HERSHEY’S Celebrates Happiness as the “Real Gold” Ahead of Milano Cortina 2026
As a Proud Supporter of Team USA, the iconic HERSHEY’S brand is inviting fans across the country to celebrate the everyday moments of joy that define the Olympic and Paralympic spirit. In anticipation of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, the company has unveiled a special collection of limited-edition HERSHEY’S Team USA Milk Chocolate Medals—designed to honor not only athletic excellence, but also the small, meaningful victories that bring happiness into daily life.
The launch marks the first chapter of the brand’s new campaign, “Hershey’s. It’s Your Happy Place.” Rooted in the belief that happiness is the real gold, the initiative reimagines what it means to win. While medals traditionally symbolize podium finishes and record-breaking achievements, HERSHEY’S is encouraging fans to recognize that joy, connection, and shared experiences are equally worthy of celebration.
Limited-Edition Chocolate Medals Inspired by Team USA
At the heart of the campaign are beautifully crafted chocolate medals created in tribute to Team USA. These milk chocolate medals feature detailed embossed designs and are wrapped in shimmering gold foil, echoing the look and prestige of traditional Olympic and Paralympic medals. However, instead of being reserved for elite athletes alone, these sweet symbols of victory are designed for everyone.
The chocolate medals will be available in limited quantities, reinforcing their exclusivity and collectible appeal. Fans can purchase them beginning February 13, 2026, through TikTok Shop, followed by availability at The Hershey’s Store starting February 14, 2026, while supplies last.
By making the medals accessible through digital and retail platforms, HERSHEY’S bridges the gap between global sporting excellence and personal everyday achievement. Whether celebrating a family milestone, a personal accomplishment, or simply the joy of cheering on Team USA, fans can mark their “real gold” moments with a sweet reward.
Introducing “Hershey’s. It’s Your Happy Place.”
The Milano Cortina 2026 activation represents the debut of HERSHEY’S new brand platform, “Hershey’s. It’s Your Happy Place.” The campaign centers on a simple yet powerful message: happiness is not limited to grand victories. Instead, it lives in the everyday experiences that connect people—watching a game together, sharing a laugh, supporting a loved one, or savoring a piece of chocolate.
By aligning with the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, HERSHEY’S reinforces its longstanding association with togetherness and celebration. For generations, the brand has been present during life’s milestones and simple pleasures alike. Now, through this campaign, it expands that legacy into the world of international sport, inviting fans to embrace happiness both on and off the podium.
Digital Engagement Through AR and Social Media
To further immerse fans in the celebration, HERSHEY’S is extending the campaign into the digital space with interactive experiences across Snapchat and TikTok. Recognizing the role social platforms play in shaping modern celebrations, the brand has developed custom augmented reality (AR) lenses and branded effects that allow users to unlock and interact with a virtual Team USA chocolate medal.
On Snapchat, users can access a custom AR lens that places a digital chocolate medal into their environment, enabling them to capture and share their own “medal moments.” Similarly, TikTok users can engage with branded effects that transform personal achievements into celebratory content—complete with a digital nod to Team USA.
These digital activations are designed to make participation effortless and shareable. Whether someone completes a challenging workout, aces an exam, lands a new job, or simply enjoys a cozy night watching the Games, they can commemorate the moment with a virtual chocolate medal and share it with their community.
By blending physical products with digital experiences, HERSHEY’S creates a 360-degree campaign that resonates with fans wherever they are—at home, online, or cheering alongside friends and family.
Brand Leadership Perspective
Katrina Vatter, Senior Brand Manager at The Hershey Company, emphasized the emotional foundation behind the campaign.
“For generations, Hershey’s has been part of life’s simple, authentic moments of happiness, and the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games are no different,” Vatter said. “We created these bespoke chocolate medals, both physical and digital, to turn watching Team USA into a shared experience, inviting fans to celebrate their own everyday wins and discover that happiness is always within reach.”
Her remarks underscore the brand’s intention to broaden the definition of victory. Rather than focusing solely on athletic performance, HERSHEY’S seeks to highlight the emotional connections that make the Games meaningful—community pride, family traditions, and collective celebration.
Athlete Partnerships Spotlight “Real Gold” Moments
As part of the campaign, HERSHEY’S has partnered with additional celebrated athletes to deepen the storytelling around happiness and achievement. Joining five previously announced Olympic and Paralympic winter athletes and their families are two prominent figures: Amy Purdy and Aly Raisman.
Amy Purdy, a three-time Paralympic medalist in snowboarding, and Aly Raisman, a six-time Olympic medalist in gymnastics, will share their personal “real gold” moments on HERSHEY’S social channels throughout the Games. Their stories will move beyond podium highlights to reflect on the experiences that shaped their journeys.
For Purdy and Raisman, real gold is found not only in medals but also in perseverance, community support, teamwork, and the relationships forged along the way. By spotlighting these untold stories, HERSHEY’S reinforces its central message: happiness often shines brightest in the moments that don’t make headlines.
The inclusion of athletes and their families adds authenticity and emotional depth to the campaign. It connects fans with the human side of sport—the dedication, sacrifice, and shared joy that define the Olympic and Paralympic experience.
Celebrating Everyday Wins
Ultimately, the HERSHEY’S Team USA Milk Chocolate Medals serve as more than a novelty product. They symbolize a broader cultural message about redefining success. In a world that often measures achievement by trophies and titles, HERSHEY’S reminds consumers that everyday victories—no matter how small—deserve recognition.
SOURCE LINK : https://www.thehersheycompany.com/
