Form 8K-2q2006 Earnings Release

UNITED STATES
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

                           July 20, 2006                         
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)

                       The Hershey Company                    
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                               Delaware                              
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)

                    1-183                    
                   23-0691590                    
(Commission File Number)
(IRS Employer Identification No.)

  100 Crystal A Drive, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033  
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (717) 534-7628

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

[ ]
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
   
[ ]
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
   
[ ]
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
   
[ ]
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
   


Page 1 of  3 Pages
Exhibit Index - Page 3

INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN REPORT


Item 2.02
Results of Operations and Financial Condition
 
On July 20, 2006, The Hershey Company (“the Company”) announced sales and earnings for the second quarter of 2006. A copy of the Company’s press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated herein by reference.

The information in this Current Report, including the Exhibit, shall not be deemed “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities under that Section, and shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

Item 9.01
Financial Statements and Exhibits

        (d)    Exhibits

99.1    Press Release dated July 20, 2006



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:  July 20, 2006
 
 
THE HERSHEY COMPANY
 
 
 
By:       /s/ David J. West
 
David J. West
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

 
 
 
 
 
 
Page 2  of  3 Pages
Exhibit Index - Page 3



EXHIBIT INDEX


Exhibit No.
Description
   
99.1
The Hershey Company Press Release dated July 20, 2006
   













Page 3 of 3 Pages
Exhibit Index - Page 3