Trick-or-treating is still months away, but the Hershey Company said in a call with analysts last week that it’s already expecting a shortfall when it comes to seasonal candy this Halloween.
Hershey says pandemic-induced supply-chain disruptions and the war in Ukraine have crunched supplies of cocoa, edible oil, and other ingredients.
Hershey says those issues, and trying to meet demand during non-holiday periods, will likely lead to a scarcity of seasonal candy for the spooky season, potentially extending through December. A spokesperson for Hershey’s said that consumers should not expect empty shelves, however, and everyday Hershey’s treats will be widely available, even if the specialty, holiday items are out of stock.