Hershey's Kisses were invented in 1907. Milton Hershey introduced these bite-sized chocolate drops using a innovative stamping machine, marking a shift from traditional chocolate bars to convenient, portable treats.

Invention Details

Milton Hershey, founder of The Hershey Company, launched Hershey's Kisses in 1907 after acquiring a unique chocolate-dropping machine. This allowed mass production of the teardrop-shaped chocolates, which were initially hand- wrapped until automation in 1921. The name "Kisses" drew from old confectionery jargon for small sweets, trademarked by Hershey that same year.

Inspiration and Controversy

The design echoed Wilbur Buds, a similar tear-shaped candy created by competitor Henry Oscar Wilbur in 1894, leading to a 1909 imitation lawsuit that Hershey dominated through superior production. Despite the origins debate, Kisses quickly became iconic, with added foil wrappers and paper plumes by the 1920s.

Key Milestones

  • 1907 : First production begins in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
  • 1921 : Automated wrapping machine invented; "Kisses" trademarked.
  • 1924 : Tissue paper plume trademarked for branding.

Cultural Impact

Over a century later, billions of Kisses are produced yearly, starring in holidays like Valentine's Day and Christmas ads since 1989. Fun facts include hidden Kisses on packaging and record-breaking giant versions.

TL;DR: Invented in 1907 by Milton Hershey, inspired by earlier candies but revolutionized through mass production. Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.