June is National Candy Month, and according to the National Confectioners Association, Americans will kick off summer by celebrating the occasion—while also continuing to enjoy sweet treats with chocolate and candy all summer long.
The association stated that for the $48 billion confectionery industry, “National Candy Month is a pivotal point in the treating calendar. It serves as a celebration of the people who make America's favorite treats and a reminder that summer fun—holidays, vacations, weekend trips and more—is made sweeter with chocolate and candy.”
The NCA stated that people in the United States enjoy chocolate and candy 2-3 times per week. Additionally, 86% of people going on a road trip will bring along chocolate and candy, 82% will share treats on a family visit and 68% will hit the beach with their favorite sweets in tow.
"It's no coincidence that National Candy Month falls at the start of summer—it's the perfect time to appreciate all that makes this time of year so enjoyable,” said John Downs, president and CEO of the NCA. “As consumers savor the longer nights, warmer temperatures and relaxed schedules of the season, they will turn once again to chocolate and candy to enhance their favorite summer activities and commemorate cherished traditions."
Since candy first appeared on c-store shelves, consumers have turned to convenience stores as the place to get trendy sweets as well as the tried-and-true staples.
“Candy is one of those quintessential c-store categories that is perfect for experimentation in flavors and trends, like premiumization of chocolate, gummy candy, retro candies, plant-based options and the popularity of candy-cutting ASMR on TikTok,” said Emma Tainter, NACS research analyst/writer.
According to the NACS State of the Industry® Report of 2023 data, in 2023, candy made up 3.61% of in-store sales, an increase from 3.48% of in-store sales in 2022. Additionally, candy contributed $4,178 gross profit dollars per store, per month in 2023.
For more on candy sales, check out the On a Sugar High in the June issue of NACS Magazine.