With merrymaking underway, 95% of consumers are ready to celebrate the winter holidays with chocolate and candy, according to a recent survey from the Washington, D.C.-based National Confectioners Association (NCA).
Confectionery sales around the holidays reached nearly $7 billion in 2023 and NCA said sales are expected to grow up to 3% in 2024.
“Chocolate and candy are essential parts of the winter holidays, deeply connected to the traditions that define this time of year,” said John Downs, president and CEO of NCA. “From candy canes and chocolate coins to advent calendars and décor for gingerbread houses, confectionery products have been central to how families celebrate and create lasting memories across generations.”
Confectionery remains an affordable treat, and the winter holidays are one of the big four seasons, which also include Valentine's Day, Easter and Halloween that account for 64% of annual sales for the $48 billion confectionery industry, NCA said.
People in the United States enjoy chocolate and candy two to three times per week, averaging 40 calories and about one teaspoon of added sugar per day—and this includes moments like the winter holiday season, NCA said.
Chocolate or ... ?
Photograph courtesy of Ferrero
When it comes to unwrapping holiday habits, consumers intend to indulge more this holiday season with 56% of adults prefer to gift and to receive holiday chocolates over wine, according to a new survey of consumer holiday habits from candy maker Ferrero North America. And when it comes to stocking stuffers, the survey said 72% of adults said that they would rather receive chocolate or candy in their stockings instead of gum.
These findings are from a nationwide study conducted on behalf of Ferrero by Golin in partnership with Dynata among 2,002 adults aged 18 and older, surveyed online from Nov. 12-20, that examines consumer preferences and their plans to celebrate the holidays in 2024.
Other key findings include:
- 64% of adults allow themselves more treats during the holiday season than at other times of the year
- 60% of adults will bake a treat for the holidays; just under 70% of that group will buy candy to mix into their recipes
- 55% of adults said if they could only choose one to go with their holiday meal, that they would choose dessert over appetizers
“The holiday season is synonymous with celebration and sharing, and our data reveals that sweet treats are a must-have item when it comes to the festivities for most Americans," said Jim Klein, chief customer officer, Ferrero USA.
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