Halloween is Coming with a 5% Increase in Chocolate and Candy Sales

This year, 93% of Americans intend to celebrate Halloween in a big way with plans to enjoy their favorite chocolate and candy treats, according to a recent survey from the National Confectioners Association.

Whether consumers are enjoying new and innovative offerings or classic candy corn, confectionery is an iconic part of the season’s celebrations, said NAC in a press release.

“The past few years have proven that the confectionery industry is resilient, and Americans remain enthusiastic about enjoying their favorite treats during seasonal celebrations like Halloween with friends and family,” John Downs, NCA president and CEO said. “Chocolate and candy play a special role during the Halloween season in communities across the country – and this Halloween promises to be especially impressive as chocolate, and candy companies bring consumers classic, innovative, and great-tasting products that enhance the season.”

The National Confectioners Association is projecting a 5% increase in chocolate and candy sales for the 2022 Halloween season as consumers nationwide go bigger and bolder in their celebrations – with some starting earlier than in previous years.

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This Halloween season is even sweeter because America’s chocolate and candy companies are committed to helping consumers manage their sugar intake by providing more transparency, choice, and portion guidance options. 85% of chocolate and candy sold today comes in packaging that contains 200 calories or less per pack. That number includes individually wrapped products or multipacks with smaller packages inside – the perfect size for the 97% of Americans who say they welcome trick-or-treaters with chocolate and candy.

According to an Information Resources, Inc. (IRI) report, candy category sales growth remains in double digits leading up to Halloween.

For the 52 weeks ending September 11, total strong candy, mint, and gum (CGM) sales came in 11.1 percent ahead of the same period one year ago. In the latest four weeks, candy sales accelerated to 12.7 percent versus a year ago. IRI reported that all three areas, chocolate, non-chocolate, and gum/breath fresheners, gained in dollars while unit sales were mixed.

“Virtually all areas within chocolate grew by double digits, with strong consumer demand for seasonal chocolate in the very early weeks of the Halloween season,” said Anne-Marie Roerink of 210 Analytics.