Asking Bridget™ About Halloween Stocks – A Trick or Treat for Investors?

Halloween is just around the corner, and that means a mad rush for last minute costumes, stocking up on candy, and putting finishing touches on decorations to get that spooky look just right.

And while it may seem like a holiday that’s just about frightful fun and a sugar rush, it’s also big business for a large swath of companies ranging from confectionaries to retail outlets and costume manufacturers.

So we wanted, ahead of the holiday, to get a sense of which Halloween stocks will be treated to some sweet rewards, and which might be haunted by ghoulish results. For that, we turned to our very own investment expert, Bridget™, our AI chat for investment insights.

We asked Bridget to look into an investment crystal ball and spell out the fortunes of Halloween stocks.

Note: Responses from Bridget below have been edited for length. Also see our important disclaimer about these insights at the end of this post.

Asking Bridget About Halloween Stocks

We wanted to get started by understanding the business landscape heading into this year’s Halloween holiday.

Question:

What stocks will be impacted by the Halloween holiday?

Bridget:

The Halloween holiday tends to impact several stocks, especially in the retail sector, which sees a surge from seasonal shopping. Candy retailers, costume sellers, and movie companies like Netflix often experience short-term trends around Halloween. Specific stocks that benefit include Ulta Beauty, which has historically delivered an average return of nearly 13% between November 1 and December 6, Costco due to bulk purchases of candy and decorations, Hasbro from increased sales of costume-related toys and merchandise, and Perfect Corp., which sees higher engagement in its beauty and fashion tech apps as users opt for virtual costumes and AR-powered transformations.

Question:

What is the outlook for candy and confectionery companies before the Halloween holiday?

Bridget:

Candy and confectionery companies are feeling the effects of several key factors as Halloween approaches. Consumers are more value-sensitive than ever, with 83% planning to spend less than 100 USD on Halloween items and 69% budgeting under 20 USD for candy. Early shopping is on the rise, especially among Gen Z and Millennials, and families with children remain the core market. There’s also growing demand for healthier options—think reduced sugar, organic ingredients, and plant-based treats—as well as sustainable packaging.

Chocolate continues to dominate, but gummies and fruity candies are gaining traction, particularly with younger buyers seeking bold flavors. Themed, novelty, and limited-run candies are driving excitement, with roughly half of buyers going for Halloween-themed treats. Economic pressures like tariffs and inflation are pushing prices up and making shoppers hunt for deals and promotions.

Retailers are launching Halloween promotions earlier, and e-commerce is playing a bigger role in candy sales, boosted by social media campaigns and influencer marketing. Limited-time flavors and unique packaging are helping brands stand out and capture attention in a crowded market.

Question:

Tell me more about the consumer behaviors driving these Halloween candy trends.

Bridget:

A few clear consumer behaviors are steering Halloween candy trends this year:

• Early Shopping: People, especially Gen Z and Millennials, are planning and buying Halloween candy well before October hits. This shift means retailers start promotions earlier, and brands get more time to influence choices.
• Value Sensitivity: Budgeting is front and center—83% of shoppers plan to spend less than 100 USD on all Halloween items, and 69% are allocating under 20 USD for candy. Shoppers are actively seeking deals, promotions, and “buy one, get one” offers to stretch their dollars.
• Health and Sustainability Focus: There’s a noticeable uptick in demand for healthier candy options, like those with reduced sugar, organic ingredients, or plant-based formulas. Eco-friendly packaging and ethically sourced ingredients are also becoming must-haves for many buyers.
• Preference for Novelty and Themed Products: About half of Halloween candy buyers are hunting for themed treats, unique packaging, and interactive experiences. Limited-run flavors and mystery candies are especially popular, as consumers crave novelty and fun.
• Social Media and E-commerce Engagement: Younger shoppers are using social media to discover, compare, and share candy finds. E-commerce is gaining ground, offering convenience and a wider selection, while video content and influencer campaigns help brands connect directly with consumers.
• Chocolate Dominance with a Twist: Chocolate remains king, but gummies and fruity candies are quickly gaining ground—especially among younger generations who want bold flavors and new experiences.

These behaviors are pushing brands to innovate, offer more value, and stay agile with marketing to capture attention in a competitive, fast-moving holiday market.

Question:

What companies are making healthier candy options?

Bridget:

Based on BridgeWise analysis the following companies in Food Products industry are suggested as leaders in healthier candy options:

• SunOpta Inc. [NasdaqGS:STKL] is a standout in plant-based and fruit-forward treats, offering oatbase, fruit purées, and nut-based snacks that cater to the health-conscious crowd. Its strong cash flow and top-tier ROE highlight operational strength, while eight straight quarters of income growth point to stability and future potential.
• General Mills, Inc. [NYSE:GIS] brings healthier alternatives through its snack bars, fruit snacks, and yogurt-based products—often marketed under brands like Annie’s and Nature Valley. With a very strong balance sheet and solid net cash changes, General Mills is well-positioned to meet rising demand for nutritious and organic options.
• Bunge Global SA [NYSE:BG] supports the industry with refined specialty oils and non-GMO ingredients, which are essential for lower-fat, plant-based, and allergen-friendly confectionery. Its very strong balance sheet and strong net cash position provide the flexibility needed for innovation in healthier candy formulations.
• Seaboard Corporation [NYSEAM:SEB] supplies sugar and specialty ingredients, including those used by organic and specialty candy makers. With a top 10% sector ranking, very strong balance sheet, and robust cash flow, Seaboard enables the production of cleaner-label treats.

Question:

How do candy companies perform after Halloween?

Bridget:

After Halloween, candy companies typically experience a drop in sales compared to the pre-holiday spike. The context shows that Halloween 2025 is expected to hit record confectionery sales of 3.9 billion USD, driven by high consumer engagement and early shopping, but this demand is concentrated in the weeks leading up to the holiday. Once Halloween passes, the surge in candy purchases tapers off as consumers shift focus away from themed treats and seasonal promotions end.

Pricing remains a concern in the post-Halloween period, especially with cocoa prices rising to 5.88 USD per kilogram and 79% of shoppers expecting higher prices due to tariffs. Brands may continue to innovate with packaging and flavors to maintain interest, but overall, the seasonal boost fades and sales revert to more typical levels until the next major holiday.

To find out how Bridget can guide your investors to avoid spooky results, sign-up for a demo today.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this analysis is intended for general guidance purposes only. Under no circumstances is the information adjusted to a specific factor or variable related to the identity of the reader. The information is not a substitute for specific advice that takes into consideration the specific data and special needs of each reader, and in any case, it is recommended to consult with professionals and tax advisors in these contexts.