{
  "id": 16337116,
  "title": "America skimps on Halloween as high fuel prices force shoppers to buy small bags of candy and abandon large sizes",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/24/america-skimps-on-halloween-as-high-fuel-prices-force-shoppers-to-buy",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-10-24T14:19:18.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Fortune",
    "slug": "fortune",
    "url": "https://fortune.com/2026/10/24/halloween-candy-sales-slump-small-bags-high-fuel-prices-inflation-iran-war-cocoa/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Halloween candy sales have taken a hit this year due to high fuel prices and rising chocolate costs, forcing shoppers to purchase smaller bags of treats. NielsenIQ's Chris Costagli attributes the 6.7% decline in sales for the month ending October 17th to consumers grappling with high living costs and expensive chocolate prices. The average price of a gallon of gasoline in the U.S. reached $4.29, up nearly 40% from the previous year, making it difficult for many to afford more expensive Halloween treats. Small bags of candy are the only sizes seeing sales growth, while large and extra-large bags are experiencing the biggest declines. Candy and gum prices have been climbing faster than inflation for several years, with candy prices up 44% over a five-year period in September. Cocoa prices have been a major factor, reaching a record high of $10,710 per metric ton in January due to poor weather in West Africa and speculative trading. Even when prices are lower than last year, consumer demand for non-chocolate Halloween candies remains muted. Retailers like Aldi are offering discounted candy packs, but the average price for non-chocolate Halloween candies remains lower than previous years, leading to a lack of sales growth. Despite this, trade groups remain optimistic about Halloween sales, as consumer enthusiasm for the holiday remains strong.",
  "summary": "Halloween candy sales fell 6.7% in the month ending Oct. 17 compared to the same period last year, according to NielsenIQ.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}