If you need an excuse to buy candy, Valentine’s Day is one that is embraced by millions America. What they buy, though, varies according to what comes into vogue and what is favored by their location. CandyStore.com came out with the breakdown based on sales data from the past dozen years.
Key candy facts for this year’s Valentine’s Day:
- 43% of people said they will buy themselves a box of chocolates this year.
- 58 million pounds of chocolate are bought during Valentine’s Day week.
- The peak selling period for conversation hearts is only 6 weeks long.
- It takes manufacturers 11 months to produce enough for those 6 weeks.
- Children receive 39 percent of all Valentine’s Day candy and gifts.
But likely a kid in Nebraska will receive different candies from the kid in Iowa. You can see why that is by checking the state preferences on this interactive map:
Not surprisingly, chocolate kisses, and candy in the shape of hearts or in heart-shaped boxes are regular favorites, but there are a few choices that are surprising. M&M’s are often among the top three choices and even the top choice in Arizona, Kansas and New Jersey. CandyStore.com attributes M&M’s association with Valentine’s Day to the introduction of the Cupid’s Message M&M’s in 2017. They also get dressed for the occasion in the Cupid’s Mix of Valentine’s Day colored M&M’s, and the White Cheesecake M&M’s is also a popular choice for the holiday.
Each individual state also has its own surprises, like Alabama’s proclivity for candy necklaces and Alaska’s inclusion of cinnamon bears. Knowing which preferences dominate which area can prepare candy retailers to more effectively market their wares to their customers by featuring their favorites in ad campaigns for Valentine’s Day.