Hershey, the US confectionery firm, is taking its first significant step beyond the chocolate category with the acquisition of snack food firm Amplify Snack Brands for $921 million. The deal “strengthens Hershey’s position in the snacking aisle and broadens its portfolio of innovative savory snacking brands”, the company said in a statement. The Amplify Snack Brands portfolio includes SkinnyPop popcorn, Paqui tortilla crisps, Oatmega protein bars and Tyrrells potato crisps. Commenting on the …