Unwrapping Halloween's Candy Economy

Brad Paul, AAMS®, CMFC®, CPFA® | October 09, 2023

I hope this email finds you in high "spirits" as we approach the spookiest time of the year.

As the days creep closer to Halloween, confectioners weave a sweet web in preparation for this enchanting holiday. Did you know that the National Retail Foundation projects Americans will spend a staggering $12.2 billion this Halloween? That's about $100 per household and amounts to a 15.5% increase in spending compared to last year's Halloween. And, out of the $12.2 billion, an impressive $3.6 billion will be spent on candy alone!1

What's changed? Celebrations like Halloween are exceeding even pre-pandemic levels. After being cooped up, we're all looking for a good excuse to spend more time with family and friends, even if that means spending more to have a festive celebration.

According to CandyStore.com, these are America's top favorite Halloween candies:

Reese's Cups
M&M's
Hot Tamales
Skittles
Sour Patch Kids
Starburst
Hershey Kisses
Candy corn
Hershey Mini Bars
Snickers²*

* Results from 15 years of sales data (2007-2022) from CandyStore.com

Did your favorite candies make the list? Will you be handing out candy to trick-or-treaters this year? And, for all the little ones asking, will you be handing out full-sized candy bars? Inquiring minds want to know!

I am wishing you and yours a most "ghoulishly" fun Halloween!

^{1. NRF.com, 2023}
^{2. CandyStore.com, September 30, 2023}