Americans are ready to embrace new and traditional Halloween customs this year with 82% of people saying they will find creative and safe ways to celebrate in 2021.
Chocolate. Candy. Costumes. Creativity. That’s #HowWeHalloween!
It might be a bit divisive – you either love it or you don’t – but there’s no more iconic treat to enjoy during the Halloween season than candy corn. And there is no greater debate in American households this time of year than deciding the “right” way to eat candy corn.
Fortunately, the National Confectioners Association recently released the definitive deep dive on how people enjoy this classic treat.
*The following op-ed originally appeared in Morning Consult on October 20, 2021.
This Halloween is going to be a blowout. Retailers are going strong on their Halloween sets with about 27 percent more seasonal items on display per store than in 2020. Consumers are planning to celebrate in a big way, including young parents – 93 percent of whom say they plan to celebrate Halloween this year. And sales of chocolate and candy are up 48 percent over 2020 and nearly 60 percent over 2019.
The 2021 Halloween season is full of excitement, as chocolate and candy sales are up and consumers are ready to maximize their fun during the Halloween season. Retailers are going strong on their Halloween sets, with about 27% more seasonal items per store than in 2020. Consumers are planning to celebrate in a big way, including young parents – 93% of whom say they plan to celebrate Halloween this year. And sales of chocolate and candy are up 48% over 2020 and nearly 60% over 2019.
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.
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.
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.
With more than 100 years in business, American Licorice Company is responsible for countless Americans’ favorite treats, including Red Vines and Sour Punch. Founded by Martin Kretchmer in 1914, American Licorice Company has grown from its beginnings creating Black Licorice Twists in Chicago to the nationwide distribution of a wide range of products from its current headquarters in Indiana. Now run by Kretchmer’s great-grandchildren, the company supports a variety of causes, including the Kids In Need Foundation and the Conservation Fund.
Find out more about other NCA member companies in your state!
93%
of people believe that candy can be part of a happy, balanced lifestyle
2-3x
Number of times per week, most people in the U.S. enjoy chocolate & candy
110
One U.S. confectionery job supports ten other American jobs
The National Confectioners Association is the leading trade organization for the U.S. confectionery industry, which generates more than $37 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.
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.
Chocolate and candy are celebrated for their contributions to our culture, our society, our economy and our everyday moments of joy.
