SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — Americans will spend $2.1 billion in candy to satisfy their collective sweet tooth this Halloween season, according to Nielsen Co. projections. Candy sales are expected to rise nearly 63% compared to the previous 10-week period. The holiday generates the greatest sales volume of candy for the entire year. Miniature candy generated 39% of its annual dollar sales during the 2006 Halloween season, compared to the total candy category, which generated 22% of its sales during the season. “There’s no doubt about it — when doorbells ring on Oct. 31, consumers respond with candy, and lots of it,” said Todd Hale, senior vice president of Consumer & Shopping Insights for Nielsen Consumer Panel Services, in a statement. “The quantities are big, but the sizes are small. Our review of the Halloween season shows that the overwhelming majority of consumers choose to give miniature candy to trick-or-treaters.”

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