We don't want to talk about dentists who buy back candy, or sugar content of Halloween treats, or silly healthy Halloween alternatives.
Instead we are pleased to report that Hershey raised its full-year sales target on Thursday as Halloween candy sales got off to a strong start.
"Results were slightly better than our expectations as both U.S. chocolate and non-chocolate candy categories continue to grow greater than the historical average despite macroeconomic challenges," said John Bilbrey, Hershey's chief executive.
The maker of Reese's peanut butter cups, Twizzlers and Kit Kat bars stood by its full-year profit growth goal, but raised its sales target. It now expects 2011 sales to increase about 7 percent, instead of 6 percent.
"Halloween got off to a solid start and we now anticipate higher seasonal sales for the full year," Bilbrey added.
Yes, candy is alive and well.
