“Valentine’s Day is positioned at the nexus of two powerful trends defining the confectionery category right now. Consumers are sharing chocolate and candy more frequently, and shoppers are increasingly looking for little moments to treat themselves," said NCA's John Downs.

CandyStore.com uses 14 years of sales data to show each state's favorite Valentine's Day candy. 

The competition, in its fifth year, includes Gold, Silver and Bronze winners.

The market research company draws on lessons from the last few years to help guide the consumer packaged goods industry.

Consumer behavior over the coming year is likely to be impacted by everything from environmental activism, older consumers becoming more tech savvy, and people reflecting on the turmoil of the last two years and making major life changes. 

While sweet flavor trends like matcha tea, blackcurrant and anise continue to gain traction, others are emerging, such as whiskey, citrus zest and saffron.

Deloitte’s "2022 Consumer Products Industry Outlook" shows that despite strong financial performance predictions, the sector struggles with supply chain, labor and inflation.

There’s a running theory that if the confectionery industry refuses to address the problems cocoa farmers face, eventually there just won’t be anyone willing to work as a cocoa farmer. The same is true for retail employees. 

Hershey features new colors, fan-favorite flavors, and festive shapes in eight new seasonal products from Reese's, Hershey's and other brands.

 Barry Callebaut also opening an online pop-up shop this month to celebrate the plant-based boom and “Veganuary.”