Valentine’s Day Spending to Reach $29.1 Billion, Driving Mondelez Chocolate Demand
Americans plan to spend a record $29.1 billion this Valentine’s Day, up from $27.5 billion in 2025, with average gift budgets reaching $199.78 per shopper. Candy remains the most popular gift category while jewelry commands $7 billion, signaling higher chocolate demand for companies like Mondelez.
1. Record Valentine’s Day Spending
Americans are expected to spend $29.1 billion this Valentine’s Day, surpassing last year’s $27.5 billion record, with average per-consumer budgets reaching $199.78 based on a survey of 7,791 shoppers.
2. Candy Leads Gift Popularity, Jewelry Tops Spending
Candy remains the most purchased gift, while jewelry commands $7 billion of total spending, followed by flowers, greeting cards, and experiences, reflecting consumers’ premium allocation to high-value items.
3. Implications for Mondelez
Heightened chocolate demand from record candy sales is poised to benefit Mondelez International’s Q1 revenue, with potential uplift in snack segment sales and margin contributions.