Grandson of Reese’s Inventor Devastated by Missing Milk Chocolate
The grandson of the inventor of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Brad Reese, is expressing deep disappointment with recent product changes. After tasting Valentine’s Day Reese’s Mini Hearts, he found that they lacked the signature milk chocolate flavor. Reese described the candy as tasting “cheap,” leading him to investigate further.
Breaking Down the Changes
Reese noted that while the packaging highlighted “peanut butter,” it failed to mention “milk chocolate.” Upon examining the ingredients, he discovered that Hershey’s had replaced milk chocolate with a chocolate-flavored coating. Brad Reese, 70, revealed that he has been a lifelong fan of his grandfather’s candy, consuming at least one Reese’s Butter Cup daily.
Plea for Quality Restoration
In a bid to bring attention to the issue, Reese shared a letter he wrote to Todd Scott, a representative from Hershey’s corporate branding, on his LinkedIn page. He also revamped his personal website, promoting the message “Make Reese’s Great Again.” His letter highlighted the classic recipe his grandfather, H.B. Reese, established in 1928: a simple combination of milk chocolate and peanut butter.
The Company’s Stance
Hershey’s spokesperson, Allison Mason, acknowledged that they have made adjustments to their recipes as they expand the Reese’s product line. However, she insisted that the original Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups remain unchanged. Mason confirmed that the Valentine’s Day candy does not contain milk chocolate and cannot be labeled as such under FDA regulations.
Market Impacts and Chocolate Prices
- The price of cocoa surged by 136% between July 2022 and February 2024.
- Climate change, leading to heat and drought, drastically impacted cocoa harvests in West Africa.
- Recently, cocoa prices have dropped by 70%, affecting candy manufacturers.
Brad Reese expressed concern that the quality of Reese’s products is declining, particularly for markets in Europe where different manufacturing practices might be used. Mason denied these claims, stating that all Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are made to the same specifications.
Reese’s Legacy
Brad Reese, who resides in West Palm Beach, Florida, shared that he never married or had children. After facing a cancer diagnosis in 2015, he found a renewed sense of purpose in promoting his grandfather’s legacy. Despite his ongoing passion for Reese’s, he has decided to take a break from consuming the candy until he sees improvements in quality.
In conclusion, the grandson of the iconic inventor seeks not only to preserve his family legacy but also to ensure that consumers receive the authentic taste they expect from Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
