US convenience store candy and gum sales have increased more than 7% over the latest 52-week period compared to 3.2 % for total candy and gum sales.


Consumers are increasingly choosing the convenience store, particularly for candy and gum, according to the National Confectioners Association.


Moreover, if current trends continue, convenience stores will surpass supermarkets as the leading gum and candy sellers before year’s end.


Chocolate candy sales in particular have been strong in 2006, with many new dark chocolate introductions. The largest increase came from sugarless gum sales, which saw new flavours introduced, with sales growing by more than 15%.