FINALS SUCK: JOLLY RANCHER CANDY EMBRACES THE LONGEST, SUCKIEST WEEK OF COLLEGE

Brand Invites Students to ‘Keep On Sucking!’ with Jolly Rancher Candy Rewards

JR

HERSHEY, PA. May 23, 2016 – It’s a fact, finals suck. And the not terribly surprising part? It’s the overwhelming feeling of stress-on-stress that is the suckiest, according to more than 50 percent of 18-24 year olds across the nation.*

Jolly Rancher hard candy knows that when the tests get tough, the tough #KeepOnSucking. That’s why the brand is helping to make finals survival a bit easier with some comic relief and unique hard candy experiences. Students can kick back and commiserate with Jolly Rancher hard candy during much-needed study breaks on the brand’s social channels and be rewarded for the “fruit” of their labors.

“We’re excited to bring the fun and humor of Jolly Rancher brand to students during the longest, suckiest week of the semester,” said Bill Blubaugh, Senior Director, Jolly Rancher brand. “Jolly Rancher hard candy can make the gloom and doom of finals, like pulling an all-nighter or using dry shampoo for the third day in a row, a little less sucky – while encouraging them to #KeepOnSucking. We’re that clutch for students who work hard and deserve a needed distraction from the sometimes miserable reality of finals.”

College Takeover
Delivering much needed humor and fun to students, Jolly Rancher ambassadors will be visiting the University of California, Los Angeles on June 2 to surprise and delight students during finals week. Apple and Watermelon Jolly Rancher mascots will be popping up in various campus locations like Bruin Plaza, Kerckhoff Patio and the Student Union to pass out free candy and apparel.

In addition, UCLA students are encouraged to follow #KeepOnSucking on Twitter to be eligible to participate in product giveaways designed to make finals suck even more, but in a funny, Jolly Rancher brand-like way.

The brand also surprised and delighted students at college takeovers at Iowa State and the University of Tennessee in early May.

Twitter Giveaways
Not a UCLA student? That sucks. Still want free candy? Jolly Rancher hard candy has you covered.

Beginning May 23, Jolly Rancher hard candy will reward students for surviving the suckiest week of the semester. The first 1,000 students to tweet @Jolly_Rancher a picture of their passing grade – any passing grade – will be sent a bag of Jolly Rancher hard candy. The promotion lasts through May 25 or until supplies last**.

The brand’s #FinalSuck experience is part of the larger #KeepOnSucking advertising campaign that focuses on the unique hard candy experience – it’s the candy you suck, not chew, with long-lasting, bold fruit flavor. Leveraging the tagline #KeepOnSucking, the new and unique campaign was designed to find humor in the “sucky” moments in every-day life.

Follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for more information.

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* According to a recent Twitter Poll conducted by Anomaly on May 18- May 25.

** NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCE OF WINNING. Open only to legal residents of the United States residing in the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, 18 years of age or older at time of entry. Void where prohibited. Sweepstakes ends 5/25/2016 11:59pm ET or when 1,000 eligible entries have been received, whichever is sooner. Tweet @Jolly_Rancher with a photo of a grade you received on a final along with the hashtags #FinalsSuck and #Sweepstakes.

Limit one (1) entry per Twitter handle. Prizes (1,000): 3.8 oz. bags assorted Jolly Rancher Hard Candy. Approximate Retail Value (“ARV”): $1.00. Limit one (1) prize per name/address/household. Odds of winning depend upon number of eligible entries received and the order of such entries received. Subject to Official Rules available at http://finalssucksweeps.tumblr.com/. Sponsor: The Hershey Company, 100 Crystal A Drive, Hershey, PA.

About The Hershey Company
The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY), headquartered in Hershey, Pa., is a global confectionery leader known for bringing goodness to the world through its chocolate, sweets, mints and other great-tasting snacks. Hershey has more than 22,000 employees around the world who work every day to deliver delicious, quality products. The company, which has more than 80 brands around the world that drive over $7.4 billion in annual revenues, includes such iconic brand names as Hershey’s, Reese’s, Hershey’s Kisses, Jolly Rancher, Ice Breakers and Brookside. Hershey is focused on growing its presence in key international markets while continuing to build its competitive advantage in North America. Additionally, Hershey is poised to expand its portfolio into categories beyond confectionery, finding new ways to bring goodness to people everywhere.

At Hershey, goodness has always been about more than delicious products. For 120 years, Hershey has been committed to good business by operating fairly, ethically and sustainably to make a positive impact on society. This means contributing to a better life for its employees, consumers, communities, and ultimately, creating a bright future for children in need. This commitment is exemplified by Milton Hershey School, established in 1909 by the company’s founder and administered by Hershey Trust Company. The children who attend the school receive education, housing, and medical care – thriving as direct beneficiaries of The Hershey Company’s success.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Andrea Abate
Account Supervisor
Zeno Group for Hershey’s
312.396.9713
andrea.abate@zenogroup.com

Anna Lingeris
Senior Communications Manager
The Hershey Company
717.534.4874
alingeris@hersheys.com