How sweet it is: Pennsylvania has the 4th largest 'candy economy,' new study shows
Halloween is on its way, and spooky season is often defined by scary movies, spooky costumes and trick or treating— and the accompanying candy that goes along with it. In Pennsylvania, candy is more than just a treat, though, it's big business.
Recent research from the National Retail Federation found that more than two-thirds of households plan to pass out candy in 2023, despite a steep rise in candy prices over the past two years. Americans are projected to spend a substantial $3.6 billion this year to stock up on their Halloween treats.
The candy production industry plays a role that extends far beyond a single holiday, however, impacting the economies of various states. To determine which local economies are most reliant on the candy industry, researchers at Upgraded Points created a composite score that factored in the concentration of employment, payroll and locations of candy producers and candy retail stores compared to the national average, per a news release.
Vermont boasts the highest concentration of candy businesses in the nation, making it the U.S. state economy most dependent on the candy industry. Pennsylvania has the fourth largest candy economy, with a composite score of 89.10. The concentration of candy industry employment is 2.4 times that of the national average, the concentration of candy industry payroll is 2.7 times the national average and the concentration of candy businesses is 1.6 times the average.
To see more candy data on more than 100 metro areas and all 50 states visit Upgrade Points online.
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This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Pennsylvania has 4th largest 'candy economy,' per new study
