Consumers Bring Good Tidings to Winter Holidays with Chocolate and Candy

WASHINGTON, Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- It's the most wonderful time of the year, and 95% of Americans are ready to celebrate the winter holidays with chocolate and candy, according to a recent survey from the National Confectioners Association. Whether it's hanging candy canes on the tree or gifting festive treats, candy can add the sweet touch that makes cherished moments feel merry and bright.

Why it matters: Confectionery sales around the holidays reached nearly $7 billion in 2023 and are expected to grow up to three percent in 2024. The winter holidays are one of the big four seasons (which also include Valentine's Day, Easter, and Halloween) that account for 64 percent of annual sales for the $48 billion confectionery industry.

Quotable: John Downs, president and CEO of the National Confectioners Association, said:

"Chocolate and candy are essential parts of the winter holidays, deeply connected to the traditions that define this time of year. From candy canes and chocolate coins to advent calendars and décor for gingerbread houses, confectionery products have been central to how families celebrate and create lasting memories across generations."

Other findings include:

• How do you eat candy canes? When asked about the right way to eat a candy cane, 54% of people say they begin with the straight end while 30% start with the curved end. Another 16% of respondents break their candy cane into pieces.
• It's the season of giving. More than half of people in the U.S. share chocolate and candy as part of their winter holidays gifting. Foil-wrapped chocolates, a small box of chocolate, and candy canes ranked as the best treats for stocking stuffers.
• Deck the halls! Candy is a key element of delicious decorations. Half of Americans will adorn their Christmas tree or decorate packages with candy canes. The top treats to adorn a gingerbread house are gumdrops, chocolate pieces, candy canes, gummy candies, and peppermints.

The difference between confectionery and other holiday foods: While many will see visions of sugar plums this holiday season, consumers understand that chocolate and candy are treats. People in the U.S. enjoy chocolate and candy 2-3 times per week, averaging just 40 calories and about one teaspoon of added sugar per day – and this includes special moments like the winter holiday season.

About the National Confectioners Association (NCA)
The National Confectioners Association is the leading trade organization for the $48 billion U.S. confectionery industry. 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. The industry employs nearly 58,000 workers in more than 1,600 manufacturing facilities across all 50 states and supports an additional 635,000 jobs in related fields. The U.S. confectionery industry has made a commitment to increasing transparency, providing more portion guidance options and educating consumers about the role of confectionery in a happy, balanced lifestyle. Learn more at CandyUSA.com or follow NCA on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

Media Contact: Carly Schildhaus, Carly.Schildhaus@candyusa.com

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SOURCE National Confectioners Association