Trick or Treat: Unwrapping the Halloween Candy Industry

Cristina Sacco

Halloween is just around the corner, and the excitement is palpable.

The air is crisp, leaves are falling, and costumes are being chosen with care. Yet, amidst all the pumpkin carving and spooky decorations, one thing remains constant: the love for Halloween candy.

In 2023, the Halloween candy industry continues to thrive, bringing forth delicious treats that satisfy both young and old.

Let’s delve into the sweet secrets of this booming industry and highlight the top brands that are making waves this season.

assorted-halloween-candy

Halloween Candy: A Sweet Tradition

Halloween and candy have become inseparable over the years. The tradition of giving and receiving candy on Halloween dates back to ancient Celtic festivals. During the Samhain festival, people would leave food on their doorsteps to appease wandering spirits. This practice evolved into modern-day trick-or-treating, where children visit their neighbors’ homes to receive candy. 

The Halloween candy industry has grown significantly since those early days. Today, it’s a billion-dollar business that brings joy to people of all ages. The industry’s evolution is characterized by innovation and creativity, resulting in a wide range of treats that cater to various tastes and preferences. 

The Top Halloween Candy Brands of 2023

Let’s dive into the top Halloween candy brands that are filling Halloween buckets in 2023. These brands continue to captivate candy enthusiasts with their inventive offerings and time-tested classics. 

nestle-reeces-peanut-butter-cups

Hershey’s

Hershey’s has been a beloved name in the candy industry for generations. In 2023, they are stepping up their game with a combination of classic and new treats. You can expect to find their iconic Hershey’s Milk Chocolate bars alongside exciting Halloween-themed variations, like pumpkin-shaped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.

snickers-halloween

Mars

Mars, the company behind M&M’s and Snickers, knows how to keep Halloween sweet. They offer a wide range of festive M&M’s, from spooky colors to unique flavors. Mars also introduces limited-edition Snickers bars with a Halloween twist.

Nestlé

Nestlé boasts a fantastic assortment of treats, from the classic Crunch bars to their newer line, Butterfinger Bites. Their Halloween-themed packaging adds an extra layer of excitement for trick-or-treaters.

oreos-halloween

Mondelez International

The folks at Mondelez International are the masterminds behind Oreo. Their Halloween-themed Oreos, featuring spooky designs and seasonal flavors, are sure to delight cookie enthusiasts. The company also offers a range of Cadbury chocolate bars and Sour Patch Kids. 

Ferrero-halloween

Ferrero

Ferrero’s products, including Ferrero Rocher and Kinder, are not only delicious but also stylish. Their seasonal packaging adds a touch of elegance to the Halloween candy aisle. Look out for their limited-edition packaging and unique holiday-themed chocolates. 

trolli-halloween-candy

Trolli

For those who enjoy a bit of whimsy in their candy, Trolli is a top choice. Known for their gummy candies, Trolli’s Halloween-themed gummies come in various shapes, from spooky crawlers to sour boogeymen.

jelly-belly-halloween-candy

Jelly Belly

Jelly Belly continues to be a favorite among jelly bean enthusiasts. Their Halloween packs feature fun flavors and spooky shapes, making them a must-have for candy bowls at Halloween parties.  

tootsie-roll-halloween-candy

Tootsie Roll Industries

Tootsie Roll Industries brings timeless classics like Tootsie Rolls and Tootsie Pops to the Halloween candy scene. They’ve expanded their product line to include Halloween-themed Sugar Babies, Dots, and Child’s Play assortments. 

haribo-halloween-cndy

HARIBO

Known for their gummy bears, HARIBO offers a variety of gummy treats with Halloween packaging. Their seasonal mixes include ghosts, bats, and pumpkins, making them perfect for the holiday. 

Ghirardelli: Ghirardelli’s premium chocolate squares are always a hit, and they make the perfect addition to Halloween treat bags. Look for their limited-edition Halloween wrappers that add a touch of sophistication to the holiday. 

The Ever-Growing Halloween Candy Market

The Halloween candy industry has not only expanded its product offerings but also embraced the ever-changing preferences of consumers. Organic and healthier options have started making their way into the market, appealing to health-conscious parents who want their children to enjoy the holiday without an overload of sugar. Additionally, allergy-friendly candies that are free from common allergens are becoming more prevalent, making it easier for children with dietary restrictions to participate in the fun. 

The Rise of Seasonal and Themed Packaging

In 2023, candy brands are taking packaging to a whole new level. Halloween-themed wrappers, bags, and boxes have become a staple of the season, adding an extra layer of excitement for consumers. These creative designs often feature beloved Halloween characters, spooky motifs, and fun interactive elements that kids and adults alike can enjoy. 

Sustainability and the Environment

As consumer awareness about environmental issues grows, the Halloween candy industry is taking steps to become more sustainable. Many brands are focusing on eco-friendly packaging and sourcing ethically produced ingredients. Some are even introducing recycling initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint. 

Conclusion 

The Halloween candy industry continues to thrive and innovate in 2023. With the top brands offering a wide array of delightful treats, there’s something for everyone, from the traditionalist who loves classic chocolate bars to the adventurous souls who crave unique, limited-edition flavors. As the industry adapts to changing consumer preferences, we can expect to see even more variety, creativity, and sustainability efforts in the years to come. This Halloween, whether you’re indulging in familiar favorites or trying something new, remember that the joy of receiving a sweet treat on this spooky holiday is a tradition worth celebrating. 

Our Impact

In 1995, our founders embarked on a journey that would disrupt the status quo of the executive recruiting industry. We have been transforming companies and lives ever since.

Frame 1000004239-May-16-2024-12-16-32-9170-PM

9,395

First Round Interviews

Frame 1000004239-May-16-2024-12-17-23-0672-PM

3,000+

Total Placements

Frame 1000004239-May-16-2024-12-18-06-3937-PM

47%

Diversity Placements

Frame 1000004239-May-16-2024-12-18-38-1485-PM

$700M

Economic Impact

zz-logo

Brent Albertson

CEO, Zing Zang LLC

Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Non-Alcoholic Beverages

“ Our experience with Protis Global has been very positive. They have strong multi-industry CPG experience and understand our business model and standards. They know the difference between an “A-player” and a “B-player” in several functions, and the honesty around that standard helps us move faster. Mike and team set up a great process, especially in early canvassing and vetting that helps our leaders engage at the right time and make decisions fast. ”

mark-anthony-brewing-1-1

Colin Nolan

Executive Vice President, Mark Anthony Brewing Inc.

Beer, Wine & Spirits
Beer, Wine & Spirits

“Protis Global’s approach to talent acquisition is marked by diligence, transparency, and a genuine dedication to client satisfaction. Their strategic insights and personalized service have made a substantial impact on our organization, ensuring that we always have the best professionals driving our initiatives forward. The team at Protis Global demonstrates a keen ability to identify individuals who not only possess the requisite skills but also align seamlessly with our company culture.”

Glass_House_Brands_Inc__Glass_House_Brands_Reports_Record_Second

Hilal Tabsh

Chief Revenue Officer, Glass House Brands

Cannabis
Cannabis

“Over the last 10+ years my experience with Michael Bitar and the Protis Global team has been exceptional across multiple industries. Michael and his team work to get to the true needs of my hiring plan and partner with us throughout the process. They understand our business, company culture, what success looks like, and then propose candidates that will produce results while also fitting into our team dynamic. Overall it’s a great team and experience and I would recommend to anyone looking to hire top-notch quality candidates reach out to Protis Global and Michael Bitar.”

bespoke-logo

Peter Iglesias

Chief Executive Officer, Bespoken Spirits

Beer, Wine, & Spirits
Beer, Wine, & Spirits

“I highly recommend Protis Global as a top-notch recruiting agency. I have had the pleasure of working with them for the past 15 years, both as a candidate and employer in the Spirits and Wine industry. In my 25 years of experience, I have found Protis Global to be the most efficient and effective recruiting agency I have ever dealt with. Protis Global has consistently come through for me in the clutch, providing exceptional professionalism and execution in job searches and placements. Their dedication to finding the right fit for both candidates and employers sets them apart from other agencies. I have always been impressed by their ability to understand the needs of both parties and successfully connect them in a timely manner.”

Zevia new logo

Soley Van Lokeren

SVP, People

Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Non-Alcoholic Beverages

“I have been in the field of human resources for over thirty years, in executive level roles both in-house and in outsourced positions. Michael Bitar is my favorite talent acquisition professional with which I have ever worked. He cares deeply about building a relationship with his clients, learning their business, culture, challenges, and truly understanding the needs of a role requisition. His approach is mirrored by the rest of the Protis team, who are courteous, thorough, and who make you feel like you are their only client. Protis successfully delivered hires for our Chief Commercial Officer role and for three key challenging roles (in both Marketing and Sales). They are simply – the best!”

vitamin_logo-4

Brian Kuz

Chief Sales Officer

Food & Snacks
Food & Snacks

“Protis is unique in their go-to-market strategy in that they not only find the right candidate for the role, but they find the right opportunity and company for the candidate. Protis Global looks for people who are ready to make a change...I will continue to recommend Protis Global as one of the best placement agencies in the World, as I have worked on every continent and have dealt with the big executive placement firms and the boutique ones. Protis shines above all, and as long as I am hiring, I will continue to go to Protis Global first, if not exclusively.”

poppi-testimonial

Chris Hall

CEO, poppi

Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Non-Alcoholic Beverages

“Partnering with Protis Global has been a game-changer for poppi. They understood our vision and the unique challenges we faced as a rapidly growing brand. Their expertise in executive search helped us find the right leaders who not only fit our culture but also brought the skills and passion needed to drive accelerated growth. The Protis Global team actively took our feedback and adapted the search so that we could focus on what we do best – creating innovative, healthy beverages that our customers love. They’ve truly become an extension of our team, and we couldn’t imagine achieving our success without the team members they helped us to bring aboard.”

spindrift-logo

Chad Palma

President of Sales, Spindrift

Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Non-Alcoholic Beverages

“Michael Bitar and the Protis team have been such a pleasure to work with over the years. Not only do they do amazing work with recruiting but we have also developed a partnership between our two companies. Michael and his team provide a crucial role in reviewing my hiring needs at the beginning of each year. Once the review is complete, Michael begins searching for quality candidates that fit the role and culture for Spindrift. He and his team do an outstanding job of finding the right candidates for the position in need. I highly recommend Michael and the Protis team for your hiring needs.”

mark-anthony-brewing-1-1

John Sacksteder

President, Mark Anthony Brewing Inc

Beer, Wine & Spirits
Beer, Wine & Spirits

“From the start, the relationship with Protis Global was different than other recruiting firms.  The team had a deeper level of commitment and desire to learn about our business than I had experienced with other firms. Our company was experiencing a time of exponential growth and our staffing needs were complex. We needed very experienced people across every possible function in the Operation and Supply Chain Teams and we needed them in a hurry. The Protis Global Team mobilized quickly and established a methodology to identify strong candidates and work them through the interview process in a professional and timely manner. Their grit, determination, understanding our needs and culture, sense of urgency and drive to exceed our expectations set them apart from the pack.”

arla-testimonial

Kathleen Hutchison

Senior National Account Manager at Arla Foods

Food & Snacks
Food & Snacks

Kayla was awesome and very thorough in her vetting of candidates. She understood our brief as we were looking for candidates and helped to weed through those who were not a good fit for the role. 

ijw-testimonial

Thomas Frisch

Chief People Officer at IJW Whiskey

Beer, Wine & Spirits
Beer, Wine & Spirits

“The team worked quickly and efficiently to find a unique position.”

lallemand-testimonial

Kim Nguyen

VP of Supply Chain at Lallemand

Beer, Wine & Spirits
Beer, Wine & Spirits

Everyone involved was extremely helpful - Gary, Michael, Ben - thank you!! The team didn't only search for candidates based on the job description, but also the qualities that I look for in candidates. 

poppi-testimonial

Shashank Gaur

VP of Product Technology & Innovation

Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Non-Alcoholic Beverages

The interview process was smooth and extremely professional. Ben and team represented me as much as they represented the company. 

arla-testimonial

Jeremy Schulman

Regional Business Manager - Foodservice

Food & Snacks
Food & Snacks

Consistent communication, updates, and detailed knowledge of the client. The whole experience was top notch!

coppali-testimonail

Blake T. Bermingham

Supply Chain Manager

Beer, Wine, & Spirits
Beer, Wine, & Spirits

Very simplistic process finding the right role for the right candidate...keep up the great work! 

arla-logo

Don Stohrer Jr.

CEO, Arla Foods USA

Food & Snacks
Food & Snacks

“We’ve been a Protis Global client for eight years, and during this time have always appreciated the thoroughness of the recruitment process, as the candidates brought to us have been well-vetted, not only from a competency perspective, but more importantly from a [cultural] fit dynamic. Mike and the team have always been highly engaged to ensure they bring us candidates that match our culture. That’s been critical to the success of the candidates that have landed here by way of our relationship with Protis.”

Need Top CPG Talent?

Whether you're hiring or job-seeking, we've got you covered.