High gas prices and cocoa costs slow US Halloween candy sales
Shoppers turn to smaller bags as industry remains optimistic ahead of peak
Halloween candy sales in the United States are off to a sluggish start this year, with NielsenIQ reporting a 6.7% decline in the month ending Oct. 17 compared with the same period last year. High fuel prices and rising chocolate costs are straining consumer budgets, leading shoppers to choose smaller packages and avoid larger, more expensive bags.