HACKETTSTOWN, NJ -- Convenience-store retailers have three additional weeks to sell Easter candy and chocolate this year compared to last year. With Easter falling in mid-April in 2017, that can mean a 5% to 7% lift in sales over last year, according to data from Mars Chocolate North America.
With 62% of the population celebrating the spring holiday, and 71% of them purchasing chocolate, Mars is releasing a slew of new Easter products to appeal to candy snackers and decorators throughout the season.
The Easter decorating and snacking segment accounts for 46% of dollar sales for the season, according to Nielsen data, with medium-sized bags accounting for almost all of those sales. Extra-large bags saw the fastest growth.
The M&M's White Chocolate Candies in an 8-ounce laydown bag have a suggested retail price of $3.49. M&M's candies are the most purchased brand for Easter baskets, candy bowls and egg huts, and the second most purchased for gifting, according to data from the Beacon Report.
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