KANSAS CITY — Consumers are looking to enjoy Halloween treats earlier than ever this year, according to data from the National Confectioners Association (NCA).

The NCA attributes the acceleration of the treat consumption calendar to “pandemic-era enthusiasm for seasonal celebrations,” with over half of Americans stating they will begin consuming the confections before the holiday.

As a result, the association expects Halloween confection sales will increase between 3% and 5% in 2024, up from $6.4 billion last year.

Consumers’ favorite candy categories included chocolate candies at No. 1, gummy candies at No. 2 and chewy candies at No. 3, followed by candy corn, hard candy and lollipops.

“It is clear that Halloween candy is a bona fide retail phenomenon in 2024, with demand from consumers starting earlier in the year and extending festivities far beyond October 31,” said John Downs, president and chief executive officer of the NCA. “No matter how consumers choose to mark the occasion, there's no question that chocolate and candy are a fun and unique centerpiece of Americans' Halloween celebrations.”