Watch out Nutella.
Hershey announced on Wednesday that it would be introducing a new line of chocolate spreads, Hershey's Spreads, the Associated Press reported. The new treats, made by the Italian company Ferrero, will be available in three varieties: Chocolate, Chocolate with Almond and Chocolate with Hazelnut.
According to market researcher Euromonitor International. within the past five years, sales of Nutella in the U.S. have reportedly tripled to $240.4 million.
"The average American snacks more than two times a day and what better way to transform everyday snacks into delicious treats, than with the genuine chocolate flavor that only Hershey can deliver," Anna Lingeris, a spokeswoman for Hershey's, said in a press release
The company hopes customers will experiment with the new product by placing it on different foods, calling the new product a "snack enhancer," for simple items such as crackers and pickles. Lingeris suggested putting the chocolate spread on fruits.
"People are seeing the permission to try it on carrots and try it on celery," Lingeris said, according to the AP, "[Chocolate is] one of America's favorite snacks."
The AP reported that Hershey will feature the "endless possibilities" of food combinations in their national ads, which are set to air this Monday. Despite marketing just beginning, Lingeris said Hershey's spreads hit shelves last December.
Hershey is not the first product to compete against Nutella. In 2012, J.M. Smucker Co. introduced its Jif hazelnut spreads.
Hershey has proudly taken apart of the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation, a group of 16 food companies that are helping with first lady Michelle Obama's plan to reduce obesity. The Pennsylvania-based company has changed their recipes, developed new products and offer portion controlled treat, all in effort of reducing the amount of calories consumed.
