Feel like your emotional stability relies on whether or not you’ve got enough gummy bears stored in the pantry? You’re not alone. According to a survey published by the National Confectioners Association, more than two thirds of Americans who responded said chocolate and candy was an important part of their emotional well being. Can’t argue with that!

To say sweet confectionery is a big industry would be an understatement. In the United States, the market is valued $44 billion dollars. In today’s market analysis, we compiled some of the most fascinating data from the candy industry, including sales trends and seasonal candy consumption habits. Let’s dive in.

Snack expo points out that Chocolate and candy are an important part of their emotional well-being according to 72% of Americans. Chocolate is the most prominent segment, dominating the market with its increased consumption worldwide. 80 percent of the general public and about 90 percent of millennial moms and young parents expressed that they can’t imagine Halloween without chocolate and candy, and that trick-or-treating is irreplaceable. 99% of American households purchase candy or chocolate at least once a year. The most popular cotton candy flavor among respondents in a survey is cherry with 53% suggesting it as a favorite. 36% chose blue raspberry while 24% chose blueberry. Jolly Rancher maker, The Hershey Co., conquered the hard candy segment capturing nearly 22% of the market share. Werther’s Original from Storck followed with 17%. 78% of Americans maintain that giving seasonal candy and chocolate is a fine American tradition. 56% said in a survey that they prefer eating cotton candy at carnivals. 47% of them enjoyed cotton candy at fairs, while 28% like eating it at home. The gums (bubble gum and chewing gum) industry in the U.S. is approximated at US$8.1 billion this year 2020. (pre-pandemic figure). According to a survey, 52% said they have a positive opinion of cotton candy while only 20% said they have a negative opinion of it. The average monthly candy sales of U.S. convenience stores are currently at $6,928.

The global cocoa and chocolate industry size was worth $44.35 billion in 2019 and is expected to hit $61.34 billion by the year 2027, with a CAGR of 4.4% during the forecast period estimated by Snack expo. Sugar candies make up 60% of retail confectionery sales in China while it only accounts for 25% in Europe. China, the world’s 2nd largest economy, is anticipated to reach an estimated market size of $8.2 Billion in the gum industry by the year 2027, having a CAGR of 6.8% through 2027. Europe continues to be the major market with great potential thanks to looming trends such as healthy inclination with fat-free, low-fat, and sugar-free chocolates.

According to Snack expo, despite all of the challenges of the past year across so many industries, the candy industry has emerged as a bright spot. In times of uncertainty, people turn food items and tastes that are familiar to them. Whether your favorite treat is a starlight mint, candy bar, or a lollipop, you may have reached for one of these treats for a little bit of comfort and normalcy as well. Nostalgia is a powerful emotion people crave.

In addition to offering comfort, the candy industry provides a practical snack option with a long shelf life. In the past year, we saw the return of the home pantry. Even shows like The Home Edit became extremely popular that teach people how to organize the shelfs in their home using different plastic storage containers, bins, baskets. Everything from jelly beans to chocolate raisins can be stored in these containers and enjoyed months later.