Valentine’s Day to Benefit From Record-Setting Confectionery Growth

After a year of double-digit sales growth, confectionery sales leading up to Valentine's Day in 2022 are expected to top $3.4 billion as consumers look for fun ways to treat themselves, and retailers search for inspired ideas to delight their shoppers in the COVID-19 environment, according to the National Confectioners Association.

Although normally thought of as a holiday for sharing candy, 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 and CEO John Downs said in a statement. "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 percent for the 52 weeks ending December 26, 2021, versus a year ago. Chocolate sales led the way, with 58 percent of total sales. Seasonal sales typically hit north of $3 billion during the six weeks in advance of the holiday.

Related: Category Spotlight: Sweet Escape; SFA Trendspotter Talks Chocolate, Trends on Instagram Live.

from Food Trends https://ift.tt/i0PgEjh