Halloween is the big showcase moment for the candy and confection industry. Kind of like their Super Bowl. The industry generates $42 billion in retail sales every year and employs 58,000 people working in 1600 manufacturing facilities across all 50 states, with another 635,000 jobs in related fields. Sweet!

 I invited Carly Schildhaus from the National Confectioners Association, to join me for a conversation about some sweet insights from a survey they just took about all things Halloween, including the list of the top three candies this year, and how much candy you’re supposed to give out to each kid who stops by trick or treating.

 Carly said, “It’s special for the confectionery industry to see what an important part chocolate and candy play in this holiday season for generations and generations.”

The National Confectioners Association (NCA) conducted a survey to get a better understanding of current consumer attitudes and behaviors related to Halloween around the country.

 Here’s what they found:

 *60% of Parents Steal Halloween Candy from Their Kids Stash!

   I thought the # would be higher myself. Lol

 *98 % of Americans will welcome trick-or-treaters with chocolate and candy this year.

 *2/3 of people give out 2 or 3 pieces of candy to each trick or treater.

 *The Top Three Most Popular Candies this year are: 

  1) Chocolate  

  2) Gummy’s  

  3) Candy Corn

The NCA encourages parents and caretakers to check the candy before any kids eat any they’ve brought home. They have a page about safety all parents and caretakers should review.

 

Good insights in this fun podcast of the live conversation with Carly Schildhaus of the NCA on The Debbie Nigro Show. 

PS: I personally think the National Confectioners Association should talk with the United States School System to make the day after Halloween a day off. I'll vote for that idea!