Hershey (HSY) is teaming with 3D printer-maker 3D Systems (DDD) to integrate 3D printing technology into the candy production process. The news sent DDD stock up almost 4% in Thursday morning trading.
Terms of the multi-year deal were not disclosed. A Hershey executive noted that the nation’s top candy producer was always looking to “embrace new technologies.” 3D printing technology could be used to create new types of candy products for Hershey. It may also be used to improve the production of existing Hershey brands.
Hershey produces Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, the top-selling candy brand in the U.S. Reese’s Peanut butter cups are estimated to have generated about $2 billion in revenue for Hershey last year.
In October, Hershey launched its first new candy in three decades, a chewy caramel candy called “Lancaster.”
Hershey is also taking on Nutella, the popular hazelnut-flavored snack spread from Italy’s Ferrero, by introducing a line of chocolate-flavored snack spreads.
Shares of HSY gained modestly on Thursday. HSY stock has rise more than 28% over the past year.
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