U.S. confectionery and sugar manufacturing employment highlights Halloween supply chain
Halloween demand is drawing attention to the U.S. industries that make chocolate, candy and sugar products. Bureau of Labor Statistics data for March 2026 shows employment across chocolate, nonchocolate confectionery and sugar manufacturing as seasonal consumer spending nears its annual peak.
Highlights
- Employment in chocolate and confectionery manufacturing reaches 40,389 in March 2026, with three-quarters in confectionery from purchased chocolate.
- Nonchocolate confectionery manufacturing employs 27,602 workers in March 2026, supporting core Halloween candy assortments beyond chocolate products.
- Sugar manufacturing employs 13,333 workers in March 2026, split closely between beet sugar (6,700) and cane sugar (6,633) producers.
March 2026 employment across candy categories
As reported by U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in chocolate and confectionery manufacturing reaches 40,389 in March 2026. About three-quarters of those workers are in confectionery manufacturing from purchased chocolate, while the remaining quarter work in chocolate and confectionery manufacturing from cacao beans.Nonchocolate confectionery manufacturing, which includes products such as candied fruits and hard candies, employs 27,602 workers in March 2026. These products remain a key part of Halloween candy assortments alongside chocolate items.
Seasonal demand underscores industry scale
Sugar manufacturing employment stands at 13,333, with the workforce split nearly evenly between beet sugar manufacturing, at 6,700, and cane sugar manufacturing, at 6,633.Taken together, the employment figures show the manufacturing base behind a major seasonal retail moment in the U.S. confectionery market, from chocolate bars to candy corn as Halloween approaches.
Our earlier report on rising U.S. toy prices ahead of the holiday shopping season examined how tariffs on Chinese imports and energy- and shipping-related cost increases were being passed through to consumers. It also noted that major toymakers faced margin pressure as elevated logistics and input costs lingered, highlighting how seasonal shopping periods can amplify the impact of supply-chain disruptions and inflation.
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