US Holiday Chocolate Sales: Top Brands & Trends [Data & Analysis]

Mr. Archibald Robel II 09 May 2025

Is there a true king of candy when holidays roll around? Absolutely, and understanding who commands the chocolate throne during peak seasons reveals fascinating insights into consumer behavior and market dominance.

The U.S. confectionery landscape is a multi-billion dollar battleground, particularly when holidays approach. Retail sales figures from February 16, 2018, paint a vivid picture of the seasonal chocolate rush. Easter leads the charge with a staggering $935 million in sales, followed by Christmas at $776 million. Valentine's Day sees $524 million spent on chocolate, while Halloween accounts for $383 million. "Other holidays" contribute a modest $12 million. These figures underscore the profound impact of seasonal events on the chocolate industry.

Statistic	Value
Easter Chocolate Sales	$935 Million
Christmas Chocolate Sales	$776 Million
Valentine's Day Chocolate Sales	$524 Million
Halloween Chocolate Sales	$383 Million
Other Holiday Chocolate Sales	$12 Million
American Candy Market Annual Worth	$35 Billion
Global Chocolate Market Size (2023)	$62.4 Billion
Global Chocolate Sales Volume (2022)	7.5 Million Tons

Ultimately, the champion in the holiday candy contest is determined by the ever-changing whims of consumer preferences. The American candy market, valued at over $35 billion annually, demonstrates how popular candy brands significantly influence these preferences. The top 12 American candy brands, updated for 2025, reflect continuous innovation and shifting tastes, proving that both classic and contemporary brands can thrive by appealing to a wide array of sweet-toothed individuals.

When exploring the major players in the holiday candy sector, several names consistently emerge. Hersheys, a household name for over a century, was founded in 1894 by Milton S. Hershey. Mars, another titan in the industry, boasts a rich history dating back to 1911, with their first product line introduced in 1932, featuring the iconic Mars bar. By creating the very first Mars bar, the company eventually has become widely regarded as one of the best U.

Chocolate's universal appeal is undeniable. The mere scent of chocolate is enough to evoke feelings of joy and contentment. It's a gift that transcends age, appreciated by everyone from young children to their parents. With countless varieties available worldwide, chocolate remains a staple in nearly every culture.

Examining sales growth statistics of seasonal candy in the U.S. during 2021, categorized by holiday and type, offers invaluable insights. Similarly, analyzing the market share of leading chocolate companies in 2022 provides a snapshot of the current competitive landscape. Premium statistics that detail the dollars spent per buyer on seasonal candy in the U.S. during 2021, broken down by holiday and type, further enrich our understanding of consumer spending habits.

Several iconic treats dominate the market. Milk chocolate bars, Kit Kats, and Reeses Peanut Butter Cups are perennial favorites, consistently topping sales charts. These brands have mastered the art of appealing to a broad audience, solidifying their positions as industry leaders.

The story of Mars is particularly compelling. Founded by Franklin Clarence Mars in 1911, the company introduced the Milky Way bar in 1929, followed by the famed Mars bar. These early successes laid the foundation for the company's enduring legacy in the confectionery world.

Brand	Year Founded	Key Products
Mars	1911	Mars Bar, Milky Way, Snickers, M&M's
Hershey's	1894	Hershey's Kisses, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Kit Kat (in the US)
Cadbury	1824	Dairy Milk, Creme Egg, Roses
Nestl	1866	Kit Kat (Outside the US), Smarties, Aero
Ritter Sport	1912	Ritter Sport Squares

Nutritional information also plays a role in consumer choices. A serving of 4 pieces (32g) of Dove milk chocolate contains 180 calories, while Dove dark chocolate contains 170 calories per 1/3 bar (31g). This information helps health-conscious consumers make informed decisions.

Sharing holiday treats is a cherished tradition, particularly during the most wonderful time of the year. Chocolate's role in holiday celebrations is deeply ingrained in cultural practices.

In some cultures, like Japan, unique traditions surrounding chocolate gifting exist. On Valentines Day, women give chocolate to men, who reciprocate a month later on White Day. This "double holiday" is a boon for chocolate companies, driving sales and reinforcing cultural norms.

While some traditions, like the White Day exchange, may be experiencing shrinking sales, they remain significant opportunities for confectioners. Adapting to evolving consumer preferences is key to maintaining relevance in the market.

The Japanese confectionery market is also showing a trend toward health-conscious options. This shift reflects a growing awareness of health and wellness among consumers, influencing the types of sweets they choose.

The story of Bob's Candy Company illustrates the evolution of brands over time. Originally named Bob's Candy Canes in 1924, the name was changed to Bob's Candy in 1924. In 1933, the apostrophe was dropped, solidifying the company's identity as Bob's Candy Company.

Assorted holiday chocolate mixes, like those containing Christmas Reese's Trees, Nutcrackers, Peppermint Snowflake Patties, and Santa KitKat Wafers, offer consumers a variety of seasonal flavors in a single purchase. These bulk mixes are particularly popular during the holiday season.

Predicting the most sold chocolate in 2023 requires considering market trends and consumer demand. While it's impossible to predict with certainty, brands like Cadbury, Hersheys, and Nestl are known for their wide distribution and global popularity, making them strong contenders.

The world's largest chocolate company is Mars Wrigley Confectionery, with net sales of $20.0 billion. As of 2023, the global chocolate industry has a market size of $62.4 billion. Over 7.5 million tons of chocolate were sold around the world in 2022. These figures highlight the scale and significance of the global chocolate market.

Company	Net Sales (USD Billion)
Mars Wrigley Confectionery	$20.0
Nestl	Approx. $9.0 (Chocolate segment estimate)
Ferrero	Approx. $14.0 (Total Company, significant portion from chocolate)
Hershey's	Approx. $8.9

The higher the percentage of cacao in a chocolate bar, the more bitter it will taste. Snacking chocolate bars typically contain no more than 85% cacao, although exceptions exist. Unsweetened, unflavored chocolate, often called bakers chocolate, is designed for use in recipes where additional sweetener will be added.

Perfetti Van Melle, a Dutch company, was created in 2001 through the merger of Italian candy company Perfetti and Dutch candy company Van Melle. This merger demonstrates the ongoing consolidation within the confectionery industry.

In Waldenbuch, Germany, Ritter Sport was founded in 1912, and by 1926, it had 80 employees. Clara Ritter, the driving force behind the family business, conceived the idea of a square chocolate bar that would fit neatly into a sports jacket pocket, giving the brand its distinctive shape and name.

Ritter Sport is known for its innovative approach and strong marketing, which contribute to its high brand recognition worldwide. The company's focus on quality and convenience has resonated with consumers.

Chocolate lovers appreciate Cadbury's Cocoa Life program, which ensures that 100% of the cocoa used in Cadbury Dairy Milk products is sustainably sourced. The company has plans to extend this practice to all its chocolate products, reflecting a commitment to ethical sourcing.

Candy, also known as sweets or lollies, is a confection primarily composed of sugar. Sugar confectionery includes a wide range of sweet treats, including chocolate, chewing gum, and sugar candy.

Management remarks about the candy industry are often shared during investor calls. For example, management remarks were available on Thursday, May 1 at 7 a.m. ET, followed by a live Q&A session at 8:30 a.m.