Hershey Kisses Potential Buyers Goodbye

The trust company that controls the Hershey Foods Corporation announced this past Tuesday that they were going to halt the high-profile auction of the famous candy-maker. Nestle and Cadbury Schweppes had put in a joint bid of around $10.5 billion, and the Wrigley Jr. Company -- which offered $12.5 billion in cash and stocks -- supposedly came the closest to acquiring Hershey Foods.

The Hershey Trust Company declared less than two months ago their intention to sell its controlling stock in Hershey Foods, immediately provoking anti-trust concerns from local and federal lawmakers. Questions were also raised about the detrimental effects the sale might have on Hershey's hometown of Hershey, Pennsylvania, where more than 6,000 people work for the company.

Hershey Foods is the nation's largest candy-maker, and also operates a variety of international enterprises. The company was founded in the late 19th century by Milton Hershey, who opened in 1905 what is now the world's largest chocolate manufacturing plant. The home to all of the Hershey brand chocolates and grocery products, Hershey also produces Reese's peanut butter candies, York Peppermint Patties, Kit Kats, Milk Duds, Twizzlers, Whoppers, Cadbury Creme Eggs, Almond Joys, Mounds, and Jolly Ranchers.

Now that your sweet tooth is aroused, read more about chocolate in the following books! Yum!

The Emperors Of Chocolate: Inside The Secret World Of Hershey And Mars
By Joel Glenn Brenner
Although not as infamous as the cola or fast-food wars, the battle between candy-making giants Hershey and Mars for America's sweet tooth is every bit as fierce, and every bit as compelling. Brenner follows the colorful histories of charismatic entrepreneurs Milton Hershey and Forrest Mars as their companies go from humble beginnings to international conglomerates, and engage in a ferocious, century-long competition. Brenner also reveals behind-the-scenes mysteries, such as how M&Ms are coated, how the almond gets inside a Hershey's Kiss, and how Reese's Pieces became "E.T.'s candy." Neither company allows factory tours anymore, but you'll come close with The Emperors Of Chocolate.

The True History Of Chocolate
By Sophie D. Coe and Michael D. Coe
In their book, culinary anthropologists the Coes present a thorough and absorbing sociological and scientific history of what is arguably the world's favorite food. Called the "food of the Gods" by early meso-American civilizations, chocolate eventually made its way out of those ancient communities and found a rabid following across the globe, and the Coes trace its fascinating journey every step of the way. Descriptions of the different varieties of chocolate, chocolate chemistry, chocolate production, and many recipes are also included.

The Ultimate Encyclopedia Of Chocolate
By Christine McFadden and Christine France
If you can keep from drooling over the bountiful photography and illustrations, The Ultimate Encyclopedia Of Chocolate is a handy reference volume for all chocolate-lovers. And really, who isn't? The Encyclopedia offers a comprehensive history of the food, a host of other choco-centric info, and a large variety of delectable recipes -- complete with step-by-step photographs.

Candymaking
By Ruth A. Kendrick and Pauline H. Atkinson
To be able to make candy is just about everybody's dream, and with the enthusiastic and patient Candymaking, authors Kendrick and Atkinson make it look fun and easy. Clear recipes and smart hints, along with an immensely helpful troubleshooting section, explain how to make truffles, taffy, fudge, lollipops, hard candy, caramels, and other delicious delights. Commence drooling!

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
By Roald Dahl
The reclusive Willy Wonka is opening up his mysterious chocolate factory for the first time in a decade to five lucky winners. When Charlie finds one of the golden tickets that makes him a winner, he joins Mike Teavee, Veruca Salt, Violet Beauregarde, and Augustus Gloop on one of the strangest and most imaginative journeys in all of children's literature. The adventures of Charlie, his grandparents, and Willy Wonka continue in the equally wondrous Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator.