Training Center Playbook

Welcome to the Candy page of CStore Decisions’ CStore Playbook, an online reference series for convenience store retailers. Whether you have questions on chocolate, non-chocolate, gum & mints, merchandising or trends, the resources below can help position your candy segment for success. Created by CStore Decisions’ editorial team, this playbook features answers to some of the most frequently asked questions, as well as in-depth articles about mastering the candy category.

Editor-in-Chief, CSD

Candy, Gum & Mints Rebound

Candy Consumption Climbs

Chocolate’s Future Looks Sweet for 2022

Even with continued supply chain issues resulting in fewer manufacturer partner promotions, candy, gum and mint sales are increasing and retailers expect them to continue growing.

The non-chocolate candy subcategory is rife with new product innovation.

Continued innovation in packaging and flavors by chocolate candy manufacturers, such as sweet and salty flavor-based candy, is anticipated to drive the market’s growth in the coming years.

How Did the Pandemic Impact Holiday Candy Sales?

What’s the Most Popular Type of Chocolate Among Consumers?

Find out which type of chocolate is the highest rated among overall consumers.

Despite the pandemic, consumers remained enthusiastic about the winter holiday season and the role that chocolate and overall candy play in their traditions and celebrations.

How to Maximize Gum Sales

How Can Promotions Boost Impulse Candy Sales?

Cultivating Candy Sales

How Can C-Stores Upsell Candy?

Following strong candy sales in 2021, retailers prepare to capitalize on the momentum of the category in 2022.

Factors include employee education and motivation, strong promotional offers and effective marketing and merchandising.

To maximize gum sales, focus on consistently executing best practices, which includes stocking the hottest brands and trending flavors.

Today’s customers enjoy a good deal, which is one reason candy promotions can help drive impulse spending at convenience stores.

Hershey Solutions is a one-stop, 24-7 tool for product ordering, insights, merchandising tools, and rewards to help convenience retailers achieve category success. The Hershey Company is headquartered in Hershey, Pa., and is an industry-leading snacks company known for bringing goodness to the world through its iconic brands, remarkable people and enduring commitment to help children succeed. The company has more than 100 brand names in approximately 80 countries around the world, including such iconic brand names as Hershey's, Reese's, Kit Kat®, Jolly Rancher and Ice Breakers, and fast-growing salty snacks including SkinnyPop, Pirate's Booty and Dot’s Pretzels.