Candy Industry Trends

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Hard candy sales totaled more than $600 million in U.S. multi-outlet retailers and C-stores in 2014.

The “snackification” of consumers’ lives means that now, more than ever, people want to munch on something that’s easy to eat on the go.

More and more consumers are saying, “Quiero dulces!” And while that may be Spanish for “I want candy,” it’s retailers in the United States who are hearing it.

This is the grand opening of Sugar Factory in Rosemont, Chicago. Although the store has been open since November last year, they’re making it official now with a red carpet and celebrity appearances by Blackhawks Hall-of-Famer Bobby Hull, America’s Got Talent host Nick Cannon and — most importantly — Keeping Up With the Kardashians star Kylie Jenner.

To some candy lovers, a sugar-free label can cause a grimace.

Sometimes it’s the smaller, more elegant competitors that rise to the top in turmoil.

The thing about novelty candy is that there is no such thing as resting on your laurels.

As some snacks become healthier, or at least attempt to, others are becoming better-for-you, while others still are turning to fun and unusual flavors to lure customers.

These days you can grab a chocolate bar with almost anything inside. In the past year companies have introduced flavors ranging from marshmallows to ginger to hemp seeds.

For a while we thought this was the only way. They're candies. What else can you do but eat those bad boys — preferably as quickly as possible?