There’s no clearer sign that the winter holidays are here than the emergence of candy canes on store shelves – but what is the “right” way to eat them? In a new consumer survey, the National Confectioners Association found that 55% of people start with the straight end, 28% go for the curved end first and 17% of consumers choose to break it into pieces. It makes sense that this debate heats up as the weather cools down: 93% of Americans say they plan to share chocolate and candy with friends and family for the winter holiday season.
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.
Featured News
NCA Statement on White House Winter Holidays Decor Collaboration
In response to the announcement and unveiling of The White House 2023 holiday theme and decor by First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, the National Confectioners Association released the following statement from Christopher Gindlesperger, NCA’s Senior Vice President of Public Affairs & Communications. NCA is a key collaborator with The White House, helping bring the “Magic, Wonder and Joy” of the winter holidays to life throughout the executive residence.
New NCA Report: Seasonal Confectionery Is Key Driver of the Category and Business
Throughout the year, American consumers look forward to celebrating their favorite holidays and seasons with friends and family. Whether it’s exchanging heart-shaped chocolate boxes on Valentine’s Day or roasting s’mores around a summer bonfire, chocolate and candy play an important role in these special moments and seasonal celebrations.
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.
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!
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.
