Summary
- • The global candy market size was valued at USD 210.3 billion in 2021
- • The candy market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% from 2022 to 2030
- • Chocolate candy accounts for approximately 60% of U.S. candy sales
- • Non-chocolate candy makes up about 32% of U.S. candy sales
- • Gum represents roughly 8% of U.S. candy sales
- • Halloween accounts for about 10% of annual candy sales
- • Easter represents approximately 7% of annual candy sales
- • Valentine's Day accounts for about 5% of annual candy sales
- • Christmas makes up roughly 4% of annual candy sales
- • M&M's are the best-selling candy brand in the U.S.
- • Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are the second best-selling candy in the U.S.
- • Hershey's Kisses rank third in U.S. candy sales
- • The average American consumes 22 pounds of candy per year
- • About 72% of Americans eat chocolate candy
- • Approximately 68% of Americans eat non-chocolate candy
Sweet Tooth: Unwrapping the Fascinating World of Candy Sales – Brace yourselves for a sugar-coated journey through the tantalizing realm of candy sales statistics that are as eye-opening as they are tooth-aching. From M&Ms ruling the U.S. confectionery kingdom to the surprising dominance of candy corn in certain states, we delve into a world where chocolate, non-chocolate, gum, and everything in between, command a staggering $210.3 billion market value. So grab your favorite candy bar, sit back, and lets crunch through the numbers that make the global candy market truly, deliciously irresistible.
Brand Performance
- M&M's are the best-selling candy brand in the U.S.
- Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are the second best-selling candy in the U.S.
- Hershey's Kisses rank third in U.S. candy sales
- Mars Wrigley Confectionery is the largest candy company in the U.S.
- Hershey Co. is the second-largest candy company in the U.S.
- Ferrero Group ranks third among U.S. candy companies
Interpretation
In the sweet world of candy sales, it seems that M&M's reign supreme, proving that Americans can't resist those colorful, melt-in-your-mouth treats. Coming in at a close second is the classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate with Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, appealing to those who crave that perfect sweet and salty balance. And let's not forget the iconic Hershey's Kisses, sealing the deal at number three with their unmistakable "kiss" shape. With Mars Wrigley Confectionery leading the pack as the largest candy company, it's clear that in the land of sugar and chocolate, they are the undisputed champs. So, whether you're Team M&M's, Team Reese's, or Team Kisses, one thing is certain—there's no shortage of sweet choices in the candy kingdom.
Consumer Behavior
- The average American consumes 22 pounds of candy per year
- About 72% of Americans eat chocolate candy
- Approximately 68% of Americans eat non-chocolate candy
- About 65% of Americans say they usually or always share candy
- Approximately 90% of parents discuss candy consumption with their children
- Nearly 80% of adults say they take candy to work to share with colleagues
- About 72% of chocolate candy is purchased from supermarkets and grocery stores
- Approximately 15% of candy sales occur at convenience stores
- Nearly 65% of candy is purchased on impulse
- The average American household spends about $140 per year on candy
- Millennials are the largest consumers of candy, accounting for 30% of sales
- About 85% of Americans say they eat candy at least once a month
- The average American eats about 3.4 pounds of candy during the winter holidays
- Approximately 85% of parents steal candy from their children's Halloween haul
- About 40% of Americans say they eat candy at least a few times a week
- The average American consumes about 1.8 ounces of chocolate per day
- About 72% of candy consumers prefer bite-sized or miniature candies
- Approximately 75% of Americans say they eat candy in moderation
- The average American consumes about 9.5 pounds of candy corn per year
Interpretation
In a world where sharing candy is a social norm, discussion of sweet treats is a parental duty, and the impulse to indulge in sugary delights is nearly irresistible, it's no wonder that the average American consumes a staggering 22 pounds of candy per year. From the allure of chocolate to the temptation of bite-sized morsels, our candy cravings seem to know no bounds. Millennials lead the charge in this sugary saga, devouring 30% of all candy sales. So next time you reach for that candy bar at work or sneak a piece from your child's Halloween stash, remember you're just another statistic in the sweet symphony of American candy consumption.
Economic Impact
- The U.S. candy industry creates about 55,000 jobs directly
- The candy industry supports an additional 410,000 jobs indirectly
- The U.S. candy industry generates $37 billion in retail sales annually
Interpretation
The candy industry in the U.S. not only satisfies our sweet cravings but also provides a bittersweet reminder of its economic impact. With about 55,000 jobs directly created and an additional 410,000 jobs supported indirectly, it's clear that many people are working hard to keep our sugar fix going strong. In the land of milk and honey - or rather, the land of chocolate and gummies - the candy industry reigns supreme, raking in a whopping $37 billion in retail sales annually. So next time you bite into that delicious treat, remember that it's not just your taste buds that are benefiting from the sugary goodness.
Market Growth
- The candy market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% from 2022 to 2030
- Online candy sales grew by 70% in 2020
- The global sugar confectionery market is expected to reach $69.5 billion by 2026
- The chocolate confectionery market is projected to reach $187.1 billion by 2027
- Organic candy sales have increased by 15% year-over-year
- Vegan candy sales have grown by 140% since 2015
- Sugar-free candy sales have increased by 33% in the past five years
- The global sugar-free candy market is expected to reach $3.9 billion by 2027
- Candy sales in convenience stores increased by 3.8% in 2020
- The global candy market is expected to reach $295.3 billion by 2028
- Candy sales in dollar stores increased by 5.2% in 2020
- The global functional candy market is expected to reach $4.5 billion by 2026
Interpretation
As the world's sweet tooth continues to evolve, the candy industry is undergoing a sugary revolution that is both delicious and lucrative. From the exponential growth of online candy sales to the booming demand for organic, vegan, and sugar-free options, consumers are craving confections that cater to their evolving tastes and preferences. With projections showing a significant rise in both traditional and niche markets, it's clear that the global candy industry is set to become a multi-billion dollar playground where innovation meets indulgence. So whether you're a candy connoisseur or a health-conscious sweet tooth, there's plenty to look forward to in this ever-changing landscape of treats and trends.
Market Size
- The global candy market size was valued at USD 210.3 billion in 2021
- Chocolate sales in the U.S. reached $23.9 billion in 2020
Interpretation
The sweet tooth phenomenon has proven to be recession-proof as global candy sales reached a staggering USD 210.3 billion in 2021, showcasing that in times of uncertainty, consumers seek solace in the comfort of confectionery delights. Particularly in the U.S., where chocolate sales alone hit a record-breaking $23.9 billion in 2020, it's clear that the allure of indulging in a bit of sweetness transcends economic highs and lows. So, next time you savor a delectable treat, remember, it's not just candy – it's a resilient economy in a chocolate-coated shell.
Product Types
- Chocolate candy accounts for approximately 60% of U.S. candy sales
- Non-chocolate candy makes up about 32% of U.S. candy sales
- Gum represents roughly 8% of U.S. candy sales
- Sugar-free gum sales account for about 85% of total gum sales
- Dark chocolate sales have grown by 12% annually in recent years
- The average candy bar has shrunk by 24% since 1996
- Gummy candies account for about 20% of non-chocolate candy sales
- Hard candy represents approximately 15% of non-chocolate candy sales
- The candy industry has reduced calories in many single-serve products to 200 calories or less
- Nearly 60% of candy is sold in packages of 3.5 ounces or less
Interpretation
In the world of sweet treats, it seems chocolate reigns supreme in the U.S., capturing the hearts (and taste buds) of 60% of candy sales. Non-chocolate varieties may lag slightly behind at 32%, but they hold their own in the candy aisle. Gum, the underrated hero of the candy world, represents a modest 8% slice of the sales pie, with sugar-free gum leading the charge at a whopping 85%. Dark chocolate enthusiasts rejoice as sales soar by 12% annually, a bittersweet victory in the world of confectionery. However, as our waistlines become more discerning, the average candy bar has undergone a 24% reduction since 1996, a shrinking feat indeed. Gummy candies bounce into the scene, snagging 20% of non-chocolate candy sales, while hard candies remain a solid contender at 15%. The candy industry, mindful of calorie concerns, has slimmed down many single-serve offerings to 200 calories or less, proving that sometimes less is more, even in the world of indulgence. And with almost 60% of candy sold in petite packages of 3.5 ounces or less, it seems the old adage holds true - good things really do come in small packages.
Seasonal Sales
- Halloween accounts for about 10% of annual candy sales
- Easter represents approximately 7% of annual candy sales
- Valentine's Day accounts for about 5% of annual candy sales
- Christmas makes up roughly 4% of annual candy sales
- Candy corn is the most popular Halloween candy in 6 U.S. states
- Reese's Cups are the most popular Easter candy in the U.S.
- Conversation hearts are the most popular Valentine's Day candy
- Candy canes are the most popular Christmas candy in the U.S.
- Candy sales increase by about 50% during the week before Halloween
- Valentine's Day candy sales reached $3.3 billion in 2021
- Easter candy sales totaled $4 billion in 2021
- Christmas candy sales amounted to $2 billion in 2020
- About 94% of Americans say they stock up on Halloween candy
Interpretation
In the colorful world of candy sales, Halloween seems to reign supreme with its spooky season commanding an impressive 10% slice of the annual sugary pie, while Easter and Valentine's Day follow suit with their own sweet stakes at 7% and 5% respectively. Christmas, known for its festive cheer, modestly claims about 4% of the candy extravaganza. It's a candy battleground out there, where candy corn proudly sits atop the Halloween throne in 6 U.S. states, Reese's Cups take the Easter crown, Conversation hearts whisper sweet nothings on Valentine's Day, and candy canes jingle all the way through the Christmas season. With candy sales spiking by a whopping 50% in the deliciously chaotic week before Halloween, it's no surprise that Americans eagerly stock up on treats, ensuring their candy bowls are never empty. A confectionery carousel that spins through the year, turning profits and spreading sugary joy across the nation.
