Hershey's Arrested Development

The chocolate maker's innovation cupboard is bare. Some wonder about what might happen to the company when consumers tire of the same old standbys

BusinessWeek, October 14, 2009 — Buried within Hershey's (HSY) Web site is a section that invites consumers to pitch their own ideas for new products. "We are seeking innovative concepts," it reads. "What's your big idea?"

Hershey could certainly use the help. The innovation cupboard at the $5.1 billion chocolate maker has grown bare.