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NewsWSVN 7 MiamiOctober 24, 2026Miami-Dade County

Halloween candy sales drop 6.7% as consumers face record chocolate prices and high living costs

Photo: WSVN 7 Miami

Halloween candy sales fell 6.7% in the month ending Oct. 17 compared to the previous year, driven by high chocolate prices and broader affordability concerns among U.S. consumers. NielsenIQ reports 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 reached a record $10,710 per metric ton in January 2025 due to West African weather issues and speculative trading, before fluctuating amid supply chain disruptions.

Cost of LivingRetailAgricultureEconomy
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Why It Matters

Consumers are altering their holiday purchasing habits and shifting toward smaller package sizes or delayed buying as gas, food, and housing costs absorb a larger share of household budgets.

Key Facts

Each fact below is taken from the article. Click one to see the exact passage.

Who's Mentioned

PersonSally Lyons Wyatt“Commented on consumer shopping frequency and intentional purchasing behavior.”OrganizationAldi“Advertised a 135-piece variety pack of Mars Inc. chocolate bars for $19.87.”OrganizationCircana“Employs global executive vice president Sally Lyons Wyatt.”locationWest Africa“Experienced poor weather affecting global cocoa production.”OrganizationNielsenIQ“Provided data on Halloween candy sales declines and consumer package size prefer”OrganizationU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics“Provided data on historical cocoa prices and government inflation statistics.”OrganizationNational Confectioners Association“Expressed optimism regarding peak Halloween period consumer enthusiasm.”PersonChris Costagli“Cited regarding consumer affordability and purchasing habits for Halloween candy”locationIran“War activity disrupted Africa's fertilizer supplies, impacting cocoa production ”OrganizationFerrara Candy Co.“Mentioned as a member of the National Confectioners Association.”OrganizationSmarties Candy Co.“Mentioned as a member of the National Confectioners Association.”OrganizationMars Inc.“Represented by the National Confectioners Association and maker of chocolate bar”