f8k_02021010.htm

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549
______________________________

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934

                           February 1, 2010                    
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)

                       The Hershey Company                   
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                               Delaware                             
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)

                    1-183                   
                   23-0691590                   
(Commission File Number)
(IRS Employer Identification No.)

  100 Crystal A Drive, Hershey, Pennsylvania  17033 
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)  (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (717) 534-4200

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

[   ]
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
 
[   ]
 
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
 
[   ]
 
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
 
[   ]
 
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))


INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN REPORT

Item 2.02
Results of Operations and Financial Condition

On February 2, 2010, The Hershey Company (“the Company”) announced sales and earnings for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2009.

The information in Item 2.02 of this Current Report, including applicable portions of the Exhibit, shall not be deemed “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities under that Section, and shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.


Item 8.01
Other Events

Also on February 2, 2010, the Company announced that on February 1, 2010 its Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend on the Company’s Common Stock and Class B Common Stock and increased the quarterly dividend.

A copy of the Company’s press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated herein by reference.


Item 9.01
Financial Statements and Exhibits

                (d)
Exhibits
  
     
 
99.1
Press Release dated February 2, 2010




SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Date:   February 2, 2010


 
THE HERSHEY COMPANY
 
 
 
 
By:       /s/ Humberto P. Alfonso        
 
Humberto P. Alfonso
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.
Description
   
99.1
The Hershey Company Press Release dated February 2, 2010