From The Banner · Dee-Ann Durbin, Associated Press · · 1m 10s
Halloween candy sales drop as prices rise
Higher chocolate costs are hurting Halloween candy sales this year.
In brief
Higher chocolate costs are hurting Halloween candy sales this year. Halloween candy sales fell 6.7% in the month ending Oct. 17 compared to last year due to rising prices. Originally reported by The Banner.
Halloween candy sales drop
Halloween candy sales fell 6.7% in the month ending Oct. 17 compared to the same period last year.
Cocoa prices hit record high
Global cocoa prices reached a record high of $10,710 per metric ton in January 2025 due to poor weather in West Africa.
Gas prices rise
The average price of a gallon of regular gasoline in the U.S. was $4.29, up nearly 40% from the prior year.
Consumer affordability concerns
Chris Costagli said high gas prices have worsened Americans’ concerns about affordability, dampening demand for Halloween treats.
Small bags see sales growth
Small bags of candy were the only sizes seeing sales growth through mid-October.
Cocoa prices fall then rise
Cocoa prices fell to $3,241 per metric ton in March but began climbing again in the spring due to Iran war disruptions.
Halloween sales remain optimistic
The National Confectioners Association said consumer enthusiasm remains strong despite lower sales.
The takeaway
Halloween candy sales fell 6.7% in the month ending Oct. 17 compared to last year due to rising prices.
