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Candy, gum and mints are experiencing upswings in sales at convenience stores after two years of pandemic challenges.

Candy, gum and mint sales at convenience stores rose 13.2% to close to $6.4 billion over the past year, according to NielsenIQ Total U.S. Convenience data for the latest 52 weeks ending Feb. 26, 2022. Chocolate sales have grown 8.3% to close to $3 billion, non-chocolate confections ticked up 18.3% to more than $2 billion, gum grew 14.4% to over $731 million and mints rose 15% to over $205 million.

Two years ago, to date, gum sales had decreased by 16.7% and mints 14.2%, making 2022 a rebound year for both categories, the Nielsen research showed.

At Rutter’s 79 convenience stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland and West Virginia, candy sales are “on fire through 2022,” reported Joseph Bortner, center store category manager for Rutter’s. “All sub-categories are experiencing growth on units and same-store sales.”

Rutter’s has seen double-digit growth in sales of both chocolate and non-chocolate candies. Chocolate has slightly outpaced non-chocolate confections.

Bortner noted that the pandemic had impacted the gum and mint sub-categories particularly hard.

“A large portion of the demand comes from the consumers’ need for refreshment,” he noted. “As social distancing and mask-wearing became the norm, the consumer need for refreshment declined.”

This year, he said, early signs point to a strong rebound in sales to levels beyond pre-pandemic.

“We’re optimistic that this trend will continue through the year,” he noted. “I think we’ll continue to see consumers shift to larger pack types as wallets get tighter due to inflation and consumers fight to find value in their purchases.”

PRICING & PROMOTIONS

Rutter’s is continuing to adjust pricing strategies as costs rise, Bortner noted. The company is also testing theories on building baskets through consumer value-added offerings. “By balancing the two we anticipate a strong year in confection,” he said. While traditional suppliers still provide product innovation, supply chain issues continue to be a challenge for all, and Bortner said he believes retailers will see some of them tighten their belts to focus on core brands and items. In the meantime, Rutter’s will continue to assertively merchandise candy, gum and mints “just about everywhere in the stores,” from inline and perimeter displays to counter racks and coolers.

Chocolate sales have grown 8.3% to close to $3 billion, per NielsenIQ, and have slightly outpaced non-chocolate confections at Rutter’s.