Finally, some non-shortage news

A smattering of different articles over the past month have been proclaiming an upcoming Halloween candy shortage. And while there’s some truth to what they’re saying, the devil is in the details – and we’re here to clear up the technicalities. As the great Mark Twain once said, “The rumors of a 2022 candy shortage have been greatly exaggerated.”

🤔 How did this all start?... If you’ve ever played a game of Telephone, it’s a little like that. Back in July, Hershey’s, the world’s largest chocolate maker, had its Q2 earnings call.

On the call, CEO Michele Buck said the company “will not be able to fully meet consumer demand [for Halloween and Holiday candy] due to capacity constraints.” Which many folks took and ran with. But the real context comes in her next sentence:

• “Given many of our everyday and seasonal products are made on the same line, we have needed to balance production over the past several months to improve everyday on-shelf availability and build seasonal inventory at the same time.”
• Translation: There will still be enough Hershey’s candy on the shelves… it just may not be in Halloween or Holiday-themed packaging. Something a company spokesperson confirmed this week.

🍫 Bottom line: This doesn’t mean there aren’t issues causing supply constraints elsewhere (with regional shops like the Cleveland-based Sweetie’s, for example). But anything Hershey’s makes – Almond Joys, Twizzlers, Jolly Ranchers, Kit Kats, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, etc. – should be available. Minus maybe a jack-o'-lantern pic or two.

+In the know: Halloween accounts for ~10% of Hershey’s annual sales.