2023 State of Treating

Supply chain disruption, 40-year high inflation and lingering COVID-19 concerns continued to affect confectionery shopping and consumption patterns. What did not change was the nation’s love for confectionery. Americans continued to treat themselves and others during seasonal and everyday occasions.

Consumers Kick Off the Summer With National Candy Month in June

June is National Candy Month, and there is no better way to kick off the summer than by embracing this month-long celebration that is gaining momentum with retailers and consumers nationwide. Major retail activation of National Candy Month started in 2020 with just 570 stores and by 2022, more than 50,000 stores participated in summer promotions that showcased the fun and unique nature of chocolate and candy.

NCA’s Always A Treat Campaign Wins Gold Stevie for ESG PR Campaign of the Year

The National Confectioners Association’s industry-shaping Always A Treat campaign won a Gold Stevie for ESG PR Campaign of the Year in the 21st Annual American Business Awards®. The Stevie Awards are the only national, all-encompassing business awards in the United States that recognize excellence in public relations, technology, human resources, social media and other categories.

NCA’s Always A Treat Campaign Wins 2023 PRNews Social Impact Award

The groundbreaking and innovative Always A Treat campaign, spearheaded by the National Confectioners Association, took first place in the 2023 PRNews Social Impact Awards Cause Branding Campaign category. The PRNews Social Impact Awards honor organizations that use their platforms to better their community and the global community at large.

The Power of SWEET

Manufacturers of chocolate, candy, gum and mints directly employ nearly 58,000 people across the United States with almost 700,000 jobs supported in related industries, including agriculture, retail, transportation and more. Altogether, the confectionery industry contributes more than $37 billion in retail sales to the U.S. economy each year and has at least one manufacturing facility in each of the fifty U.S. states.

Map of the United States

Box of chocolate truffles

Always A TREAT

America’s leading chocolate and candy companies have committed to providing consumers with information, options, and support as they enjoy their favorite treats, pledging half of their individually wrapped products will be available in sizes that contain 200 calories or less per pack and 90 percent will feature calorie information on the front of the pack by 2022.

Fun and UNIQUE

Chocolate, candy, gum and mints hold a special place in our lives. From holidays and celebrations to everyday moments of joy, confectionery can play a role in a happy, balanced lifestyle. America’s candy makers are proud to be part of those family traditions. Yes, we makes delicious treats, but we’re also helping to make memories.   

Meet our MEMBER COMPANIES

Boyer Candy Company

The Boyer Brothers started their candy business during the trying times of the Depression and has since grown to produce some of America’s most beloved treats. From its humble beginnings in a kitchen, they’ve been offering high-quality American-made candy that pleases both nostalgic customers and new ones alike – all of whom are looking for something uniquely delicious. The Boyer family business has become renowned for its signature offerings that include Mallo Cups and Smoothie Cups, first created in 1936, that continues to delight consumers today.

Find out more about other NCA member companies in your state!

Did You Know?

78%

of all adults believe it is perfectly fine to occasionally treat with chocolate or candy

2-3x

Number of times per week, most people in the U.S. enjoy chocolate & candy

111

One U.S. confectionery job supports eleven other American jobs

ABOUT NCA

The National Confectioners Association is the leading trade organization for the U.S. confectionery industry, which generates more than $42 billion in retail sales each year. Making chocolate, candy, gum and mints, the industry employs nearly 58,000 workers in more than 1,600 manufacturing facilities across all 50 states. NCA advocates for an environment that enables candy makers to thrive and work to ensure that chocolate and candy are celebrated for their contributions to culture, society, the economy and everyday moments of joy.

OUR MISSION

Foster an environment that enables candy makers to thrive and promote the unique role of confections in a happy, balanced lifestyle. The National Confectioners Association advances, protects and promotes the confectionery industry.

OUR VISION

Chocolate and candy are celebrated for their contributions to our culture, our society, our economy and our everyday moments of joy.