Profile America: Sugar Rush

Friday, June 3 — Among the assorted observances in June is one that will be welcomed by a great part of the U.S. population — especially youngsters. It’s National Candy Month, although Americans consume about 22 pounds of candy year round, much of it is chocolate. There are about 1,200 firms in the U.S. making chocolate and cocoa products worth $14.5 billion a year. Another 420 locations make nonchocolate confections selling for $8 billion. Together, there are more than 56,000 Americans employed in manufacturing sweets and treats. There are nearly 3,400 specialty shops across the nation selling nuts and candy confections. Nearly 7 million metric tons of sugar, sweeteners and candy are imported annually to satisfy America’s sweet tooth.

Profile America is in its 20th year as a public service of the U.S. Census Bureau.

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