Raising prices and streamlining its production lines helped Hershey to dramatically higher second-quarter sales and profit, the nation's largest candy maker said Wednesday, even as it absorbs spiraling commodity costs and puts new emphasis on marketing muscle.

A rundown of Hershey's new products this year:

Hershey Co <HSY.N> on Wednesday posted higher quarterly profit, helped by lower charges to overhaul its supply chain, while sales rose 5.1 percent.

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Hershey Co <HSY.N> on Wednesday posted higher quarterly profit, helped by lower charges to overhaul its supply chain, while sales rose 5.1 percent.

Major business events and economic events scheduled for the coming week (some dates are tentative):

Like a lot of people, Nate Towne is cutting back on spending. He's carpooling to work and only shops at grocery stores that take coupons or offer discount "rewards" cards. But he will still pay for premium candy.

South Korea's Lotte Confectionery will acquire Belgian chocolate maker Guylian for 105 million euros ($164 million), marking its debut in the European premium chocolate market, Lotte said on Monday.

Hershey cut its long-term earnings growth target Tuesday as the largest U.S.  chocolate company tries to turn around sluggish sales and falling profit.

To give investors an edge, CNBC asked the market experts for their best trades going into the weekend. 

Barry Callebaut, the world's largest chocolate maker, posted a forecast-beating 22 percent rise in first-quarter sales on Tuesday, but warned margins could face pressure due to high raw material prices.