Confectionery manufacturers are focusing on chewy, sour candies, which are cheaper to make
Trick-or-treaters may collect more candies than chocolates this year as manufacturers focus on producing non-cocoa products due to the rising prices of the ingredients globally.
Chocolate and confectionery manufacturing prices have jumped 45% from January to September this year and 91% since January 2022, according to the producer price index.
Higher costs are mainly due to poor cocoa plant yields caused by bad weather conditions in West Africa. This season, production is expected to be down 14%, per the International Cocoa Organization.
Confectionery manufacturers are taking notice and focusing on chewy, sour candies, which are cheaper to make.
Hershey’s new non-chocolate products include Jolly Rancher Ropes and Shaq-a-Licious gummies. Other chocolate companies are also coming up with new ideas for candies, as they are still cheaper than chocolates. However, these sugary delights are also up double digits.