Halloween Candy Costs Are Surging This Year

USDA sees cost of sugar and sweets surging 9.2% this year
Global shortages of key ingredients are driving price gains

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By Mia Dawkins

October 30, 2023 at 10:00 AM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

Consumers are facing steep prices for Halloween candy this year after a global shortfall of sugar and cocoa.

Poor weather from West Africa to India has spurred shortages of the two crops, which are key ingredients for chocolate and candy makers. The El Niño weather phenomenon could make matters worse by bringing drier conditions and curbing production in the season that just started.