Cocoa Prices Surge Ahead of Halloween — But North Carolina’s Favorite Candy Isn’t Chocolate
RALEIGH, N.C. — Halloween candy lovers across the U.S. may face a little “sticker shock” this year. According to the Asheville Citizen Times, cocoa prices have more than doubled since early 2024, sending the cost of popular chocolate treats soaring just weeks before trick-or-treat season.
But for North Carolina, there’s a sweet twist — the state’s favorite Halloween candy doesn’t contain any chocolate at all.
Cocoa Prices Hit Record Highs
Analysts from Wells Fargo say cocoa shortages and transportation costs are behind this year’s sharp increase. Sector manager David Branch told USA TODAY that West Africa’s cocoa supply, which provides about 70% of the world’s chocolate, has been hit hard by changing weather patterns and crop disease.
“Heavy rains caused black pod disease and crop rot to cocoa crops in these regions in late 2023,” Branch said, noting that Ivory Coast production dropped 25% and Ghana’s output fell 31% over the past year.
Even with prices down 35% from their April peak, cocoa remains 63% higher than it was in January 2024, keeping chocolate products at near-record retail prices.
(Source: Asheville Citizen Times)
Americans Expected to Spend $3.9 Billion on Candy
Despite the cost jump, the National Retail Federation projects that U.S. consumers will spend $3.9 billion on Halloween candy this year — a new record.
That’s up from $3.6 billion in 2024 and reflects both rising prices and the continued popularity of Halloween celebrations nationwide.
North Carolina’s Favorite Candy: Lifesavers
According to Instacart’s 2024 Candy Cornucopia Map, Lifesavers topped the list as North Carolina’s most popular Halloween candy, beating out chocolate favorites like Reese’s and Kit Kat.
Instacart analyzed sales data by candy weight across states to determine each state’s top pick. North Carolina’s purchases were 2.9% lower than the national average, suggesting residents might be a little more restrained than other states when stocking up for Halloween.
Meanwhile, neighboring South Carolina favored Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars, meaning Palmetto State shoppers are more likely to feel the sting of cocoa inflation this season.
Reese’s Still America’s Top Treat
Nationwide, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups continue to reign as America’s No. 1 candy, followed closely by Peanut M&M’s, Kit Kat, and Sour Patch Kids.
But with cocoa costs still climbing, non-chocolate sweets like Lifesavers, Haribo Goldbears, and Sour Patch Kids could see a sales boost this Halloween.
A Trick for Chocolate Lovers, a Treat for Fruity Fans
As Halloween approaches, shoppers may find their favorite chocolate minis costing more per bag — but fruit-flavored candy fans won’t feel much of a pinch.
With North Carolina’s top pick free of cocoa, candy aisles across the state are expected to stay well-stocked — and perhaps a little more affordable — through Halloween night.
Have a favorite Halloween candy or local trick-or-treat story? Share it with us at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
