SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             Washington, D.C. 20549



                                    FORM 8-K


                                 CURRENT REPORT


                     Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
                         Securities Exchange Act of 1934


Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):            January 29, 2003
                                                     ---------------------------


                            HERSHEY FOODS CORPORATION
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


        Delaware                      1-183                   23-0691590
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(State or other jurisdiction      (Commission             (I.R.S. Employer
           of incorporation)          File Number)           Identification No.)

         100 Crystal A Drive, Hershey, Pennsylvania                   17033
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             (Address of principal executive offices)                (Zip Code)


Registrant's telephone number, including area code:          (717) 534-6799
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                                Page 1 of 3 Pages
                             Exhibit Index - Page 3


INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN REPORT Item 9. REGULATION FD DISCLOSURE - --------------------------------- On January 29, 2003, Hershey Foods Corporation (the "Corporation") announced sales and earnings for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2002. A copy of the Corporation's press release is furnished herewith as Exhibit 99. SIGNATURE Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. Date: January 29, 2003 HERSHEY FOODS CORPORATION By /s/ Frank Cerminara ------------------------------------ Frank Cerminara Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer Page 2 of 3 Pages Exhibit Index - Page 3

Exhibit Index Exhibit No. Description 99 Hershey Foods Corporation Press Release dated January 29, 2003 Page 3 of 3 Pages Exhibit Index - Page 3




                                                                      Exhibit 99




                             HERSHEY FOODS ANNOUNCES
                      FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR RESULTS


HERSHEY, Pa., January 29, 2003--Hershey Foods Corporation (NYSE:HSY) today

announced  sales and earnings for the fourth  quarter  ended  December 31, 2002.

Consolidated net sales for the fourth quarter were $1,156,028,000  compared with

$1,152,980,000  for the fourth quarter of 2001. Net income was $130,320,000,  or

$.96 per  share-diluted,  compared with a loss of  ($44,951,000),  or ($.33) per

share-diluted, in 2001.


The results for the fourth  quarter of 2002  included a pre-tax  charge of $13.3

million,  or $.06 per  share-diluted,  associated with the business  realignment

initiatives  announced in October  2001.  The results for the fourth  quarter of

2001 included a one-time charge of $278.4 million,  or $1.25 per  share-diluted,

related to the realignment process, as well as the amortization of goodwill.


                                    - more -

Excluding the one-time items, net income for the fourth quarter of 2002 was $138,690,000, or $1.02 per share-diluted, compared with $130,523,000, or $.95 per share-diluted, a gain of 7.4 percent. For the full year 2002, consolidated net sales were $4,120,317,000 compared with $4,137,217,000 for 2001. Net income for 2002 was $403,578,000, or $2.93 per share- diluted, compared with $207,156,000, or $1.50 per share diluted, the prior year. Results for 2002 included cumulative pre-tax realignment charges of $34.0 million, or $.16 per share-diluted, and pre-tax expenses of $17.2 million, or $.08 per share-diluted, related to the exploration of the sale of the Company; and in 2001, results included the pre-tax charge of $278.4 million, or $1.25 per share-diluted, related to the realignment initiatives, the gain on the sale of the Luden's business in the third quarter, and the amortization of goodwill. Excluding one-time items, net income for 2002 was $435,994,000, or $3.17 per share- diluted, compared with $391,482,000, or $2.84 per share-diluted, for 2001, an increase of 11.6 percent. A pro forma income statement reflecting these adjustments accompanies this press release. Net sales for the fourth quarter of 2002 increased by 0.3 percent on a nominal basis. On a comparable basis, net sales increased by about 1.0 percent spurred by a customer buy-in related to the price increase announced on December 10, 2002. Fourth quarter sales were one to two percent higher than they would have been - more -

absent the buy-in. This increase in sales was offset somewhat by higher trade promotion expense, lower domestic seasonal sales, and weakness in the Canadian market. Gross margin improved by 60 basis points as a result of improved mix and enhanced supply chain efficiencies. Selling, Marketing, and Administrative expenses decreased by 30 basis points as a percentage of sales resulting from significantly lower general and administrative costs, which were only partially offset by higher selling and marketing expenses. For the year, sales were off slightly, but the mix of revenues was significantly strengthened as we focused on higher margin products, packtypes, and channels of trade. The improved sales mix, price increases on the packaged candy line, and supply chain efficiencies led to a 130 basis point improvement in gross margin. For the year, Selling, Marketing and Administrative expenses declined 30 basis points as a percentage of sales, due to lower general and administrative costs, which more than offset higher selling and marketing expenses. "Hershey's fourth quarter results were in line with expectations, achieving a balance of improved marketplace performance and profitability," said Richard H. Lenny, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer. "Despite a sluggish retail environment, Hershey's consumer takeaway increased, resulting in a 0.4 point gain in market share. Equally as important, supply chain productivity and tight expense control continued to deliver solid gains during the quarter. - more -

"For the full year, we made good progress against our value-enhancing strategy. Profitability, margins, and returns delivered strong growth versus 2001, reflecting improved mix, productivity gains across the supply chain, and lower general and administrative spending. Although net sales were flat in the U.S. business, retail takeaway in all food, drug, mass, and convenience channels, increased by three percent. This performance reflects our disciplined focus on building Hershey's core brands (+8 %), expanding our leadership position in the key chocolate category (+5 %), and significantly improving performance in the high growth convenience store channel (+9 %). "Overall, I'm most pleased with the Company's results in 2002. Our ability to deliver solid performance, despite numerous challenges, positions us well as we continue to implement Hershey's long-term growth initiatives," Lenny concluded. SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT - ----------------------- This release contains statements which are forward-looking. These statements are made based upon current expectations which are subject to risk and uncertainty. Actual results may differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Factors which could cause results to differ materially include, but are not limited to: changes in the confectionery and grocery business environment, including actions of competitors and changes in consumer preferences; changes in governmental laws and regulations - more -

including taxes; market demand for new and existing products; changes in raw material and other costs; and pension cost factors, such as actuarial assumptions and market performance, as discussed in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for 2001. LIVE WEBCAST - ------------ As previously announced, the Company will hold a conference call with analysts today at 10 a.m. EST. The conference call will be webcast live via Hershey's corporate web site www.hersheys.com. Please go to the Investor Relations Section of the Web site for further details. # # # Media Contact: Christine M. Dugan (717) 508-3238 Financial Contact: James A. Edris (717) 534-7556

Hershey Foods Corporation Summary of Consolidated Statements of Income for the periods ended December 31, 2002 and December 31, 2001 (in thousands of dollars except per share amounts) Fourth Quarter Twelve Months 2002 2001 2002 2001 Net Sales $1,156,028 $1,152,980 $4,120,317 $4,137,217 --------------- --------------- --------------- -------------- Costs and Expenses: Cost of Sales 709,840 759,914 2,561,052 2,668,530 Selling, Marketing and Administrative 216,758 224,049 833,426 846,976 Business Realignment Charge, net 8,278 228,314 27,552 228,314 Gain on Sale of Business --- --- --- (19,237) --------------- --------------- --------------- -------------- Total Costs and Expenses 934,876 1,212,277 3,422,030 3,724,583 --------------- --------------- --------------- -------------- Income Before Interest and Income Taxes 221,152 (59,297) 698,287 412,634 Interest Expense, net 15,274 16,722 60,722 69,093 --------------- --------------- --------------- -------------- Income Before Income Taxes 205,878 (76,019) 637,565 343,541 Provision for Income Taxes 75,558 (31,068) 233,987 136,385 --------------- --------------- --------------- -------------- Net Income $130,320 ($44,951) $403,578 $207,156 =============== =============== =============== ============== Net Income Per Share - Basic $0.96 ($0.33) $2.96 $1.52 =============== =============== =============== ============== - Diluted $0.96 ($0.33) $2.93 $1.50 =============== =============== =============== ============== Shares Outstanding - Basic 135,409 135,953 136,538 136,245 =============== =============== =============== ============== - Diluted 136,337 135,953 137,714 137,696 =============== =============== =============== ==============

Hershey Foods Corporation Pro Forma Summary of Consolidated Statements of Income for the periods ended December 31, 2002 and December 31, 2001 (in thousands of dollars except per share amounts) Fourth Quarter Twelve Months 2002 2001 2002 2001 Net Sales $1,156,028 $1,152,980 $4,120,317 $4,137,217 ------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- Costs and Expenses: Cost of Sales 704,821 (a) 709,812 (d) 2,554,625 (a) 2,618,428 (d) Selling, Marketing and Administrative 216,834 (b) 220,575 (e) 816,196 (b) 832,217 (e) Business Realignment Charge, net --- (c) --- (f) --- (c) --- (f) Gain on Sale of Business --- --- --- --- (g) ------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- Total Costs and Expenses 921,655 930,387 3,370,821 3,450,645 ------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- Income Before Interest and Income Taxes 234,373 222,593 749,496 686,572 Interest Expense, net 15,274 16,722 60,722 69,093 ------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- Income Before Income Taxes 219,099 205,871 688,774 617,479 Provision for Income Taxes 80,409 75,348 252,780 225,997 ------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- Net Income $138,690 $130,523 $435,994 $391,482 ============= ============== ============== ============== Net Income Per Share - Basic $1.02 $0.96 $3.19 $2.87 ============= ============== ============== ============== - Diluted $1.02 $0.95 $3.17 $2.84 ============= ============== ============== ============== Shares Outstanding - Basic 135,409 135,953 136,538 136,245 ============= ============== ============== ============== - Diluted 136,337 137,450 137,714 137,696 ============= ============== ============== ============== (a) Excludes business realignment charges of $5.0 million for the fourth quarter and $6.4 million for the twelve months. (b) Excludes an adjustment to expenses of $(0.1) million in the fourth quarter and total expenses of $17.2 million, or $.08 per share-diluted, for the twelve months, related to the exploration of the possible sale of the Corporation. (c) Excludes business realignment charges of $8.3 million, or $.04 per share-diluted, for the fourth quarter and $27.6 million, or $.13 per share-diluted, for the twelve months. (d) Excludes business realignment charges of $50.1 million, or $30.9 million after-tax, for both the fourth quarter and twelve months. (e) Excludes goodwill amortization of $3.5 million for the fourth quarter and $14.8 million for the twelve months. (f) Excludes business realignment charges of $228.3 million, or $140.9 million after-tax, for both the fourth quarter and twelve months. (g) Excludes gain on Luden's sale of $19.2 million pre-tax, $1.1 million after-tax, or $.01 per share-diluted, for the twelve months.

Hershey Foods Corporation Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2002 and December 31, 2001 (in thousands of dollars) Assets 2002 2001 Cash and Cash Equivalents $297,743 $134,147 Accounts Receivable - Trade (Net) 370,976 361,726 Deferred Income Taxes --- 96,939 Inventories 503,291 512,134 Prepaid Expenses and Other 91,608 62,595 --------------- --------------- Total Current Assets 1,263,618 1,167,541 Net Plant and Property 1,486,055 1,534,901 Goodwill 378,453 388,702 Other Intangibles 39,898 40,426 Other Assets 312,527 115,860 --------------- --------------- Total Assets $3,480,551 $3,247,430 =============== =============== Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Loans Payable $28,124 $7,926 Accounts Payable 124,507 133,049 Accrued Liabilities 356,716 462,901 Taxes Payable 12,731 2,568 Deferred Income Taxes 24,768 --- --------------- --------------- Total Current Liabilities 546,846 606,444 Long-Term Debt 851,800 876,972 Other Long-Term Liabilities 362,162 361,041 Deferred Income Taxes 348,040 255,769 --------------- --------------- Total Liabilities 2,108,848 2,100,226 Total Stockholders' Equity 1,371,703 1,147,204 --------------- --------------- Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $3,480,551 $3,247,430 =============== ===============