Candy Continues Strong Sales Growth

Confectionery sales in USA grew 2.2 percent during the four-week period ending October 3, according to recent SymphonyIRI Group, Inc. data. Gum sales increased 2.8 percent, while chocolate candy increased 4.2 percent for the same period. However, non-chocolate decreased 1.3 percent during the four-week period. Dollar sales for the 52-week period rose 4.3 percent. By segment year-on-year, chocolate sales have grown 4.7 percent, non-chocolate candy 3.9 percent, and gum sales 3.3 percent. Chocolate singles sales increased 10.7 percent for the 52-week period, while non-chocolate chewy candy sales grew 6.8 percent and sugar-free gum sales rose by five percent, according to SymphonyIRI. Supermarket sales jumped 5.5 percent in the past 52 weeks, while c-stores saw 2.9 percent growth and drug store sales increased 1.6 percent.