Hershey inks warehouse, distribution alliance with Ferrero

HERSHEY, Pa. — Hershey and Ferrero have formed a joint warehousing, transportation and distribution initiative in North America.

The two companies will work together to maximize corporate social responsibility efforts and expect to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and energy consumption in warehousing and freight, with fewer vehicle trips needed to move products to customers.

Productivity improvements from this initiative are expected to be seen in 2012. This alliance does not encompass manufacturing, selling or marketing activities, Hershey and Ferrero noted.

“Ferrero is a respected international company with a portfolio of successful brands including Tic Tac mints, Ferrero Rocher chocolates and Nutella hazelnut spread. Collaborative supply chain operations are a growing trend across industries as companies seek to fully leverage their logistics infrastructure,” Hershey president and CEO John Bilbrey. “Although we are initially focusing on one region of our business, we are excited about the full potential of this project.”