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U.S. Halloween candy sales are falling as chocolate prices and costs bite

NielsenIQ data show sales fell 6.7% in the month ending Oct. 17, while a candy trade group says it remains optimistic

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NielsenIQ recorded a 6.7% drop in U.S. Halloween candy sales over the month through Oct. 17, measured against a year earlier, according to The Associated Press. Consumers are contending with steep everyday expenses along with pricier chocolate.

Candy sales were down 11.7% in mid-September, NielsenIQ found. That reversed the early-season growth the holiday's candy had logged during each of the last two years.

Chris Costagli, a vice president and food thought leader at NielsenIQ, said expensive gasoline has intensified worries about affordability and is weighing on demand for Halloween treats. As of last Friday, regular........

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