Seasonal Chocolate & Candy Insights

More than 64% of total candy sales take place during the four big seasons of Valentine’s Day, Easter, Halloween and the winter holidays. Uncover insights into seasonal purchases in NCA’s exciting new research, Getting to Know Seasonal Chocolate & Candy Consumers.

NCA, White House Collaborate on 2023 Winter Holidays Decor

NCA is collaborating with The White House on its 2023 holiday theme and décor, which First Lady Dr. Jill Biden revealed today. Chris Gindlesperger, NCA’s Senior Vice President of Public Affairs & Communications, shared the following statement:

“We’re proud to be part of this unique collaboration with The White House that brings to life the magic of chocolate and candy and the joyous spirit of the winter holidays. From your house to The White House, chocolate and candy are always a treat.”

NCA Statement on Recent Consumer Reports Chocolate and Cocoa Article

In response to an October 25, 2023 Consumer Reports article on chocolate and cocoa, the National Confectioners Association released the following statement:

“Chocolate and cocoa are safe to eat and can be enjoyed as treats as they have been for centuries. Food safety and product quality remain our highest priorities and we remain dedicated to being transparent and socially responsible.”

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

Palmer Candy

The Palmer family has been making candy together since 1878, and Palmer Candy is nationally recognized as a full line manufacturer of chocolate and holiday confections. They operate today as not only one of the country’s oldest candy companies, but as the very oldest company of its size to be under continuous family ownership in the United States!

Palmer Candy

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.