Wednesday May 9, 2012

NCA Poll Determines ‘Happiness Quotient’

Chicago — Yesterday at Chicago’s Millennium Park, the NCA completed a two-day “random acts of happiness” campaign.

A street team including candy mascots surprised pedestrians with candy samples as part of a poll to determine the effect candy and snacks have on mood and “happiness quotient.”

The NCA says 600 consumers were engaged during the promotion. Before and after the interaction, participants were asked to rate their happiness on a scale of one to 10.

The average increase in happiness at the end of the interaction was 22 percent, and 100 percent of participants said their happiness increased after they received candy, the NCA says.

Additionally, consumers were asked why they choose to eat sweets and snacks, says Susan Whiteside, NCA vice-president of communications. The top two reasons were taste and because the sweets and snacks bring happiness.

The leading time of day for snacking is after dinner, according to the NCA.

The initiative was conducted by consumer marketing firm Zeno Group.