According to the National Confectioners Association (NCA), the winter holidays account for more seasonal confectionary sales than any other holiday, clocking more than 18% of seasonal confectionery sales in 2024 and generating $7.5 billion last year.

In total, all four big candy seasons accounted for 62% of annual sales for the $54 billion confectionery industry last year.

“Confectionery is an essential part of the winter holidays, woven into the traditions and memories that define this special time of year.” John Downs, president and CEO of the National Confectioners Association, said. “With chocolate leading the way, non-chocolate candy on the rise, and mint as a defining flavor of the season, the confectionery industry is meeting consumers with time-honored holiday staples and inventive seasonal treats to brighten every celebration.”

NCA also said that:

• Classic mint is America’s favorite mint flavor and sales of mints peak in December.
• The winter holidays are the top season for chocolate sales but non-chocolate sales are also on the rise, growing 5.1% from 2023 to 2024. Foil-wrapped chocolates, small boxes of chocolate and candy canes rank among Americans’ top confectionery choices for stocking stuffers.
• Ninety-five percent of Americans celebrate the winter holidays with chocolate and candy and more than half of people in the United States share treats as part of their winter holidays gifting.

Candy companies have already released seasonal treats for the winter. Mars released three new items: M&M's Winter Blend, Twix Snowmen and Life Savers Gummies holiday shapes while Hershey launched a new holiday lineup which includes Hershey's Kisses Snickerdoodle Cookie Candy, Kit Kat Peppermint Stick, Reese's Mini Trees and Hershey's Grinch Milk Chocolate Bar.