A Sweet Forecast for Candy

Candy is going to have a dandy few years. When economic worries worsen and stress levels rise, consumers have traditionally turned to candy and high-end confections as an affordable—and impulsive—treat.

The confectionery market enjoys some additional advantages. The number of children under age 12 is expected to grow dramatically through 2015. Moreover, 72 million snack-focused Gen Y young adults—the heaviest adult candy eaters—are now entering the workforce and will have more discretionary incom…