Hershey Launches Shaq-A-Licious SLAMS, Innovative Flavor Experience
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 07 2026
0mins
Source: Newsfilter
- Product Innovation: The Hershey Company launches Shaq-A-Licious SLAMS, featuring three crunchy gummy balls in watermelon, strawberry, and orange flavors alongside a chewy sour mango ring, providing a unique multi-textural experience aimed at attracting younger consumers and enhancing brand appeal.
- Market Rollout: The product is set to hit retailers nationwide in January 2026, marking a significant expansion of the Shaquille O'Neal brand, which is expected to drive sales growth and strengthen market competitiveness.
- Brand Collaboration: Shaquille O'Neal's hands-on involvement in product development ensures that every detail reflects his personality, further solidifying the emotional connection between the brand and consumers, thereby enhancing brand loyalty.
- Consumer Interaction: SLAMS encourages consumers to interact by stacking and mixing flavors, creating a unique eating experience that not only enhances the product's fun factor but also has the potential to attract more attention from younger consumers.
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Analyst Views on HSY
Wall Street analysts forecast HSY stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for HSY is 196.27 USD with a low forecast of 181.00 USD and a high forecast of 222.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
17 Analyst Rating
3 Buy
14 Hold
0 Sell
Hold
Current: 192.000
Low
181.00
Averages
196.27
High
222.00
Current: 192.000
Low
181.00
Averages
196.27
High
222.00
About HSY
The Hershey Company is a snacks company. The Company's segments include North America Confectionery, North America Salty Snacks and International. The North America Confectionery segment is responsible for its traditional chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery market position in the United States and Canada. This includes its business in chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery, gum and refreshment products, protein bars, spreads, snack bites and mixes, as well as pantry and food service lines. This segment also includes its retail operations. The North America Salty Snacks segment is responsible for its salty snacking products in the United States. This includes ready-to-eat popcorn, baked and trans fat free snacks, pretzels and other snacks. The Company's portfolio includes chocolate and confectionery brands such as Hershey's, Reese's, Kisses, Kit Kat, Jolly Rancher, Ice Breakers, LesserEvil, Shaq-a-licious alongside salty snacks, including SkinnyPop and Dot's Homestyle Pretzels.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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