# Halloween candy sales drop as prices rise

> Higher chocolate costs are hurting Halloween candy sales this year.
- Title: Halloween candy sales drop as prices rise · The Banner
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: halloween, candy, price, sales, nielseniq, chocolate, cocoa, news, local, drop, prices, rise
- Source: The Banner — https://thebanner.com/national/halloween-candy-higher-prices-lower-sales-G2HGCPWQSZBTFCW34HLVXRC4DQ
- Author: Dee-Ann Durbin, Associated Press
- Published: 2026-10-24T16:46:42.029+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: halloween, candy, price, sales, nielseniq, chocolate, cocoa, news, local
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Halloween candy sales fell 6.7% in the month ending Oct. 17 compared to last year due to rising prices.