GoKawiilHalloween Candy Costs Surge as Cocoa Shortage Hits Chocolate Prices
Candy prices have risen faster than overall inflation in recent years, driven largely by higher ingredient costs including a global cocoa shortage, according to US Bureau of Labor Statistics data cited in the report. The National Retail Federation projects Americans will spend over $13 billion on Halloween this year, nearly double 2015 spending, with candy remaining the top purchase for 95% of shoppers and over $4 billion expected to go toward candy alone.