The numbers are here, and the picture is clear: Valentine’s Day is all about the sweets 🙂 According to The National Confectioners Association (NCA), US consumer preferences for Valentine’s Day strongly favor chocolate and candy, with 84 percent of Americans planning to include these treats in their celebrations.
Valentine’s Day generated $5.2 billion in retail sales last year, and the big four candy seasons (Valentine’s Day, Easter, Halloween, and the winter holidays) together accounted for 62 percent of annual sales for the $54 billion confectionery industry in 2024, NCA reports. Chocolate and candy “continue to resonate with consumers as affordable indulgences and simple, heartfelt ways to show love, particularly around meaningful moments like Valentine’s Day.”
Other insights from NCA include:
- Share the love: 92 percent of people hope to receive chocolate on Valentine’s Day, and nearly half of Americans plan to treat themselves to a box of chocolates.
- Timeless traditions: The heart-shaped box of chocolates remains the most iconic Valentine’s Day treat, chosen by 75 percent of consumers. Receiving a Valentine’s Day box of chocolates is also seen by 55 percent as the warmest gesture, followed by conversation hearts (25 percent), chocolate roses (22 percent), handmade truffles (16 percent), and personalized conversation hearts (7 percent).
- Love at first bite: Opening a Valentine’s Day chocolate box comes with strategy – 43 percent of people start by consulting the guide, while 24 percent bite the corner, 23 percent pick one at random, and 10 percent poke the bottom.
For products that would make great Valentine’s Day gifts, including premium chocolate and candy, you are welcome to check out my most recent holiday gift guide here. as well as my review of last year’s Sweets & Snacks Expo here. You can also find my restaurant recommendations from previous years here, here and here.
Happy Valentine’s Day 🙂
Leave a Reply