Kroger expects to sell 25 million pounds of Halloween candy

Submitted

Halloween is one of America’s most anticipated celebrations, and candy is at the center of it. This year, The Kroger Co. expects to sell 25 million pounds of Halloween candy.

Those sales will be made up of millions of pounds of chocolate, including nine million bags of fun-sized chocolate treats. If placed end-to-end, these bags would stretch 1,400 miles, the distance from Cincinnati to Salt Lake City.

Kroger’s Halloween assortment features everything from classic chocolate favorites and gummy treats to candy corn and limited-time offerings that trick-or-treaters of all ages will love.

“Halloween is one of the most fun times of year for families and communities, and candy plays an important role,” said Mike Murphy, group vice president for center store and merchandising at Kroger. “We want every customer to find what they are looking for, whether it’s a full candy bowl for neighborhood kids, the perfect treat for a classroom party or a seasonal favorite.”

Customers are embracing Halloween earlier and more enthusiastically than ever:

• 57 percent of U.S. adults say they celebrate Halloween for a full season instead of just one day
• More than one-quarter of shoppers purchased Halloween treats before October
• 92 percent of U.S. adults celebrate Halloween some or all years

When it comes to Halloween traditions, U.S. consumers overwhelmingly choose treats:

• 84 percent plan to hand out candy to trick-or-treaters
• Among those handing out candy, 73 percent choose mini or fun-size treats

Few Halloween traditions inspire stronger opinions than candy corn. Among customers who eat candy corn:

• 60 percent eat it in a single bite
• 28 percent start with the white end
• 12 percent begin with the yellow end

No matter what customers want, Kroger’s full assortment is available in stores and online at Kroger.com.