candy prices have soared

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Friday October 31, between the graves and the pumpkins, the children go hunting for sweets. Well prepared, a group has already chosen its route: around ten houses to visit in two hours in the hope of collecting as many chocolates, candies and caramels as possible. This year, 50 million packs of candy are expected to be sold for Halloween. But before enjoying yourself, you still have to go to the supermarket. Another fear for parents when going to checkout.

Candy that is all the more expensive as some brands take advantage of Halloween to increase the bill. Same recipe, new packaging and a higher price. The France Télévisions teams compared the prices of two ranges of candies: 5.96 euros per kilo in its classic version against 8.45 euros in Halloween disguise, i.e. 42% increase and up to 87% more for sugared almonds.

Contacted, the brand justifies its price differences by specific production and packaging for Halloween. But according to a consumer association, this does not justify such price differences. “What the manufacturers can say is that indeed, these shapes are different, so it may cost them a little more to make this series which is more limited. On the other hand, when we see a price difference of more than a third in terms of price, it does not cost them 30% more to produce. So they still take advantage of it to make a higher margin on these candies especially for Halloween”indicates Noé Bauduin, UFC-Que Choisir researcher. Beyond the prices, obviously be careful of excess candy. Sweets should also be consumed in moderation.