After a year of double-digit sales growth, confectionery sales leading up to Valentine’s Day 2022 are expected to top $3.4 billion as consumers look for fun and unique ways to treat themselves and retailers seek new ways to delight their shoppers in the COVID-19 environment.
Although normally thought of as a holiday for sharing confectionery, this year’s Valentine’s Day is also expected to benefit from the rising trend of “self-care” as consumers treat themselves with their favorite confectionery items to celebrate the day and support their emotional well-being.
“Valentine’s Day is positioned at the nexus of two powerful trends defining the confectionery category right now,” NCA President & CEO John Downs said. “Consumers are sharing chocolate and candy more frequently, and shoppers are increasingly looking for little moments to treat themselves. This year’s Valentine’s Day will benefit from both of these rising consumer behaviors.”
According to the latest sales data from IRI, combined chocolate, non-chocolate, gum and mint sales in 2021 increased about 10% for the 52 weeks ending December 26, 2021, versus a year ago. Chocolate sales led the way, with 58% of total sales.
With seasonal sales typically north of $3 billion during the six weeks in advance of the holiday, with consumers purchasing heart-shaped boxes of chocolate, candy hearts and premium offerings for friends, loved ones and themselves.
For tips for treating, holiday insights, and fun facts about treating during the Valentine’s Day season, visit AlwaysATreat.com/ValentinesDay.
About the National Confectioners Association (NCA):
The National Confectioners Association is the leading trade organization for the U.S. confectionery industry, which generates more than $37 billion in retail sales each year. Making chocolate, candy, gum and mints, the industry employs nearly 58,000 workers in more than 1,600 manufacturing facilities across all 50 states. NCA advocates for an environment that enables candy makers to thrive and work to ensure that chocolate and candy are celebrated for their contributions to culture, society, the economy and everyday moments of joy. Learn more at CandyUSA.com or follow NCA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
SOURCE National Confectioners Association
