The US confectionery industry has fared well in recent years, both during the height of the recession and its aftermath — underscoring the importance of a small indulgence in good and bad economic times.###Among more than 300 product categories across the store, confectionery is growing faster than 184 other categories, with 92 of those actually showing declines, according to the National Confectioners Association.###Over the 52 weeks through November 1, 2015, confectionery is keeping in lockstep with the total store growthzinc oxide and zinc gluconate of 3.2%, with a dollar sales growth of 3% for combined chocolate and non-chocolate.###Some of the sales trends that drove the market growth in 2015 were as below.###For several years, chewy candy has led the grsolaray calcium citrate chewable 1000mgowth in non-chocolate with high single digit and even double digit growth.###These gains are driven by significant levels of product innovation in terms of new and bold flavors (particularly in sour), fun shapes and packaging.###Chewy candy is not only a growth leader, but also the largest sub-segment within non-chocolate.###In the past year, mints have seen consistent dollar growth of about 4-5%, perhaps directly tied to US’ intrigue with spicy and flavorful foods.###The premium segment has been on fire with double digit growth for several years now, and 11% for the most rece100 magnesium citratent 12 months.###This includes higher-end chocolate with organic claims, chocolate with very high cocoa percentages, but also products from countries such as Germany or Belgium.###There is also a rise in the share of premium that focuses on genetically modified organism-free and fair trade, even though this very much remains a niche segment to date.###Tied to the premium trend is a sub trend of creating and infusing fun and daring flavor combinations — particularly enjoyed by the Millennials.###These are things like hot red peppers, bacon, lavender and ginger that give a new twist to an old favorite.###According to the association’s survey among 1,400 shoppers, 41% purchase chocolate with fruits and nuts when looking for better-for-you alternatives.###Actual dollar sales back up these claims with chocolate infused with hazelnuts up 9%, almonds up 4% and dried fruits (a much smaller segment) up 56%.###Resealable packages have been popular with a compound annual growth rate of mmagnesium citrate goodore than 10% across the globe.###They allow people to enjoy a little treat and easily share with others.###They also address the on-the-go convenience that is a rising requirement among shoppers.###The retail value sales of shareable bags/boxes grew by more than US$1.0 billion over 2009-2014, and is expected to continue to grow at a similar rate over 2014-2019.###According to the same survey, 70% of shoppers will at least occasionally switch to dark chocolate as an alternative to milk chocolate.###Actual sales figures saw dark chocolate sales grow by more than 9%.###But even within dark chocolate, the market is slowly shifting from dark to darker: 57% of shoppers said they will shift up to a higher cocoa percentage when looking for healthier-for-you alternativecalcium citrate prices.