Halloween Costs Rise Amid Cocoa Shortages, Tariffs

The National Retail Federation projects record Halloween spending of $13.1 billion in 2025, but rising prices may temper household spending. Cocoa costs have surged after three poor West African harvests, sending cocoa prices to historic highs and prompting major confectioners to raise prices, shrink package sizes, or replace chocolate with fillers. Higher tariffs on mostly China‑made costumes, along with general inflation, have pushed up costume and decoration prices and led many shoppers to thrift, DIY, or buy earlier while some retailers absorb part of the increase. Shoppers and manufacturers are shifting toward chewy, fruity, or non‑chocolate treats as consumers notice smaller bags and fewer chocolate pieces. Instacart data show regional differences in candy preferences — for example, candy corn makes up about 3% of October candy orders in Mississippi while Hawaii buys far less. Local fall and Halloween events, including the Pittsburgh Coffee & Chocolate Festival, Living Dead Weekend and Oakmont’s parade, offer alternatives for celebrants despite higher costs.