NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedOctober 24, 2026Miami-Dade County
Halloween candy sales drop 6.7% as consumers face record chocolate prices and living costs
Photo: WPLG Local 10 – Main Feed
Halloween candy sales fell 6.7% in the month ending Oct. 17 compared to last year, driven by high chocolate prices and broader affordability concerns among U.S. consumers. NielsenIQ reported that candy and gum prices have climbed 44% over a five-year period, outpacing the 22.5% increase for all food eaten at home. Global cocoa prices surged to a record high of $10,710 per metric ton in January due to poor weather in West Africa and speculative trading.
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10 – Main FeedWhy It Matters
Consumers are shifting purchasing habits by buying smaller bag sizes and delaying purchases closer to the holiday amid rising fuel, housing, and food expenses.
Key Facts
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Who's Mentioned
PersonSally Lyons Wyatt“quoted regarding consumer shopping habits and smaller supermarket trips”OrganizationAldi“advertised a 135-piece variety pack of Mars Inc. chocolate bars for $19.87”OrganizationCircana“employer of Sally Lyons Wyatt”OrganizationNielsenIQ“provided data on Halloween candy sales declines”OrganizationU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics“provided data on global cocoa prices”OrganizationNational Confectioners Association“represented candy makers and expressed optimism about Halloween sales”PersonChris Costagli“quoted discussing consumer affordability and candy bag size preferences”OrganizationFerrara Candy Co.“represented by the National Confectioners Association”OrganizationSmarties Candy Co.“represented by the National Confectioners Association”OrganizationMars Inc.“mentioned as a manufacturer whose products are sold in variety packs”