Editor’s Note: As consumers deal with the coronavirus pandemic that continues to put gatherings and events on hold, the National Confectioners Association is eager to make one thing clear: Halloween is still a go. It provided the following report to explain how and why.
WASHINGTON — In an uncertain year, one thing remains sure: Halloween is happening in 2020.
While many other celebrations and traditions have been canceled this year, Americans can look forward to a little reminder of normalcy in their Halloween celebrations, even if it looks a little different than in past years.
In a poll conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of the National Confectioners Association, 63% of adults believe that people will find creative, fun and safe ways to celebrate the Halloween season this year, and an additional 25% are optimistic about Halloween, but aren’t sure what to expect yet.
“Consumers report that they will be getting creative throughout the month of October to make sure that they can stay safe and still enjoy the Halloween season,” said John Downs, president and CEO of the National Confectioners Association (NCA). “The results of our research reveal a deeply rooted enthusiasm for Halloween, even if it means that people have to rethink their approach this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
If you’re looking for some appropriate ways to celebrate, NCA has compiled helpful resources on Halloween Central, a digital hub dedicated to all things Halloween. There, you’ll find fun and unique ways to celebrate the holiday, tips and tricks for navigating the Halloween season and more information about your favorite treats.
Those seeking guidance on how to find balance at Halloween will appreciate resources like How To Treat Right at Halloween and Ten Tricks for Treats at Halloween. For people who want to embrace the fun of the holiday, learn more about the history of the season and the right way to eat candy corn. And for those looking for new ways to celebrate this year, you can find tips to have fun from a distance or enjoy Halloween at home.
“There will be regional differences across the country in terms of how communities choose to celebrate the Halloween season, but one thing is for sure: Halloween is happening,” Downs said. “As we look to our leaders in public health across the country for safety guidance, we want to share what we know about how people are approaching the Halloween season.”
No matter how Americans choose to celebrate, NCA encourages staying informed and following CDC and regional guidelines for celebrating the holiday season.
Perhaps more than anything, Americans are looking forward to Halloween this year as an opportunity to add some normalcy and joy to what has been a very serious and uncertain time. In a poll conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of NCA, 74% of millennial moms and young parents say that Halloween is more important than ever this year, and an overwhelming majority of people say they can’t imagine Halloween without chocolate and candy.
The numbers tell the story as well; the overall chocolate and candy category has seen growth of nearly 4% since mid-March 2020.
“Chocolate and candy have been very resilient in this COVID-19 environment,” Downs said. “Consumers appreciate and value chocolate and candy during these uncertain times because of their uncanny ability to boost your mood and lighten your perspective.”
The National Confectioners Association, Washington, D.C., is the trade organization that advances, protects and promotes the unique role of chocolate, candy, gum and mints in a happy, balanced lifestyle and the companies that make these special treats.
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