Sales of chocolate and candy have shot up during the pandemic, especially at grocery stores, according to figures from the National Confectioners Association.
In the period from March 15 to Aug. 9, overall sales of candy and chocolate have increased 3.8% over the same period last year. Chocolate was up 5.5%, and premium chocolate, 12.5%. In grocery stores, the bounce was even more pronounced: all chocolate and candy sales up 16.6%, with chocolate alone up 17.9% and premium chocolate up 21.4%. The sales increase is seen as part of the broad trend of consumers turning to comfort foods and indulgences as they’re stuck at home by the pandemic.
The candy industry is looking with some trepidation at how the pandemic will disrupt Halloween, but the National Confectioners Association is trying to maintain a positive attitude. It commissioned a poll stating that 63% of adults believe that “people will find creative, fun and safe ways to celebrate the Halloween season this year.”
“The results of our research reveal a deeply rooted enthusiasm for Halloween, even if it means that people have to rethink their approach this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic,” John Downs, president & CEO of the National Confectioners Association, said in a statement.
