The confectionery industry is as strong as it’s ever been, according to Carly Schildhaus, director of public affairs and communications for the National Confectioners Association.
She said consumers are eager to find ways to add a little bit of sweetness to their lives, “whether enhancing holidays, brightening celebrations or making an ordinary day extraordinary.”
In 2022, confectionery dollar sales grew 11.1 percent over 2021, and 22.1 percent over 2019, Schildhaus said.
“As chocolate and candy remain affordable and accessible, we anticipate that this growth trend will continue, with projections taking the total category to $54.3 billion by 2027.”
Seasonal celebrations are key to this growth. Based on NCA research, 93 percent of Americans say they’ll share chocolate and candy to celebrate the 2023 Halloween season.
“Over the past few years, consumers have been starting their Halloween season celebrations earlier and earlier because they know that Halloween is Oct. 31, but also so much more than that,” Schildhaus said. “It represents an opportunity to share a celebration with friends and family – and chocolate and candy play a key role in these festivities.”
NCA shared some trends for this year at its annual Sweets & Snacks Expo, held in May. These include brand collaborations, with brands/treats working together to create something new; and flavor mashups, such as combinations of salty, sweet, sour, spicy or savory.
Other trends included social media-friendly interactive treats, where consumers can play with their food and share with friends on social media; and options, with companies offering a range of packaging sizes and product types to fit every occasion.
Schildhaus said the 2023 Sweets & Snacks Expo was a “huge success” for NCA’s final year in Chicago, with more than 800 exhibitors and more than 18,000 registrants.
Starting in 2024, the show begins a two-city rotation with Indianapolis and Las Vegas. For more information on the Big & Bold Show, May 14-16 in Indianapolis, visit sweetsandsnacks.com.
The NCA is the leading trade organization for the U.S. confectionery industry, which generates $42 billion in retail sales each year. NCA advocates for an environment that enables candy makers to thrive and works to ensure that chocolate, candy, gum and mints are celebrated for their contributions to culture, society, the economy and everyday moments of joy.
Read more snacks news at The Shelby Report.
