Spicy candy sales continue to heat up, according to Candystore.com.

 

Data from the online bulk retailer indicate consumers are snapping up spicy and Mexican candies — and manufacturers are following suit. Sales for spicy candy were up 16 percent last year, and 25 percent within the last several weeks.

 

Compared to the one percent overall industry growth, the sales increases are impressive. 

 

“Sales for non-chocolate spicy and hot attributed candy products are growing eight times faster than non-chocolate in general, at a rate of 25 percent,” said Larry Levin, executive v.p. of consumer and shopper marketing for IRI, a Chicago-based research firm.

 

Candystore.com data also show that Mexican candy sales have a significant edge over those made in the United States. Sales for spicy Mexican candies are up 31 percent in the last 18 months and 34 percent over the last 24 months. Sales of spicy candy from American brands — Skittles Sweet Heat, Starburst Sweet Heat, Sour Patch Kids Fire, Mango Chile Nerds and HOTHEADS, for example — are up 24 percent over the last two years.   

 

The trend is likely to continue, as more Mexican candy is imported and consumers become more accepting of spice.