Sweet dreams in Smiths Falls as town awaits Hershey factory return

Sweet Dreams in Smiths Falls; Waiting for Hershey’s Factory to Return

It’s been almost two years since Hershey’s bought back its old chocolate factory in Smiths Falls, Ontario, Canada, which it had previously sold to a cannabis company. But since then, Hershey’s hasn’t released many details about the factory’s future plans, leading to much speculation among the town’s residents.

Memories of the Chocolate Days

“Every time I drive past the factory, I look to see if they’ve put up a Hershey’s sign. But there hasn’t been one,” says Brent Whitten, a former employee who worked there for many years. He has fond memories of his time there and hopes that Hershey’s will return to Smiths Falls and bring prosperity back to the town.

From chocolate to marijuana and now...?

After Hershey's left town in the late 2000s, cannabis company Canopy Growth bought the plant and spent millions of dollars expanding it. But the company has scaled back operations in recent years, and the plant now sits abandoned.

Hope in local businesses

Amy Rensby, owner of a downtown café and bakery, says the absence of a major employer like Hershey's has also affected small businesses. "We're hoping Hershey's will come back here, even if it's just talk and speculation," she says.

Rumors and speculation

Leslie Richardson, president of the city's Chamber of Commerce, calls Hershey's return a "sweet moment" and nostalgic for the people of Smiths Falls. There are also rumors in the city about the production of specialty products such as Twizzlers (a type of sweet candy), although nothing has been confirmed yet.

Concerns about tariffs

Mayor Shawn Penko also expressed hope that Hershey's has a long-term plan for the plant. He noted that the tariff debate in export markets to the United States affects companies' decision-making. Because about 80 percent of Canadian candy and chocolate exports go to the United States, and if tariffs increase, it could affect companies' investment.

Hershey's silence

In response to media inquiries, a Hershey's spokesperson said it was too early to talk about details or job creation. He announced that the purchase is part of Hershey's supply chain development strategy in order to become a "snack giant" in the world.

The scent of chocolate in the air

Meanwhile, the mayor and the city’s chamber of commerce have pointed to Hershey’s sponsorship of Smiths Falls’ grand Old Home Week celebration, which takes place every 25 years and is seen as a sign of the brand’s reconnection with the local community.

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