• AP , Tuesday, June 24, 2008 10:16 AM

The candy business is likely to fare better than other nonessentials in these economically trying times, even as prices for commodities such as sugar, milk and cocoa have risen. The bottom line is: As vices go, candy is still relatively cheap for most consumers.

Americans buy billions of dollars worth of the stuff each year -- with more than $29 billion in retail sales in 2007, according to the National Confectioners Association. That's about a 3% increase from the previous year.

Analysts at The Nielsen Co. go as far as calling the candy business "recession-proof," compared with other discretionary items, such as tobacco and soft drinks." People may not be able to flip for Starbucks or even to go to McDonald's. But they have the ability to pay a dollar for a treat," says Jim Tillotson, professor of food policy and international business at Tufts University's Fletcher School.

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