As the chocolate market expands, retailers fill shelves with more premium brands.
According to a blog from MarketResearch.com, chocolate Halloween candy remains the top-selling treat for the holiday, generating $217 million in 2014.
Although there is some variation in Halloween candy choices, industry leaders Hershey and Mars account for 87% of chocolate Halloween candy. Most variety bags that can be purchased contain chocolate candy over fruity or sour flavors.
The U.S. market for chocolate candy is estimated to be worth $21 billion, with 81% of consumers saying they eat chocolate. So it’s no surprise that chocolate sales still remain high throughout the entire year. The chocolate market is expected to exceed $26 billion by 2018.
To differentiate their offerings, boutique chocolate companies are bringing innovative flavor combinations to the market. In the past few years, shelves have been filled with more premium brands offering creative candy choices such as chocolate bars flavored with vanilla rooibos, hazelnut and fig and even pomegranate and goji.