"The smell of solidarity is stronger than the smell of chocolate in Hershey, Pennsylvania - the local businesses have come out in support of the workers."

Bruce Hummel, head of Chocolate Local 464 union

However in the 21st century new tough management, headed by chief executive Richard Lenny, has taken over.

The company is firmly dedicated to boosting profits and, the workers claim, reducing jobs and benefits.

The new strategy has seen some success, with profits for the January to March period rising 10% this year.

Jobs for profits?

Bruce Hummel, head of Hershey's union branch - called Chocolate Local 464 - described the factory as having a "family atmosphere" in the past.

"But now they are bringing in people like Richard Lenny whose track record is to consolidate and eliminate jobs and basically line his pockets," Mr Hummel told the BBC's World Business Report.

"The whole air about him is the fact that he is just corporate greed," he added.

Hershey was unavailable for a comment when contacted by WBR.

Hershey also produces Hershey's Chocolate Kisses and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.