WASHINGTON — New data from the National Confectioners Association reveals that 91 percent of Americans will mark Valentine’s Day with chocolate and candy. Whether it is a celebration of romantic, platonic, or self-love, chocolate and candy make every moment of the season more memorable.

Why it matters: Confectionery retail sales are expected to grow by up to three percent this Valentine’s Day, marking a major sales moment for the $48 billion confectionery industry. With 92 percent of people reporting that they would love to receive chocolate or candy for the holiday – more than any other classic gift – treats are essential in sharing the sweetness of the season with friends, family, and loved ones.

Quotable: John Downs, president and CEO of the National Confectioners Association, said:

“There is no pair more perfect than Valentine’s Day and candy. Year after year, people across the country turn to chocolate and candy to show their affection for others, creating lasting memories and spreading joy through simple, heartfelt gestures.”

Other insights from the NCA survey include:

• Be mine: Valentine’s Day is an ideal occasion to treat oneself, and nearly half of Americans say they will buy a box of chocolates just for themselves.
• Stuck on you: Seventy-five percent of people say a heart-shaped box of chocolates is the most classic Valentine’s Day treat. When selecting their piece, 43 percent consult the guide, 24 percent bite into a corner, and 23 percent randomly select one. No matter how they choose to go in, caramel, chocolate-covered nuts, and a chocolate center are the most hoped-for fillings.
• Choc-full: If you’re looking to make someone feel loved, the gift of chocolate is a fail-safe option for Valentine’s Day. Boxes of chocolate, bouquets of chocolate roses, and handmade chocolate truffles rank as the sweetest treats to receive.

What else you need to know: A little sweetness is all it takes to make Valentine’s Day special. Consumers understand that chocolate and candy are treats. People in the U.S. enjoy chocolate and candy 2-3 times per week, averaging just 40 calories and about one teaspoon of added sugar per day.

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About the National Confectioners Association (NCA):
The National Confectioners Association is the leading trade organization for the $54 billion U.S. confectionery industry. NCA advocates for an environment that enables candy makers to thrive and works to ensure that chocolate, candy, gum and mints are celebrated for their contributions to culture, society, the economy and everyday moments of joy. The industry employs nearly 58,000 workers in more than 1,600 manufacturing facilities across all 50 states and supports an additional 635,000 jobs in related fields. The U.S. confectionery industry has made a commitment to increasing transparency, providing more portion guidance options and educating consumers about the role of confectionery in a happy, balanced lifestyle. Learn more at CandyUSA.com or follow NCA on Facebook, X and Instagram.