Dive into the 2025 State of Treating Report, NCA’s flagship analysis of the confectionery industry’s performance. This session highlights the latest insights into chocolate, candy, gum, and mint consumption patterns, addressing how evolving consumer behaviors and macroeconomic trends are shaping the industry. Discover how confectionery products continue to play a unique role in moments of joy and indulgence while adapting to changing consumer expectations around wellness, convenience, and value. Gain actionable takeaways on how to align with these trends, foster growth, and solidify your position in the marketplace.

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• Scott Amoye, Vice President Corporate Procurement and Commodity Risk Management, Blommer Chocolate Company
• Hugo Van Der Goes, Vice President Cocoa North America, Barry Callebaut

This session explored critical insights into cocoa crop conditions in Africa, trends in commodity trading dynamics, shifting consumer demand, and expectations for the short- and long-term. Gain valuable perspectives to help navigate the complexities of the global cocoa supply chain and market dynamics.

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The story of confectionery innovation reflects shifting consumer tastes and technological advancements. This year, brands have explored new flavors, forms, and sizes to make treats more versatile, while functional benefits like added vitamins, probiotics, and reduced sugar have gained appeal.

Distribution is shifting as consumers seek value and turn to e-commerce for variety and convenience. Social and digital influencers drive growth, spotlighting new products and trends. Join this session to explore key growth levers shaping confections today and in the future.

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Uncover the power and potential of chocolate products, merchandising, and marketing in NCA’s third edition of Getting to Know Chocolate Consumers. This proprietary research combines consumer opinions, attitudes, and behavioral research with Circana’s MULO+ sales and performance data to help you optimize category engagement and support chocolate sales growth in 2025. 

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There’s a better way to drive e-commerce sales and retail media networks are changing the game for search and brand awareness. This session will provide an overview of best practices for collaborating with retail media networks, strategies for determining the right investment levels for companies of all sizes, and effective methods for tracking and understanding return on investment (hint: ROAS as a measure is so 2019!).

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As retailers strive to create a seamless shopping experience, concerns about theft are driving the adoption of new deterrence measures—sometimes affecting categories like chocolate and candy. Join an industry expert for an insightful discussion on the evolving landscape of asset protection, the strategies retailers are implementing, and what these changes mean for your products. Gain valuable perspectives on navigating this shifting environment while maintaining security, accessibility, and sales.

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According to data partner, Circana, chocolate, candy, gum and mint sales during the 52 weeks ending January 26, 2025 reached $39.2 billion, up 2.0% over year-ago levels. Gains were predominantly driven by non-chocolate candy, that grew by nearly 5% over the past year. Chocolate and gum sales were somewhat softer. Supermarkets have come on strong in the past year, with a 52-week gain of 3.5% on $9.5 billion in confectionery sales. On the other hand, convenience and drug stores lost ground. Convenience stores experienced declines in both chocolate and non-chocolate candy for an overall decline of 1.4% over the latest 52 weeks. Drug stores also experienced across-the-board declines, with chocolate being the greatest area of pressure.

Chocolate

Across the MULO+ with convenience store channels, chocolate sales reached $21.5 billion in the 52 weeks ending January 26^th. This reflects an increase of 0.5%. Larger value packs were the biggest contributor to sales, whereas snack size chocolate had the highest year-on-year gains. However, all gains were driven by inflation with units down 3.2% year-on-year. Volume sales were also unable to hold the line and dropped by 3.4%. Novelty chocolate was a strong exception. While a smaller seller, at $73 million annually, novelty chocolate grew 74.5% in dollars and 60.9% in units.

Non-chocolate candy

Candy had a strong start to the year. With big gains in novelty, seasonal, chewy and sugar-free candy, non-chocolate candy sales reached $12.7 billion which reflects an increase of 4.9% over latest 52 weeks.  Unit sales also looked better than that of chocolate. Over the yearlong period, units were virtually unchanged at -0.1% and volume was up a smidge, at +0.1%. Areas with pound growth included caramel/taffy, novelty, seasonal and sugar-free candy.

Gum/mints

Breath fresheners had a solid dollar performance over the past year, with 1.9% growth. While units were down 4.5%, volume was virtually flat — signaling a shift to larger pack sizes. Sugar-free gum grew dollar sales 1.5% over the past year, but was unable to maintain unit and volume sales. Regular gum declined in all three sales measures.

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Join us for an exclusive webinar featuring Shawn Jarosz of TradeMoves. Together, we’ll explore: 

• Key tariff actions from the first Trump Administration (2017-2021). 
• Potential policy avenues and outcomes in a second term. 
• Strategies for industry advocacy to protect essential commodities and products. 

Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to advocate for our industry and prepare for what lies ahead in the new year!  

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Total chocolate, candy, gum and mint sales in Circana’s MULO+ with convenience stores universe came in at $39.1 billion in 2024. This reflects an increase of 2.0% over 2023, driven by an above-average performance by non-chocolate candy. Supermarkets had a strong 2024 performance, up 3.3% in dollars, whereas drug and convenience stores lost ground. Convenience stores had been the growth leader in both 2022 and 2023.

Chocolate

At $21.4 billion, chocolate generated the majority share of confectionery dollars. However, as inflation moderated and units (-3.3%) and volume (-3.5%) decreased year-over-year, dollar growth slowed to just 0.4% in 2024. A few subcategories managed to grow units and pounds, including novelty and snack-sized chocolate. Others, including seasonal and sugar-free chocolate lost substantial ground. The trends were similar across all measured channels. However, drug stores experienced far greater decreases with chocolate volume down 11.4% in 2024.

Non-chocolate candy

Candy fared a bit better with dollar gains of $4.9% on annual sales of $12.7 billion. This was due a slightly higher rate of inflation combined with flat units and pounds. Several non-chocolate subcategories drove year-over-year gains, including caramel, novelty, and seasonal Halloween and Easter items. In 2024, candy growth was driven by grocery stores, whereas convenience stores (the typical stronghold for non-chocolate candy) had substantial unit and volume declines.

Gum and mints Gum ended the year at $3.7 billion in sales, which was an increase of 1.5% over 2023. Breath fresheners added another $1.3 billion in sales, up 2.0% over 2023. Much like chocolate, the gains were driven by inflation. Units and volume declined year-over-year, with sugar-free gum staying the closest to 2023 levels.

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