Floydada Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual Trunk-or-Treat around the Floyd County Courthouse Square on Halloween Night. (Ryan Crowe/Floyd County Record)
NASHVILLE, TN – Pumpkins, candy, and décor are climbing in cost this October, and despite income gains, purchasing power remains flat for many. According to an InvestorsObserver report analyzing 2000–2025 data, wholesale pumpkin prices increased 67% since 2015, the candy and chewing gum CPI rose 45%, and overall CPI climbed 36% — while U.S. per-capita income grew 56% over the decade. Retail forecasts show Halloween spending near record levels — around $13.1 billion for 2025 — pointing to resilient demand amid cost pressures.
Supply-chain pressures, including higher freight rates, labor shortages, and packaging costs, have driven price gains. USDA data reinforce volatility in pumpkin prices linked to weather and acreage trends, and the BLS candy index remains elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels. Consumer sentiment surveys suggest many households are shifting toward value-oriented purchases, opting for store brands, smaller pack sizes, or pre-season deals to stretch budgets.
Farm-Level Takeaway: With core input inflation still hovering high, growers and retailers should plan pricing and promotions with tighter margins in mind — target early sales, leverage bundle deals, and secure logistics ahead of peak Halloween demand.
