US chocolate manufacturer Hershey has reported that its net income increased by 5.4% to $149.8m for the fourth quarter ended 31 December 2012, compared to $142.1m for the correspond period in the previous year.

For the period, the company's net sales increased by 11.7% to $1.75bn, compared to $1.56bn for the same period in 2011.

Besides, the net sales for the fiscal 2012 increased by 9.26% to $6.64bn from $6.08bn in 2011, while the net income increased by 5.08% to $660m, compared to $628m in the earlier year.

For the fiscal 2013, the company expects to report earnings per share-diluted of between $3.47 and $3.56; 5% to 7% growth in net sales.

In key international markets such as China, Hershey plans to extend its portfolio with the launch of Hershey's Kisses Deluxe.

The Company will also continue to support its Insights Driven Performance initiative, invest in international selling and marketing functions and support new products with increased consumer promotion and sampling. As a result, it expects adjusted earnings per share-diluted growth for the full year to be between 10% to 12%.