Brands
Hershey Kisses will now be Made in India
MUMBAI: We’ve all been there where we ask our relatives and friends to bring us imported chocolates and candies from their trip abroad. Hershey’s Kisses have always been one such popular chocolate. The chocolates are distinct because of their unique shape and each one is delicately wrapped to make them perfect for sharing them with loved ones.
But you wont have to ask anyone to bring those scrumptious chocolates from abroad anymore. Hershey India, a part of The Hershey Company, a leading global snacking giant and the largest producer of quality chocolates in North America, has launched its iconic and much-loved Hershey’s Kisses chocolate brand in India.
Hershey’s Kisses will come in milk chocolate, almond and cookies ’n’ creme flavours. The Kisses range in India is the result of intensive R&D and consumer testing to develop the right taste profile for discerning Indian consumers who seek premium chocolates.
And that’s why it wont taste like the Hershey Kisses you get in United States because the taste is different considering the Indian palate and weather conditions here.
The Hershey Company president international Steven Schiller says, “There is a lot of potential for The Hershey Company in India. This market is an important part of our International growth model. The Hershey’s brand has been leading our India growth and Hershey’s Kisses is a wonderful way to continue that growth by tapping into the growing chocolate segment.”
Hershey’s Kisses milk chocolate will be available at an attractive price point of Rs 50 and Rs 140. During the first phase of this launch, Hershey’s Kisses will be available only in South India at modern trade, large general trade and e-commerce in South India. The rational behind launching in South first is because the company has a strong base in south India and it contributes to one-third of the total chocolate consumption in India.
The company has a manufacturing plant in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh and the other two are run in Gujarat and Telangana. The US-based chocolate and confectionery firm Hershey has committed to investing $50 million in India over the next five years to scale up its operations here.
The festive season has just embarked in India but Hershey does not plan on having festive and gifting options for its portfolio just as yet. Hershey India managing director Herjit Bhalla says, “We will consider gifting going forward but not at the moment as want to concentrate only on south market right now and increase the consumer base.”
Steven Schiller thinks that there is more potential in India than there is in any other market right now because of the sheer size of the young population with strong economy that creates a ripe environment for people to partake in the snacking category.
Without giving out any details, the multinational company announced that it is set to bring another product in India by the end of 2018.
Kisses will be marketed with an extensive 360 degree marketing plan including TVC, digital campaign, print, outdoor, sampling, in-store visibility.
Globally, as many companies are reducing the sugar and salt content in their products to provide consumers a healthy and better alternative, Hershey believes in not changing the proportions and formulation too much. Steven Schiller mentions, “We spend a lot of time understand the trends and different types of products that people are interested in. I don't want to make commitments about the reduction because it also has to make commercial sense.”
The journey of the Hershey’s brand in India started a decade ago with the introduction of the Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup and now has Sofit milk, chocolate spreads and Jolly Rancher candies. Globally, the company makes nearly 70 million Hershey’s Kisses every day that are sold in nearly 60 countries.
The launch of Hershey’s Kisses might further fuel the growth of the Hershey’s brand in this country.
Brands
IndiGo names William Walsh CEO
Former IATA chief to take charge in August after Elbers exit, Bhatia steers interim
India’s biggest airline has moved fast and gone global. InterGlobe Aviation, which operates IndiGo, has tapped aviation heavyweight William Walsh as chief executive officer, subject to regulatory approvals, marking a sharp pivot as the carrier eyes its next burst of expansion.
Walsh, currently director general at the International Air Transport Association, will step down on July 31, 2026, and is expected to take charge by August 3. The appointment comes barely three weeks after Pieter Elbers exited the corner office, with Rahul Bhatia holding the fort in the interim.
The choice signals intent. Walsh brings decades of cockpit-to-boardroom experience, having led British Airways and later International Airlines Group, the parent of Aer Lingus, Iberia and Vueling. His tenure across carriers has been defined by hard resets, restructurings and cross-border consolidation—skills IndiGo may need as competition intensifies and scale becomes decisive.
Vikram Singh Mehta, chairman and non-executive independent director of IndiGo, said Walsh’s experience in managing large-scale airline operations and navigating complex market dynamics makes him well-suited to lead IndiGo in an increasingly competitive global aviation environment, adding that the appointment marks a new chapter as the airline scales in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets.
Rahul Bhatia said Walsh’s global perspective, operational expertise and customer-focused approach would be critical as IndiGo enters its next phase of expansion.
Walsh, widely regarded as one of the industry’s most influential figures, will oversee overall management and strategic direction, with a mandate spanning operational performance, network expansion, commercial strategy and customer experience. He is expected to work closely with the board and leadership team to sharpen IndiGo’s growth trajectory.
Walsh said IndiGo has a strong foundation and is well-positioned to capitalise on the evolving aviation landscape, adding that he looks forward to fostering a culture of excellence, innovation and sustainable value creation across the organisation.
A new captain, a bigger runway—and a market that rewards scale. IndiGo is lining up for its next take-off.
