Washington, DC — Candy and gum sales at FDMx increased 2.6 percent during the year ended July 8, totaling $10 billion, says the NCA.

However, unit sales were down four percent during the 52-week period and sales were down 13.1 percent during the final quarter, which can be attributed to the residuals of the late 2011 Easter holiday, the NCA explains.

Chocolate dollar sales increased 3.8 percent, totaling $5.8 billion, while non-chocolate sales increased 3.3 percent, totaling $2.8 billion.

According to SymphonyIRI Group, Inc. data, the gum sector's sales were down 3.3 percent, totaling $1.3 billion.