Candy Manufacturers NAICS 311340, 311351, 311352

Mar 30, 2026 - Record Confectionery Sales

• US confectionery sales reached a record $55 billion in 2025, demonstrating strong consumer demand despite economic uncertainty, the National Confectioners Association reported in March. Nearly all households (99.8%) purchased candy, chocolate, gum, or mints, underscoring the category’s resilience and everyday relevance. Sales are projected to grow to $62.2 billion by 2030. Seasonal events remain critical, accounting for 63% of sales, though everyday and alternative gifting occasions are expanding. Chocolate leads with 51.7% market share, while non-chocolate candy continues to grow, especially among Gen Z and Millennials, who favor innovative flavors and textures. Nostalgia is a key trend, with strong interest in retro product re-releases. Consumers view confectionery as an affordable indulgence, with most enjoying it multiple times per week in moderation, according to NCA. Overall, the industry is benefiting from consistent demand, innovation, and strong emotional connection with consumers, positioning it for continued growth.
• Amid rising consumer concern and regulatory pressure over microplastics in chewing gum, companies are under pressure to reformulate their products, Food Navigator reports. Plastic-free alternatives, based on natural or biodegradable polymers, are gaining traction in response to sustainability concerns and potential legislation restricting microplastic content. For gum manufacturers, this trend has several impacts: they may face R&D costs to develop new formulations that maintain chewability, flavor release, and shelf stability without synthetic polymers; supply-chain adjustments to source natural gums or plant-based alternatives; and potential marketing advantages by promoting environmentally-friendly products. Companies that fail to adapt risk losing shelf space or consumer trust. Overall, the shift toward microplastic-free gum is reshaping production processes, ingredient sourcing, and product positioning in the confectionery sector. As demand for plastic-free gum grows, the global market is expected to grow from $132 million at present to $242 million by 2031, per FN.

• Spending on candy this Halloween is expected to total $3.9 billion, according to the National Retail Federation’s annual consumer survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics. That’s up from $3.6 billion in 2024. While inflation-wary consumers are bracing for high candy prices and are visiting discount stores to save money, two-thirds said they still expect to hand out candy. Candy makers are competing for consumers’ dollars. In August, Hershey rolled out its lineup of seasonal treats for Halloween, with new items including Twizzler Ghosts and Hershey’s Nuggets Pumpkin Spice Latte. In May, rival Mars released its “Halfway to Halloween” campaign by unveiling its 2025 holiday candy lineup alongside the second annual Mars Tricks, Treats and Trends report. Americans’ favorite candies are Reese’s Cups, followed by M&M’s, Hot Tamales, and Skittles.
• Producer prices for chocolate and confectionery manufacturers rose 2.9% in February compared to a year ago, after spiking 23.6% in the previous February-versus-February annual comparison, according to the latest US Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Industry producer prices have risen to record high levels driven by soaring input costs, most notably cocoa for chocolate confections. At retail, candy and gum prices rose 11.6% year over year in February and 3.3% versus January, according to the Labor Department’s February 2026 Consumer Price Index. Employment by the industry shrank 11% YoY in January, while the average wage at food manufacturers rose 0.6% over the same period to $24.26 per hour, just shy of its peak in December, BLS data show. Candy manufacturers are trimming payrolls as wages and input costs reach new highs.