“Consumers appreciate and value chocolate and candy during these uncertain times because of their uncanny ability to boost moods and lighten perspectives” the NCA said.
Overall sales of chocolate and candy have increased 3.8% with chocolate (+5.5%) and premium chocolate (+12.5%) outpacing the rest of the category, NCA data reveals, based on its analysis of sales performance from March 15, 2020 to August 9, 2020.
The grocery channel has become a key driver for chocolate and candy sales growth as consumer behaviors continue to evolve during the pandemic and more people shop at grocery stores. In the grocery channel alone, chocolate and candy sales are up 16.6% with chocolate (+17.9%), premium chocolate (+21.4%) and non-chocolate (+13.5%) all performing very well.
Halloween
With the Halloween season around the corner, this year’s festivities could mean more time at home or just more time celebrating the season throughout the month of October, but as NCA CEO and president John Downs wrote in ConfectioneryNews: ‘Halloween is happening’.
