00:00It's Benzinga bringing Wall Street to Main Street.
00:02The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that candy prices are climbing ahead of Halloween,
00:07rising nearly 8% over the past year, according to ABC News.
00:11Prices are also 13% higher than five years ago.
00:14Extreme weather in cocoa-producing regions has disrupted supply chains and contributed to higher
00:19prices. An Ipsos poll found that 51% of Americans prefer chocolate for Halloween,
00:25followed by gummies and sour candies at 9% each.
00:28Meanwhile, the National Retail Federation Project's Halloween spending will reach a record $13.5
00:33billion this year. Shoppers looking to save money can compare prices per ounce,
00:38buy in bulk at warehouse stores, or choose mixed candy bags instead of chocolate-only varieties.
00:43For all things money, visit Benzinga.com.