It's not Halloween without candy and U.S. consumers are expected to purchase more than $1.9 billion in candy during the Halloween season, with chocolate candy accounting for $1.2 billion of Halloween candy sales and non-chocolate candy accounting for nearly $672 million, according to The Nielsen Company. Halloween generates the greatest sales volume of sweets for the entire year.

"Despite the wide varieties of candies available, there's no doubt that chocolate remains king," said Tom Pirovano, director of Industry Insights, The Nielsen Company. "Chocolate miniatures, in particular, experience a high surge of sales around Halloween that is hard to match other times of the year."

More than one-third (35 percent) of total annual sales of chocolate miniatures take place during the Halloween season, according to Nielsen's analysis. Likewise, 36 percent of non-chocolate miniatures, 25 percent of lollipops and 18 percent of bubble gum sales occur during the same time frame.

Wait . . . Wait . . . Buy!
Whether procrastination or an attempt to get the best deal, consumers tend to wait until the last minute to purchase Halloween candy. From early October to Halloween, weekly candy sales more than double -- from $196 million to $436 million, with the most candy sales occurring on Oct. 28.

"In today's tough economy, it's very possible we will see more consumers waiting to buy candy, as budget conscious consumers wait for the biggest bargains," said Pirovano.

Consumers Haunted by Higher Prices This Halloween
U.S. consumers are likely to be spooked by higher prices this Halloween, as candy and costume accessories are up in price compared to last year, according to
The Nielsen Company. Candy sales average $3.59, up $0.10, while chocolate candy sales average $4.22, up $0.17.

"For many consumers, the most frightening part of Halloween may be higher prices," said Tom Pirovano, director of Industry Insights, The Nielsen Company. "That said, few parents will deny their children the fun of dressing up and trick-or-treating, so we expect sales to remain strong."