I love kissing. I like to get kisses and I love to give them. In fact kissing is one of my very favorite pastimes. I like to kiss my husband, my mother, my daughter, my grandson, my neighbor, and even my mailman. I’m a real kissing fool! But, before you begin to think that I’m a woman of questionable values, let me explain. I do indeed love kissing – with Hershey’s kisses.
Kisses are one of my favorite gifts to give especially when I know the person on the receiving end is a real chocolate lover. That pretty much covers everyone that I know in my family as well as my circle of friends. After all, who doesn’t love a kiss?
In this article, I want to share some fun facts about one of America’s favorite candy treats – the Hershey’s Kiss.
Fact #1: Hershey’s kisses were first produced in 1907. Although no one today seems to know where the candy got it’s name, the most popular story says it came from the sound that the machine made as it deposited the chocolate onto the conveyor belt during the manufacturing process.
Fact #2: Kisses are not made via a mold, but by a special machine that literally drops the chocolate, in a precise amount, onto a moving belt. They are then cooled quickly to form the now famous “kiss” shape.
Fact #3: There are more than 80 million kisses made every day at the Hershey plants in Pennsylvania, California, and Virginia.
Fact #4: The kiss turned 100 years old on July 7, 2007 with the unveiling of the world’s largest kiss in Hershey, Pennsylvania. It weighed 30,540 pounds.
Fact #5: In 1990, Hershey introduced the kiss with almonds, which quickly became popular with people all around the world.
Fact #6: In 1993, several new types of kisses were introduced. First, a special dark chocolate kiss, intended as a limited edition flavor, became so popular that it was turned into a permanent mainstay. Next a creamy caramel and milk chocolate kiss surprised the public with its smooth and rich goodness. Next, the Hershey hug – – milk chocolate hugged by white chocolate – – joined the ranks of the ever growing product line.
Fact #7: Hershey decided to capitalize on America’s love of peanut butter and chocolate and introduced a kiss that combined those two delicious flavors together.
Fact #8: The popularity of the dark chocolate kiss encouraged Hershey to make one with almonds. It has become a favorite, particularly among those seeking its natural source of flavanol antioxidants, which are believed to help guard against heart attack.
Fact #9: The newest, albeit limited edition, kiss combines another of America’s favorite treats – – truffles – – with Hershey’s delicious milk chocolate.
Fact #10: Early in the new millennium, Hershey introduced its miniature candy coated chocolate treat – – the kissable. Kissables are quickly gaining ground on its main competitor M & M.
Fact #11: The kiss is no longer just a candy treat. Hershey also offers a variety of wonderful cookie kisses. These mini cookies come in chocolate chip, double chocolate, and confetti varieties.
Fact #12: Hershey’s giant kisses are a popular Valentine treat.
Fact #13: Hershey’s kisses not come in smaller, individual packages for those who just want a personal treat.
Fact #14: Hershey kisses can be ordered with special messages for holidays and events. Current standards include kisses that celebrate birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, new births, and graduations with messages like “it’s a girl (or boy),” “best wishes,” “over the hill,” “happy birthday,” “congratulations,” “good luck,” “I love you,” “let’s celebrate,” and “thank you.
Fact #15: Hershey offers a wide variety of gift tins, boxes, bags, and more to help in your gift giving for the special people in your life. Check out their website at hersheys(.com)/kisses.
Hershey’s chocolate continues to be on of America’s favorite sweet treats. The kiss is as popular today as it was when it was introduced over 100 years ago. It will likely remain a popular choice because of Hershey’s commitment to quality, variety, and fun.
What kind of kiss do you like? I’m taking a poll to see which kiss variety is the most popular. Please let me know in the comment section below.
