share-based payment arrangements (shares)	285	424	571
Common stock | Performance and restricted stock units
Diluted earnings per share:
Incremental common shares attributable to dilutive effect of share-based payment arrangements (shares)	239	385	469
Class B common stock
Basic earnings per share:
Allocation of distributed earnings (cash dividends paid)	$ 271,975	$ 225,895	$ 207,133
Allocation of undistributed earnings	284,889	244,541	232,349
Total earnings—basic	$ 556,864	$ 470,436	$ 439,482
Total weighted-average shares—basic (shares)	54,614	55,239	58,822
Earnings Per Share—basic (USD per share)	$ 10.20	$ 8.52	$ 7.47
Diluted earnings per share:
Allocation of total earnings used in basic computation	$ 556,864	$ 470,436	$ 439,482
Reallocation of total earnings as a result of conversion of Class B common stock to Common stock	0	0	0
Reallocation of undistributed earnings	(753)	(987)	(1,201)
Total earnings—diluted	$ 556,111	$ 469,449	$ 438,281
Conversion of Class B common stock to Common shares outstanding (shares	0	0	0
Total weighted-average shares—diluted (shares)	54,614	55,239	58,822
Earnings Per Share—diluted (USD per share)	$ 10.18	$ 8.50	$ 7.45
Class B common stock | Employee stock options
Diluted earnings per share:
Incremental common shares attributable to dilutive effect of share-based payment arrangements (shares)	0	0	0
Class B common stock | Performance and restricted stock units
Diluted earnings per share:
Incremental common shares attributable to dilutive effect of share-based payment arrangements (shares)	0	0	0

EARNINGS PER SHARE - EARNINGS P

EARNINGS PER SHARE - EARNINGS PER SHARE NARRATIVE (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Employee stock options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (shares)	13	15	5

OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSE, NET - S

OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSE, NET - SCHEDULE OF OTHER (INCOME) AND EXPENSE, NET (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Write-down of equity investments	$ 243,311	$ 210,484	$ 188,286
Non-service cost components of net periodic benefit cost relating to pension and other post-retirement benefit plans	17,389	28,010	18,466
Other (income) expense, net	(2,059)	(1,276)	(593)
Total	$ 258,641	$ 237,218	$ 206,159

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Det

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Details)		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 17, 2022 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2024 USD ($)	May 23, 2022 a
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party transaction, amounts of transaction		$ 0
Hershey Trust Company | Donation Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Area of Land | a			6
Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment and other long-lived assets	$ 6,300,000
Loss on sale of property	$ 13,568,000

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET IN_3

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION - SCHEDULE OF SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Inventories:
Raw materials	$ 477,592	$ 481,111
Goods in process	204,674	192,232
Finished goods	990,785	948,974
Inventories at FIFO	1,673,051	1,622,317
Adjustment to LIFO	(418,957)	(281,321)
Total inventories	1,254,094	1,340,996
Prepaid expenses and other:
Prepaid expenses	269,792	227,567
Other current assets	704,423	118,021
Total prepaid expenses and other	974,215	345,588
Property, plant and equipment:
Land	194,502	180,751
Buildings	1,991,937	1,763,070
Machinery and equipment	4,147,530	3,861,006
Construction in progress	478,842	644,244
Property, plant and equipment, gross	6,812,811	6,449,071
Accumulated depreciation	(3,353,958)	(3,139,393)
Property, plant and equipment, net	3,458,853	3,309,678	$ 2,769,702
Other non-current assets:
Pension	41,298	48,506
Capitalized software, net	367,087	360,205
Operating lease ROU assets	337,739	307,976
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	212,928	207,177
Other non-current assets	152,815	137,563
Total other non-current assets	1,111,867	1,061,427
Accounts Payable:
Accounts Payable—trade	807,918	630,536
Supplier finance program obligations	215,122	149,261	$ 105,293
Other	136,137	306,386
Accounts payable	1,159,177	1,086,183
Accrued liabilities:
Payroll, compensation and benefits	226,774	261,961
Advertising, promotion and product allowances	359,986	343,444
Operating lease liabilities	40,636	34,494
Other	179,945	227,916
Total accrued liabilities	807,341	867,815
Other long-term liabilities:
Post-retirement benefits liabilities	87,006	90,718
Pension benefits liabilities	33,837	28,949
Operating lease liabilities	304,767	277,089
Other	262,649	263,917
Total other long-term liabilities	688,259	660,673
Accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(177,741)	(87,706)
Pension and post-retirement benefit plans, net of tax	(122,098)	(126,800)
Cash flow hedges, net of tax	(4,051)	(15,572)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ (303,890)	$ (230,078)

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND Q_2

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	$ 187,651	$ 192,886	$ 233,205
Charged to Costs and Expenses	306,633	328,636	282,538
Charged to Other Accounts	0	0	0
Deductions from Reserves	(291,853)	(333,871)	(322,857)
Balance at End of Period	202,431	187,651	192,886
Accounts receivable—trade, net
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	31,663	26,001	28,837
Charged to Costs and Expenses	238,284	248,022	228,463
Charged to Other Accounts	0	0	0
Deductions from Reserves	(229,460)	(242,360)	(231,299)
Balance at End of Period	40,487	31,663	26,001
Valuation allowance on net deferred taxes
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	114,149	137,531	184,896
Charged to Costs and Expenses	19,801	6,927	9,578
Charged to Other Accounts	0	0	0
Deductions from Reserves	(16,711)	(30,309)	(56,943)
Balance at End of Period	117,239	114,149	137,531
Inventory obsolescence reserve
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	41,839	29,354	19,472
Charged to Costs and Expenses	48,548	73,687	44,497
Charged to Other Accounts	0	0	0
Deductions from Reserves	(45,682)	(61,202)	(34,615)
Balance at End of Period	$ 44,705	$ 41,839	$ 29,354