Sweet Home Chicago: Where the World’s Favorite Candy Is Made

This Halloween, World Business Chicago is encouraging everyone to buy local and savor Chicago-made sweets. We were recently featured on CBS 2 Chicago, talking about why Chicagois the sweetest city in America.

And, to help you plan your trick-or-treating outing, Block Club Chicago has you covered with the official times for neighborhoods across the city — check them out here.

The Nation’s Candy Manufacturing Leader, and Growing

Ranked#1 in the nation, the Chicago region’s sugar and confectionery manufacturing industry has grown in recent years, with output increasing by $500 million between 2019 and 2024. Furthermore, Moody’s Analytics projects the industry will grow an additional 10.2% by 2027.

Similar to industry output, employment grew 17.8% to 7,853 between 2022 to 2024. The region’s industry is composed mostly of non-chocolate confectionary manufacturers.

The industry is dominated by production roles, which account for the majority of job opportunities in recent years. From January 2023 through September 2025, the most in-demand job titles based on unique postings are:

• Operators
• Machine operators
• Assembly technicians
• Maintenance technicians
• Production supervisors

This pattern highlights the industry’s strong need for skilled production and technical talent to support continued output and operational efficiency.

Powered by Diversity: Immigrants at the Heart of Chicagoland’s Confectionery Workforce

Chicagoland’s sugar and confectionery manufacturing industry has always depended on its immigrant workforce, from pioneering founders to diverse teams who power production lines and warehouses. Immigrants have shaped the region’s reputation as America’s candy capital, especially through their vital roles in hands-on manufacturing and logistics. We see this in the fact that the top five zip codes for sugar and confectionery products manufacturing have anywhere from 7% to 32% of their resident populations foreign-born.

The industry is also diverse. As of 2025, the largest share of industry workers are of Hispanic or Latino descent (37.2%), closely followed by White (36.9%) and Black or African American employees (20.8%), with other groups (5.1%). This rich mix of backgrounds continues to fuel Chicagoland’s leadership amongst other major metro areas.

Chicagoland’s got a sweet-tooth!

The Research Center at World Business Chicago often looks at consumer psychographic metrics that reveal how people think, what they value, and their purchasing and consumption habits—including their food choices.

In 2025, Chicagoland residents show varying attitudes toward sweets

• 1.26 million Chicagoland residents say they don’t often eat sweets.
• 2 million+ report they somewhat enjoy sweets regularly.
• 1.37 million wholeheartedly agree they frequently eat sweets — proof that Chicagoans have a serious sweet tooth!
• Altogether, Chicagoland consumers are expected to spend $1.1 billion on candy in 2025 alone.

Sweet Home Chicago: A Century of Candy Innovation and Iconic Brands

What began as small operations started by immigrant entrepreneurs blossomed into an industry that shaped local and global tastes by the mid-20th century. Today, Chicago’s world-renowned candy companies, mentioned below, continue to define innovation and excellence in sweets.

• Ferrero – Producing beloved brands such as Butterfinger and Crunch in Illinois
• Mars – Home to favorites like Starbus, Skittles, and Juicy Fruit gum.
• Ferrara Candy Company – Makers of Lemonheads, Nerds, and Atomic Fireballs
• Tootsie Roll Industries – Creators of Halloween staples like Tootsie Rolls and Tootsie Pops.
• Modelēz International – Behind classics like Oreo, Swedish Fish, and Sour Patch Kids.
• Blommer Chocolate Company – Supplying cocoa for many iconic candy creations.
• Garrett Popcorn Shops – Known for its famous Chicago Mix popcorn.

This enduring legacy not only strengthens Chicago’s economic fabric but also ensures its status as a premier destination for candy excellence well into the future.

So, this Halloween and beyond, choose Chicago-made treats and celebrate the people who keep our region’s sweetest legacy alive. Because when you buy local, you’re not just satisfying your sweet tooth — you’re investing in Chicago’s future.

When you head to the store for that last-minute Halloween candy run, choose local. Every purchase supports our neighbors, our locally based and headquartered companies, and the communities that make Chicagoland the sweetest place in America.