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    1. Products
    2. Candy, gum, fruit/gummy snacks

    National Candy Month made sweeter with chocolate and candy

    June 13, 2024
    Gummy candy, chocolate, taffy, lollipops and hard candy top the list of consumers’ favorite summer treats, according to the National Confectioners Association.
    Related To: National Confectioners Association
    Jacqueline macoua / Pixabay
    chocolate bar in gold wrapper

    The start of summer is a time when many people reach for chocolate and candy to help celebrate summer events. To help consumers enjoy the season, the $48 billion confectionery industry observes National Candy Month in June. The summer months — a time of holidays, vacations and weekend getaways — are a perfect time for a sweet treat.

    Gummy candy, chocolate, taffy, lollipops and hard candy top the list of consumers’ favorite summer treats, according to the National Confectioners Association. Many consumers associate specific activities with particular candy treats. For instance, 86% of people going on a road trip will bring along chocolate and candy, according to the NCA, and 82% will share treats on a family visit.

    Once they arrive at their getaway destination, many consumers make candy and chocolate a part of the fun. Beachgoers remember to pack the sweets despite what a day in the sun might mean to their treats, with 68% of consumers hitting the sand with their favorites in tow. Campers also remember to bring chocolate and candy, with 78% of campers saying they will treat themselves while roughing it. Of the campers who enjoy candy and chocolate, 78% opt for classic milk or dark chocolate in their s’mores while 22% prefer other flavors.

    Hot summer days also can call for cool treats, but that's no reason to leave candy and chocolate behind. Consumers love to dress up their ice cream cones and sundaes with chocolate pieces, chocolate sauce, peanut butter candy, and gummy candy as their preferred toppings, the NCA notes.

    “It’s no coincidence that National Candy Month falls at the start of summer — it’s the perfect time to appreciate all that makes this time of year so enjoyable. As consumers savor the longer nights, warmer temperatures, and relaxed schedules of the season, they will turn once again to chocolate and candy to enhance their favorite summer activities and commemorate cherished traditions,” said John Downs, president and CEO of the National Confectioners Association in a release.