CINCINNATI — With Halloween approaching, The Kroger Co. says it expects to sell 25 million pounds of candy this season, underscoring the holiday's continued importance for grocery retailers.
The retailer's Halloween assortment includes chocolate favorites, gummy candies, candy corn and other seasonal offerings. Kroger expects to sell millions of pounds of chocolate, including about 9 million bags of fun-size treats.
"Halloween is one of the most fun times of year for families and communities, and candy plays an important role," said Mike Murphy, group vice president of center store and merchandising at Kroger. "We want every customer to find what they are looking for, whether it's a full candy bowl for neighborhood kids, the perfect treat for a classroom party or a seasonal favorite."
Kroger cited consumer research showing that Halloween enthusiasm remains strong. According to the retailer, 92% of U.S. adults celebrate Halloween at least occasionally, while 57% view it as a season-long event rather than a single day. More than one-quarter of shoppers purchased Halloween treats before October.
Candy continues to be central to the holiday, with 84% of consumers planning to hand out candy to trick-or-treaters. Among those participants, 73% prefer mini or fun-size treats.
Kroger also spotlighted the perennial candy corn debate. Among candy corn consumers, 60% eat the confection in a single bite, while 28% start with the white end and 12% begin with the yellow end.
The full Halloween candy assortment is available in Kroger stores and through its online grocery platform.
