What's it going to cost in Halloween candy this year? Don't be scared, but it'll cost more
Pennsylvanians, studies show, have a collective sweet tooth.
But this season, it's going to cost them.
One report notes the Philadelphia region is in the top five in terms of increases in the price of Halloween candy, while according to another, Pennsylvania also ranks as a top five candy economy nationwide.
And the cost of chocolate-based candies are going to take the biggest bite out of your holiday wallet.
Prices for Halloween candy continue to rise
Confectionery News, a business-to-business candy publication, notes the price for Halloween chocolate has risen by nearly 14% year-to-year.
Overall, the Philadelphia metro ares has seen a 13.7% annual increase in Halloween candy prices, according to data compiled by consumer behavior tracker and aggregator Consumer Affairs.
For shoppers, that means the chocolate you purchased last year for $2.48 now costs roughly $3.34.
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That puts Philadelphia on par with Baltimore and slightly behind Albany, NY, which ranked first with a 14.2% increase in the price of Halloween candy.
Nationwide, consumers are expected to spend a record $12.2 billion for Halloween candy, costumes and decorations, according to National Retail Federation's annual survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics.
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Pennsylvania a top-five candy economy
Pennsylvanians sweet tooth bites both ways, however.
While prices for Halloween candy are indeed going up nationwide, so is Pennsylvania's place on the map of the nation's candy economy.
Pennsylvania ranks as the fourth-greatest candy economy in the nation, with Vermont, Illinois and New Hampshire rounding out the top three states.
Pennsylvania's standing in the nation is helped in no small part by being home to confectionery giant Hershey. As a comparison, Illinois is home to the Ferrara Candy Company, Tootsie Roll, and Wrigley’s.
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The cause of the candy increase; shoppers still looking for deals
While inflation may be to blame for the rising cost of goods, a sugar shortage may also be tied to the increase in candy prices. The Wall Street Journal reported earlier this year that sugar prices rose to its highest since 2012, stemming from bad weather that hit China, India and Thailand.
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A recent survey by the National Retail Federation found that customers are still exploring cost-saving measures, however. Roughly 40% of people surveyed planned to do their Halloween shopping at discount stores, followed by 39% shopping at specialty Halloween and costume stores, and 32% shopping online.
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Halloween candy costs more in 2023, but PA is still buying it
