
Introducing Candy Shop™ Cocoa
GKV, an award-winning full-service advertising and communications agency, is excited to announce its collaboration with KENT Precision Foods Group, part of KENT Corporation, as the agency of record for the launch of Candy Shop™ Cocoa. This innovative product line promises to elevate the cocoa category with a collection of sippable treats that capture the iconic tastes of Hershey’s timeless candy classics.
The Candy Shop™ Cocoa line hit shelves in September featuring four candy-inspired varieties, including HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate, REESE’S Peanut Butter Cup, YORK Peppermint Pattie, and HERSHEY’S COOKIES ‘N’ CREME, with plans already underway to introduce a new ALMOND JOY flavor by Summer 2025. Made with HERSHEY’S Cocoa and real milk, these drinkable treats can be enjoyed hot, iced or even frozen, offering consumers a unique way to experience their favorite candy.
“We chose GKV to bring Candy Shop™ Cocoa to life because of their reputation for delivering outstanding campaigns and deep roots in CPG and the food and beverage industry. We’re thrilled to work with a team that understands how to capture the essence and excitement of this product,” said Cheryl Carbone, Senior Brand Manager, Sweet Portfolio at KENT. “It’s an entirely new way for consumers to enjoy their favorite Hershey’s flavors, and we look forward to seeing the creative recipes they invent.”
GKV’s Be Cocoa Happy™ campaign launched in September and includes CTV, Cinema advertising, online video, digital, social and retailer activations nationwide. GKV’s collaboration and efforts with KENT will drive awareness and excitement for the new line, tapping into the growing trend of cocoa-inspired recipes and sweets across social platforms.
“We set out to create a campaign that truly embodies the pure joy that comes from that first sip of cocoa mixed with the whimsical personality of Hershey’s candy,” said Chris Stark, Creative Director at GKV. “Candy Shop™ Cocoa is more than just an incredible cup of cocoa — it’s about capturing moments of happiness one cup at a time. “
For more than 40 years, GKV has been creating results-driven campaigns for clients across a range of industries. This partnership with KENT builds on GKV’s reputation of delivering impactful, creative strategies that resonate with consumers and drive success for challenger brands.
About GKV
GKV is a full-service communications agency headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, serving local, regional, national and international clients. For more than 40 years, GKV has produced successful marketing, branding and advertising campaigns for clients in healthcare, insurance, consumer services, aerospace and defense, telecommunications, financial services, consumer packaged goods and cause campaigns. The award-winning agency has worked with dozens of notable clients, including Kent Precision Foods, the Maryland Department of Health, the Maryland Lottery, Clover Health, Constellation, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Medifast, Sprint, Pandora, McCormick, Chock full o’Nuts and Snyder’s-Lance, Inc. For more information visit www.gkv.com.
About KENT Corporation
KENT Corporation is a multi-generation, family-owned and award winning company headquartered in Muscatine, Iowa, serving customers across the world. KENT is led by third-generation family member Gage A. Kent. KENT and employs approximately 2,000 people in 40 locations across 20 states and seven countries. For more information visit www.precisionfoods.com.