US Retailers Slash Hershey Candy Prices Amid Cocoa Inflation Halloween Sales Slump

U.S. retailers are offering significant discounts on Hershey candy ahead of Halloween 2025, despite the company's price hikes earlier in the year driven by soaring cocoa costs and tariffs. Data shows that over half of Hershey's seasonal candy was discounted by some mass retailers, reflecting a broader trend of deeper and earlier discounts across candy brands amid flat chocolate candy sales and cautious consumer spending. Hershey's CEO Kirk Tanner acknowledged disappointing Halloween sales, attributing some softness to warmer weather and the timing of Halloween on a Friday, while also noting that price increases have not fully offset inflationary pressures. The rising cost of cocoa, which has surged nearly 70% since 2023, has pushed candy makers to adjust recipes and explore new product varieties to manage costs. Retailers like Target and Walmart are offering Hershey products at prices well below previous years, with some items available for under $2, helping last-minute shoppers find affordable treats despite inflation. These developments highlight the challenges candy makers face balancing rising ingredient costs with consumer demand during the critical Halloween season.