Christmas candy and chocolate Easter bunnies aren’t just for classroom parties and hors d’oeuvres any more.

 

As more consumers reach for single-serving seasonal treats, the big players in the chocolate world are adjusting their offerings and finding new sales avenues in convenience stores. For proof, look no further than Mars and Hershey’s booths at the NACS Show, held Oct. 1-4 in Chicago.

 

Specifically, Mars expanded its 2012 seasonal line-up for the retail channel, citing data showing that the seasonal chocolate immediate consumption segment has grown 26% year-to-date in sales.

 

Recognizing this trend, Mars plans to introduce a variety of treats ideal for the c-store consumer that will include re-launching its singles shapes portfolio, including Snickers Eggs, Snickers Peanut Butter Eggs and Milky Way Simply Caramel Bunnies, all of which are 1.1 ounces.

 

Meanwhile, Hershey pushed its seasonal line at the show with a full-size Easter Bunny, dressed in a Reese’s T-Shirt and handing out Easter-themed Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.

 

The company claims to be the leader in Easter candy sales, with its Reese & Cadbury Eggs bringing more dollars to the category than the next 100 ranked Easter items.

 

It’s a statistic Hershey no doubt hopes will help the company convince more convenience stores to carry their seasonal candies.