U.S. Halloween candy sales are off to a slow start, down 6.7% in the month ending Oct. 17 from a year earlier, according to NielsenIQ, after an 11.7% drop in mid-September erased preseason gains from the previous two years. NielsenIQ's Chris Costagli links the slowdown to high gas prices and affordability worries, with regular gasoline averaging $4.29 a gallon, up nearly 40% from a year earlier. Candy and gum prices rose 44% over the period measured by government data, compared with 22.5% for all food eaten at home, mainly due to cocoa, which hit a record $10,710 per metric ton in January 2025. Even where nonchocolate candy prices were about 3% lower than last year, at $6.08 per pound, sales did not rise. The National Confectioners Association said consumer enthusiasm remains strong as the Halloween peak period begins.
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QQQ
• NeutralInvesco QQQ Trust
Relevance: low
| Market | US stocks |
|---|---|
| Sector | ETF |
| Close on 10/23/2026 | 704.39 |
| Change that session | -0.01% |
SPY
• NeutralSPDR S&P 500 ETF
Relevance: low
| Market | US stocks |
|---|---|
| Sector | ETF |
| Close on 10/23/2026 | 759.85 |
| Change that session | -0.54% |
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Related news
- Halloween candy sales are slow amid affordability concerns
U.S. Halloween candy sales have started slowly as consumers grapple with high living costs and chocolate prices. NielsenIQ reported candy sales fell 6.7% in the month ending Oct. 17 from a year earlier, after an 11.7% drop in mid-September erased the preseason gains of the previous two years. NielsenIQ's Chris Costagli said high gas prices, with regular gasoline averaging $4.29 a gallon, up nearly 40% from a year earlier, are dampening demand as shoppers cut back on treats. Candy and gum prices rose 44% over a five-year period, mainly due to cocoa, which hit a record $10,710 per metric ton in January 2025 before falling to $3,241 in March and rising again. Even though nonchocolate candy averaged $6.08 per pound, about 3% lower than last year, demand remains muted, while the National Confectioners Association stays optimistic about Halloween.
- Halloween candy sales are off to a slow start amid high chocolate prices and affordability concerns
- Halloween candy sales are off to a slow start amid high chocolate prices and affordability concerns
Halloween candy sales have started slowly this year as U.S. consumers grapple with high living costs and expensive chocolate. NielsenIQ data shows sales fell 6.7% in the month ending Oct. 17 from a year earlier, after an 11.7% drop in mid-September erased the preseason gains seen in the previous two years. NielsenIQ's Chris Costagli said high gas prices, now averaging $4.29 per gallon, have worsened affordability concerns and dampened demand. Candy and gum prices rose 44% over five years versus 22.5% for all food eaten at home, largely due to cocoa prices that hit a record in January 2025 amid poor West African weather and speculative trading. Non-chocolate candy, about 3% cheaper than last year, has not seen a sales lift, and Circana's Sally Lyons Wyatt wonders whether shoppers are waiting until closer to Halloween to buy.
- Halloween candy sales are off to a slow start amid high chocolate prices and affordability concerns
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