Halloween Candy Sales Up Double-Digits Despite Pandemic
Halloween is happening, according to the National Confectioners Association, which said sales of seasonal chocolate and candy increased 13% year-over-year in the four weeks ended Sept. 6.
The growth is driven by Halloween chocolate, which was up more than 25% over the prior year. In the grocery channel alone, Halloween chocolate and candy sales were up 17% in the four-week period.
Halloween candy sales up double-digits despite pandemicSource: The Hershey Co.; Mars, Inc.09.18.2020By Monica Watrous WASHINGTON — Halloween is happening, according to the National Confectioners Association, which said sales of seasonal chocolate and candy increased 13% year-over-year in the four weeks ended Sept. 6.The growth is driven by Halloween chocolate, which was up more than 25% over the prior year. In the grocery channel alone, Halloween chocolate and candy sales were up 17% in the four-week period.The Halloween season is an important one for the confectionery industry, accounting for approximately $4.6 billion in sales each year during the eight weeks leading up to Oct. 31, according to the NCA. While chocolate and candy have been resilient during the COVID-19 pandemic, manufacturers have been bracing for softer demand on the possibility trick-or-treating may decline due to social distancing.“Treats like chocolate and candy have kept us connected this year, even when we couldn’t be together,” said John Downs, president and chief executive officer of the NCA. “When asked, parents overwhelmingly said their favorite way to enjoy Halloween treats is with their families, demonstrating how candy can make family time even sweeter and bring families closer together.“Halloween may look a little different this year, but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate in a new and creative way. I can’t wait to see the creative ways our member companies and candy lovers across the country make the Halloween season a success.”Mars, Inc., McLean, Va., has prepared for a variety of outcomes for Oct. 31, said Timothy LeBel, president of sales for Mars Wrigley.