NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — Pumpkins, candy, and Halloween décor are climbing in cost this October — and despite income gains, purchasing power remains flat for many.
According to an InvestorsObserver report analyzing 2000–2025 data, wholesale pumpkin prices increased by 67 percent since 2015, the candy and chewing gum CPI rose by 45 percent, and the overall Consumer Price Index (CPI) climbed by 36 percent, while U.S. per-capita income grew by 56 percent over the decade.
Retail forecasts show Halloween spending near record levels — around $13.1 billion for 2025 — pointing to resilient demand amid cost pressures. Supply-chain pressures, including higher freight rates, labor shortages, and packaging costs, have driven price gains.
Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reinforce volatility in pumpkin prices linked to weather and acreage trends, and the BLS candy index remains elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Consumer sentiment surveys suggest many households are shifting toward value-oriented purchases, opting for store brands, smaller pack sizes, or pre-season deals to stretch budgets.
Farm-Level Takeaway: With core input inflation still hovering high, growers and retailers should plan pricing and promotions with tighter margins in mind — target early sales, leverage bundle deals, and secure logistics ahead of peak Halloween demand.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Expert
President Donald Trump speaks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, addressing SNAP spending, tariff threats against Europe, market reactions, and the upcoming USMCA review.
January 21, 2026 11:50 AM
·
From meatpacking settlements to landmark NEPA rulings, Roger McEowen outlines the top legal developments in 2025 that will shape agriculture in the years ahead.
January 20, 2026 03:39 PM
·
Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.
January 20, 2026 02:47 PM
·
Rep. Erin Houchin of Indiana discusses how the Affordable Homes Act will benefit rural communities, and her broader efforts to improve access to affordable housing.
January 15, 2026 03:04 PM
·
House Agriculture Committee Democrats are calling for action on the Farm and Family Relief Act, warning that proposed SNAP cost shifts to states could reduce food assistance for low-income families amid ongoing tariffs and trade disruptions that continue to strain U.S. farmers.
January 15, 2026 12:30 PM
·
Food prices increased in December, but not as much as expected, according to the latest Consumer Price Index from the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics.
January 13, 2026 12:46 PM
·
Structural efficiency supports cattle prices and resilience — breaking it risks higher costs and greater volatility.
January 13, 2026 08:00 AM
·
Rising adoption of GLP-1 drugs may gradually reshape food demand, with potential downstream effects on protein markets and consumer purchasing patterns.
January 12, 2026 02:38 PM
·
Protein markets are fragmenting. Beef is supply-driven and more structurally expensive, whereas pork and poultry remain price-competitive.
January 10, 2026 07:00 AM
·
