There's a candy bar war going on between Hershey and Snickers.
The fight is over prices: Snickers, the No. 1-selling candy bar in the country, went to 30 cents last month, up a nickel, while Hershey says it is "holding the line on candy bar prices."
Trouble is, some retailers decided to raise prices for all of their candies -- including those of the two other big candy manufacturers, Hershey Foods Corp. and Nabisco Brands, makers of Baby Ruth and Butterfinger.
Candy bar prices and sizes have typically moved in concert, sometimes rising in price together and other times shrinking in size together. One reason was that the companies generally buy the same raw materials -- sugar, milk and chocolate -- and thus encounter the same price increases at the same time.
But M&M/Mars Co., the company that makes Snickers, Mars, Milky Way, Three Musketeers, M&M Plain and M&M Peanut, broke with tradition last year. First, the firm announced that it was increasing the size of its bars without raising the price. That was in November 1980 when Snickers went from 1.69 ounces to 1.8 ounces. The suggested retail price of 25 cents that had been in effect since 1978 remained there.
Then, in September, M&M/Mars raised prices without increasing sizes. The 25-cent suggested price jumped to 30 cents.
Hershey was so upset by all this that it launched an advertising campaign to tell consumers that it wasn't responsible for the higher prices that some stores now charge. "We want you to know that Hershey is not raising the price of any of its candy bars," said the ad that appeared in 70 publications around the country in recent days.
Nabisco Brands, meantime, is watching the fray.
"We are aware of the situation and we are evaluating it," was the terse comment from Nabisco's Caroline Fee. She said Nabisco doesn't have any plans to raise its candy bar prices either.
The machinations on the candy bar front come just as companies prepare for the heavy sales that normally accompany Halloween.
Jos Stalenhoef, marketing director for M&M/Mars, said the September price increase was necessary to offset higher costs of operating and of ingredients. He said the bigger bars introduced last year by the company had led to increased sales and operating efficiencies and that those gains "allowed us to hold off on a price increase until now."
Stalenhoef said today's higher candy bar production costs -- from sugar costs to salaries for the salesmen pushing the candy -- made it necessary to either raise prices or reduce the size. The company raised prices. "We want to put an end to the shrinking candy bar," officials said.
And shrink it has.
In 1930, when the Snickers candy bar was introduced, it weighed 2.5 ounces and cost a nickel. The price didn't change for nearly 40 years, but by the time it did, Snickers was down to a skinny 1.16 ounces -- less than half its original weight.
Then, in 1969, there was a new standard Snickers bar. It weighed a hefty 2.3 ounces, nearly twice as much as the old one. The price was twice as much, too -- 10 cents.
More price increases followed, as Snickers climbed to 15 cents in 1973, 20 cents in 1976 and 25 cents in 1978. Other candy companies made price and weight adjustments in their bars at essentially the same points in recent years. But not this time.
"Our costs haven't gone up enough to justify a price increase at this time," said Susan Graham, a Hershey representative. The plain Hershey Bar has had the same 1.05 ounce weight since April 1980, she said. The suggested retail price for the bar has been 25 cents since 1978.
But Hershey Bar, which was introduced in 1898, also has had its ups and downs. It dropped from one ounce in 1921 to three-fourths of an ounce in 1968. The size doubled in 1969 to 1.5 ounces but now is back down.
"Rather than change their prices continuously, manufacturers adjust the weight," Graham said. She said the industry traditionally hadn't announced weight increases or decreases in candy bars. Until last year, that is, when M&M/Mars upset the candy cart with its new marketing strategy.
Stores selling candy bars can charge any price they want, although they typically have stuck to the retail price suggested by the candy makers. Now that practice is changing, too.
Safeway, the area's second largest supermarket chain, now charges 30 cents for a candy bar, whether it is Hershey, Butterfinger, Snickers, or others.
"We try to keep a uniform price for single candy bars, which aren't marked with a price, because it prevents confusion for the cashier and for the customers," said Safeway representative Ernest Moore.
Giant Foods Inc., the No. 1 chain here, still observes the suggested retail price for candy, however. At Giant, which has equipped all of its stores with electronic scanners to ring up prices automatically, the Snickers cost 30 cents. But the Hershey Bar and the Baby Ruth are 25 cents each.
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Now, the Blue Falcons must battle the third sibling—Camilla, who has brought the Dreams and Screams International Carnival to their town of Colson, California. Rumors are spreading about the new carnival. Those who visit feel compelled to return. Some who enter the labyrinthine Funhouse disappear for days.
Is the Candy Shop War a series? ›
What reading level is Candy Shop War? ›
Product information
| Publisher | Aladdin; Reprint edition (June 10, 2014) |
|---|
| ISBN-13 | 978-1481411196 |
| Reading age | 9 - 11 years, from customers |
| Lexile measure | 750L |
| Grade level | 3 - 7 |
9 more rowsNow, the Blue Falcons must battle the third sibling—Camilla, who has brought the Dreams and Screams International Carnival to their town of Colson, California. Rumors are spreading about the new carnival. Those who visit feel compelled to return. Some who enter the labyrinthine Funhouse disappear for days.
Is there going to be a candy shop war 3? ›
This is the third installment of his candy shop war series.
When was The Candy Shop War 2 released? ›
Arcade Catastrophe is a children's fantasy novel written by American author Brandon Mull. It was published by Shadow Mountain Publishing on January 1, 2012. It is the sequel to the 2007 novel The Candy Shop War.
What age group is Fablehaven for? ›
Ages 8-13.
What grade is level H books? ›
These Level H books, appropriate for readers in grades 1-2, are ideal for both guided and independent reading.
When did the candy shop war come out? ›
The Candy Shop War is a children's fantasy novel written by American author Brandon Mull. It was published by Shadow Mountain Publishing on September 11, 2007.
What grade level is The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins? ›
The Hunger Games is a trilogy by Suzanne Collins about a 16-year-old girl named Katniss who lives in a futuristic dystopia. Katniss volunteers to take her sister's place in an annual battle in which 24 teens fight to the death on live television. The book is rated by Scholastic as grade 5.3 and for ages 11-13.
Oldest Candy Store in US - Shane Confectionery
- United States.
- Pennsylvania (PA)
- Philadelphia.
- Philadelphia - Things to Do.
- Shane Confectionery.
Largest Candy Store in America!
Sweeties carries classic candy, retro candy, bulk candy, wholesale candy, and much more! We are also one of Cleveland, Ohio's not-to-be-missed attractions!
What candy was used in war? ›
The original milk chocolate M&M's, the brainchild of Forrest Mars, were created in 1941 exclusively for U.S. service members deployed overseas during World War II. Chocolate bars were already part of military rations, but the M&M's candy shell made them a standout.
Who made the beat to Candy Shop? ›
In an interview with XXL magazine, rapper Fat Joe claimed that he helped produce the track while working with producer Scott Storch. "Candy Shop" is a mid-tempo dance-floor track. The song was produced by Scott Storch, who took influence from Middle Eastern music.
What happens in the Candy Shop War Arcade Catastrophe? ›
"Arcade Catastrophe" added a new twist which also teaches the value of virtue. In the end of the "Candy Shop Wars", Belinda White, the wicked candy making witch, has her mind wiped and also becomes a young woman. In the second book, she is a good person who becomes part of the group of virtuous young adults.
Who is the candy shop war by? ›
Brandon Mull is the author of the New York Times, USA TODAY, and Wall Street Journal bestselling Beyonders and Fablehaven series, as well as the bestselling Five Kingdoms, Candy Shop Wars, and Dragonwatch series. He resides in Utah, in a happy little valley near the mouth of a canyon.
Is Fablehaven a movie? ›
In 2012, Clark Schaffer, owner of Schaffer Studios, bought the rights to the upcoming film series. Author Brandon Mull teamed up with them along with distributor Warner Bros.
What candy was invented in ww2? ›
On March 3, 1941, Forrest Mars received a patent for the most popular and long-lasting WWII invention: sugar coating milk chocolate to make a candy. He got the idea from a confection named 'Smarties,' which Forrest saw soldiers in England eating.
What candy was made during ww2? ›
During World War II the bulk of Hershey's chocolate was exclusively produced for the U.S. military and distributed to troops around the world. Hershey's created the Tropical Bar in 1943 to be distributed to troops in the Pacific Theater. It weighed 4 ounces and was crafted to withstand extreme heat.
Does Fablehaven have romance? ›
Yes, they do have a little romance, just a little. And yes, they are funny, at some points of the book.
So Dragonwatch is the sequel/spin-off series to Fablehaven, which is a series that is all about two kids who find out that their grandparents' house is actually on a magical preserve and grandparents interact with magical creatures every day.
How old is Kendra in Fablehaven book 1? ›
In FABLEHAVEN, 13-year-old Kendra and 11-year-old Seth discover that their grandfather is the caretaker of a sanctuary full of mythical creatures. Ancient laws keep the peace and preserve this gated woods, called Fablehaven, as one of the last strongholds of true magic in the world.
What is level k books? ›
Typically children reading books that are labeled level K are reading many illustrated chapter books. Texts, at this level, contain characters that change very little even though the texts are more complex. Children are able to read silently when independently reading.
What does level F books mean? ›
LEVEL F BOOKS usually have themes and ideas typical to the experiences of children. The characters will be more developed and the sentences in the story will be longer (more than ten words). The words may have one or two, or even three, syllables. The illustrations continue to be very supportive of the text.
How many series does Brandon Mull have? ›
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Why was Gale's name in 42 times? ›
All Gale wants is to keep his family and those close to him safe. By the time he was 18 (the same year "The Hunger Games" takes place), he had put his name into the Reaping 42 times in order to gain extra food for his family and reduce the chance of his three younger siblings being chosen as a District 12 tribute.
Why was Katniss rated 11? ›
Katniss Everdeen - 11, for her skill with a bow and arrow and her fierce temper. (Highest training score in the 74th Hunger Games).
Is Hunger Games inappropriate? ›
The Hunger Games is rated PG-13 by the MPAA intense violent thematic material and disturbing images -- all involving teens. Violence: The premise of this film revolves around a competition where two-dozen adolescents are forced to fight to the death until only one survives.
What is the most sold candy in USA? ›
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are the No. 1 selling candy brand in the United States, consisting of white fudge, milk, or dark chocolate cups filled with peanut butter. They were invented by H.B. Reese after he founded the H. B. Reese Candy Company in 1923.
What is the oldest American brand of candy bar still in production? ›
Hershey Bar (1900)
Milton S. Hershey actually got his start producing candies and caramels before deciding to focus on chocolate in 1894 and making his first bar in 1900.
After they donated a barrel of sugar, Burkinshaw said she began making her Gibraltars — believed to be the first candy commercially sold in the country. In 1830, confectioner George Pepper bought the business.
What is the most unpopular candy in the US? ›
America's least favorite Halloween candy
- Candy corn.
- Hot Tamales.
- Dots.
- Caramel apple suckers.
- Mike and Ike.
Hershey, Pennsylvania
It's just about impossible to talk about candy in the US without talking about Hershey — especially when talking about chocolate.
Why do soldiers eat candy? ›
Chocolate rations served two purposes: as a morale boost, and as a high-energy, pocket-sized emergency ration. Military chocolate rations are often made in special lots to military specifications for weight, size, and endurance.
What were M&Ms used for in war? ›
M&M's was created in 1941 in Newark, New Jersey during World War II. The sugar-coated shells made the product ideal as a non-melt ration for American soldiers deployed overseas.
What candy saved soldiers? ›
Soon, pallets of Tootsie Roll candies parachuted from the sky to the First Marine Division! While they were not ammunition, this candy from the sky provided well needed nourishment for the troops. They also learned they could use warmed Tootsie Rolls to plug bullet holes, sealing them as they refroze.
Why is 50 Cent called that? ›
His name was inspired by 1980s Brooklyn robber, Kevin Martin, who was also known as 50 Cent. He said he chose the name because “it says everything I want it to say. I'm the same kind of person 50 Cent was. I provide for myself by any means.”
Who leads Candy Girl? ›
Ralph Tresvant was positioned as the lead singer, because Starr considered his high tenor as reminiscent of a younger Michael Jackson, while having members Ricky Bell and Bobby Brown sharing alternate leads. The 12" version features producers Starr and Michael Jonzun doing some additional instrumentation in the outro.
Who created Candy Girl? ›
"Candy Girl" is the title of a hit single recorded in 1963 by the Four Seasons. Written by Larry Santos, it is the first original Four Seasons single composed by neither Bob Gaudio nor Bob Crewe. The writer, Larry Santos, would become a chart artist in his own right with 1976's "We Can't Hide It Anymore".
What level is Candy Shop War? ›
The Candy Shop War
| Interest Level | Reading Level | Word Count |
|---|
| Grades 4 - 8 | Grades 3 - 5 | 96054 |
Candy is based on the 2018 true-crime book, Evidence of Love, which investigates the real-life case of Candy Montgomery, a housewife who was accused of murdering her close friend, Betty Gore, in Wylie, Texas, on June 13, 1980, after having an extramarital affair with Betty's husband, Allan Gore.
Who is the real candy based on? ›
Candy, starring Melanie Lynskey and Jessica Biel, explores the gruesome 1980 murder of Betty Gore.
How many children does Brandon Mull have? ›
After spending his childhood in California and Connecticut, Brandon now lives in Utah with his wife, four children, and the family dog.
Is Brandon Sanderson Religion? ›
He's also very Mormon. These things are profoundly related. Most years, Brandon Sanderson makes about $10 million. Last year, he made $55 million.
What is Brandon Mull's next book? ›
Brandon Mull's new book is coming out on March 14! The long-awaited finale of Brandon Mull's best-selling series will arrive in book stores on March 14, 2023! We talked with Brandon about his new book The Candy Shop War: Carnival Quest.
Is Dragonwatch connected to Fablehaven? ›
So Dragonwatch is the sequel/spin-off series to Fablehaven, which is a series that is all about two kids who find out that their grandparents' house is actually on a magical preserve and grandparents interact with magical creatures every day.
What is the spin off of the Fablehaven series? ›
"Dragonwatch is the first follow-up volume to Brandon Mull's best-selling Fablehaven series. Siblings Kendra and Seth Sorenson live with their grandparents on a farm in Connecticut, but theirs is no ordinary pastoral life.
What year was candy based on? ›
Premise. In Wylie, Texas, in 1980 suburban housewife Candy Montgomery is accused of murdering her neighbor Betty Gore, after having an affair with Gore's husband Allan.
