NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD NEWS) — Record Easter spending highlights strong consumer demand, even as rising costs of food and candy continue to shape purchasing decisions.
The National Retail Federation projects total Easter spending at $24.9 billion, with food leading at $7.5 billion and candy close behind at $3.5 billion. About 92 percent of consumers plan to buy candy, reinforcing its role alongside traditional meals centered on ham, eggs, and side dishes.
Price pressures remain uneven across categories. Egg prices are currently near $3.50 per dozen, well below last year’s spike above $6, but still elevated compared to more typical levels near $2 just a few years ago. Seasonal demand tied to Easter is also pushing prices modestly higher.
Candy costs have climbed sharply as well. Prices for popular products have risen by roughly 67 percent since 2020, meaning consumers are getting less product for the same amount spent, even as overall demand remains strong.
The combination of steady holiday demand and higher input and retail costs continues to ripple through livestock, grain, and food markets.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Strong Easter demand supports protein and crop markets.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Corn and soybean exports continue to anchor weekly inspection totals, with China maintaining a visible role, while wheat and sorghum remain more dependent on regional and seasonal demand shifts.
January 27, 2026 03:08 PM
·
Lewis Williamson of HTS Commodities joined us with an update on the historic winter storm impacts and his outlook on today’s ag markets.
January 27, 2026 02:39 PM
·
Marilyn Schlake with the UNL Department of Agricultural Economics joined us for a closer look at the evolving role of livestock sale barns.
January 27, 2026 12:19 PM
·
Rail continues to carry a larger share of the grain load, increasing sensitivity to rail capacity, labor, and pricing conditions.
January 27, 2026 11:55 AM
·
Meat stocks rose seasonally but remain below last year overall, while tighter butter inventories could support dairy prices, and belly stocks warrant close watch for pork markets.
January 26, 2026 03:00 PM
·
Year-round E15 remains on the table, but procedural caution and competing regional interests pushed action into a slower, negotiated path.
January 26, 2026 01:33 PM
·
