When you eat candy, are you a Controller, or an Engaged Exploring Muncher?
 
Those are just two of the six categories of candy-eaters Hershey has identified as it tries to better focus on the U.S. candy consumer.
 
As described by CEO David West at an analyst meeting Tuesday, an “Engaged Exploring Muncher” eats twice the normal amount of candy, chooses from a wide menu of brands and is the least concerned about price.
 
It is also the most profitable segment, which is kind of the point for Hershey as it tries to figure out which consumers to target as it looks to turn around declining market share.
 
“Loyal Indulgers,” meanwhile, are older consumers who are loyal to brands they have known for a long time. “Practical Value Seekers” like candy, but are looking for a combination of price and value. They also represent the largest segment of candy eaters.
 
Smaller segments are “Controllers” and “Detached Occasionalists” who eat less candy because of health concerns or just because they aren’t interested in candy.
 
The last segment is “Confection Loving Moderators.” They like candy, but try to be disciplined in what they eat.
 
So, which one are you? Be honest.

(Photo: Reuters)

By Ben Klayman

Check out how high gas and commodity costs are crimping Hershey and Best Buy.

Chocolate maker Hershey cut its long-term earnings growth target and said it would boost advertising as it moves to reverse falling profits.

However, the largest U.S. chocolate company, which is meeting with analysts, said the pressures it faces — soaring prices for cocoa , energy and other commodities — remain the same.

“We expect 2009 to be another trying year for us with respect to input costs,” Chief Executive David West said.

The price of oil has surged to $133 a barrel and that has pushed up costs across all industries.

The government said rising energy prices sent producer prices – a gauge of costs at the farm and factory gate — up a bigger-than-expected 1.4 percent in May. Housing starts fell in May to their lowest level in more than 17 years as that industry grapples with the subprime mortgage meltdown.

Meanwhile, consumer electronics retailer Best Buy reported a lower, but better-than-expected quarterly profit thanks to market share gains in TVs, computers and video games.

Like all retailers, Best Buy has faced slowing consumer spending due to rising gasoline and food prices prices, as well as the U.S. housing slump.

Also in the basket:

Reuters Consumer and Retail Summit coverage

(Photo: REUTERS/Susana Gonzalez)

Check Out investors waking up to a sweet deal on Monday morning.

M&M’s maker Mars Inc and Berkshire Hathaway Inc are buying Wm Wrigley Jr Co, the largest U.S. chewing gum maker, for $23 billion.
 
The deal will create a confectionary giant, bringing together Wrigley’s Altoids, Extra and Eclipse brands, with Mars’ M&M’s, Snickers, Starburst and Twix.

The newly announced deal could trigger a renewed push toward consolidation in the global candy business.
 
One potential deal that has been discussed previously, and could invite fresh interest, is that between London-based Cadbury Schweppes, known for its Dairy Milk chocolate, and Trident gum brands, and top U.S. chocolate maker Hershey Co.

The two companies are reported to have talked in the past, though the Hershey Trust, which controls about 78 percent of Hershey’s voting shares, has said Pennsylvania law requires it to maintain control of Hershey.

Also in the basket:

Tyson posts loss due to feed costs, charges

RadioShack posts lower quarterly profit

France plans retail reform to curb price pressures

(Photo: Reuters)