Data from the National Confectioners Association (NCA) clearly show that the sale of chocolate and candy have hiked up during the pandemic, especially at grocery shops.
Overall sales of candies and chocolates have escalated by 3.8% from Mar.15 to Aug. 9 when compared to the same period of last year. Spike in sales of chocolates was up by 5.5%, and premium chocolates by 12.5%.
The upswing was even more prominent in the grocery retails: all chocolates and candies sales incremented by 16.6%, with chocolates alone up by 17.9% and premium chocolates by 21.4%. This rise in sales can be seen as part of the overall trend of consumers’ demand for comfort foods and luxury treats while they’re locked at home in view of the pandemic.
The candy industry is looking with some consternation at how the pandemic will make a mess of Halloween, but the National Confectioners Association is endeavouring to be optimistic.
63% of adults are of the opinion that “People will find innovative, convivial and safe ways to celebrate the Halloween season this year,” a poll conducted by NCA revealed.
John Downs, President and CEO of the National Confectioners Association, stated- “The results of our research reveal a firmly implanted passion for Halloween, even if it means that people have to rethink their approach this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.”