The history of candy canes and how the holiday treat turned into a billion-dollar industry

During the Christmas season, the candy cane industry sees an enormous spike in sales. 

In 2023, confectionery sales during the holiday season reached close to $7 billion, Carly Schildhaus, director of public affairs and communications at the National Confectioners Association (NCA), told FOX Business in an email, with this number expected to rise up to 3% in 2024. 

It comes as no surprise that most candy cane sales happen between the months of November and December, with the most popular selling time the second week of December...