Press Releases

Do you open the bag of mini Halloween treats as soon as you get it home from the store? About two-thirds (66%) of people admit to enjoying a few pieces of Halloween chocolate and candy before handing the treats out to trick-or-treaters or using them for other Halloween activities, according to a recent poll conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of the National Confectioners Association.

Public health experts, community leaders, mayors and governors from across the country have joined a growing wave of approval and support for a safe and creative Halloween 2020 that includes Martha Stewart, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Whoopi Goldberg. Newspaper editorial boards, government officials, media personalities, parents, and public figures say that we can prioritize safety and still enjoy this fall with all types of Halloween celebrations.

Masking up this Halloween? 40% of Americans report they use mints to freshen their breath under their COVID-19 masks, according to a new survey from the National Confectioners Association. 38% reported that they enjoy gum under their masks, while 22% reported they prefer hard candy.

New data from the National Confectioners Association reveals that Gen X is the most likely to enjoy eating candy corn, with 58% reporting that they enjoy the iconic Halloween treat. Boomers trail shortly behind with 56% enjoying candy corn, according to the survey which was conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of NCA.

79% of parents indicate they have taken candy from their children after a night of trick-or-treating, according to a recent poll conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of the National Confectioners Association.

Swiping a few pieces of candy isn’t the only way parents ensure they have some special treats for themselves during the Halloween season: the same poll found 31% of all adults have plans to “stash” some of their favorite candy away for themselves.

Excited for Halloween this year? You’re not alone. New research from the National Confectioners Association shows that 80% of people believe that they will find creative and safe ways to celebrate the Halloween season this year. This is up from just 63% two months earlier in July. Halloween is happening, and creative and safe approaches to celebrating the holiday throughout the month of October are driving the national narrative in a way that showcases this consumer optimism and excitement for a fun and unique Halloween season.

The story of Halloween 2020 is shaping up to be one for the record books. From PVC pipe candy slides going viral on social media to major, thought-leading media outlets and prominent elected officials declaring that Halloween is happening, creative and safe approaches are driving the national narrative in a way that showcases consumer optimism for a fun and unique Halloween season.

Statement from John Downs, NCA President & CEO: “The CDC’s guidance reinforces that Halloween is happening and provides inspiration for creative and safe approaches to celebrating the holiday throughout the month of October. There’s no question that Halloween will look different this year, and innovative approaches endorsed by CDC like outdoor trick-or-treating can bring a little fun to the fall.”

New data from the National Confectioners Association shows that Halloween chocolate and candy sales are up this year. For the latest four weeks ending September 6 versus the same period in 2019, total Halloween chocolate & candy sales are up 13% – growth that is driven by Halloween chocolate, which is up 25.3%.