July 30 (Reuters) - Hershey beat analysts' sales

and profit estimates for the second quarter on Wednesday, driven

by demand during Easter for its confectionery goods and salty

snacks.

The company said it expects tariff expenses to be between

$170 million and $180 million for the full year. It had

projected tariff costs to be about $15 million to $20 million in

the reported quarter.

The Dot's pretzels maker, which maintained its annual

forecasts, said sales volume rose about 21% during the quarter,

due to planned changes in its inventory and supply chain in the

North America Confectionery and International segments.

While Hershey gained from the timing of Easter season, it

fell on April 20 this year, the company also benefited from

earlier shipments of Halloween seasonal orders.

"Looking ahead, we remain committed to delivering balanced

growth and have taken pivotal steps toward mitigating cocoa

inflation through strategic pricing," outgoing CEO Michele Buck

said in a statement.

The company raised prices by about 5% in the quarter ended

June 29, compared with a 1% increase a year ago, helping it

counter soaring prices of cocoa.

Earlier this month, Hershey's said it had tapped Wendy's

Kirk Tanner as its new CEO, effective August 18.

Shares of the company, which has also announced its decision

to drop artificial colors from its snacks in the next two years,

were marginally up at $186.65 in premarket trading.

The company's net sales of $2.61 billion beat estimates of

$2.52 billion, as per data compiled by LSEG.

On adjusted basis, Hershey reported a profit of $1.21 per

share, also topping estimates of 99 cents.