Retail analysis shows notable rise in Halloween confectionery spending - Confectionery Production

LISBON, PORTUGAL - AUGUST 15, 2017: Chocolate Sweets For Sale On Supermarket Shelf

Posted: 13 November 2024

Related core topics: Business news, Ingredients, Regulatory, Sustainability

Related topics: confectionery, Halloween, trends

Analysis by retail data experts Reapp has revealed a significant shift in Halloween confectionery spending this year, with four major British supermarkets seeing a £3 million increase in yearly sales in the buildup to Halloween.

Major brands sales performance showed that the category reached a total sales value of £64.5 million in the four weeks prior to Halloween, a 5% increase from 2023 (£61.5m). This was despite fewer units being sold Y-O-Y with an almost 3% decrease in volume from 31.8 million units (2023) to 30.9 million (2024).

As Confectionery Production has previously reported, there had been a major early focus on delivering product ranges for the ‘spooky season’ in many territories around the world, including in the US. But concerns had been raised in some regions, including the UK, that consumer restraint may be a key factor in the wake of the cost of living crisis that has continued to influence many household budgets.

However, retail conditions appear to have remained relatively buoyant, and the latest analysis comes as prices across the confectionery category saw significant inflation, with the average selling price increasing from £1.90 to £2.05 (8% increase) in a year.

Greg Phillips, Reapp and Dee Set Managing Director, commented: “Our analysis shows that despite HFSS regulations and significant inflation, supermarkets and brands are still able to capitalise on seasonal dates in the calendar.

“Impulse purchases are more common in the confectionery category and through innovative point of sale and recipe development, brands are able to ensure some products can still be sold on sale through HFSS restrictions.

“Social media also plays a significant role in boosting Halloween excitement; brands are successfully tapping into this by making Halloween confectionery an essential part of the celebration, even as volumes slightly decline.”