Ponchatoula's Elmer Candy Sees Strong Easter Chocolate Demand Despite Rising Cocoa Prices

The regional candy maker expects sales to remain brisk despite a 67% increase in Easter candy prices since 2020.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:20pm

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A high-end studio still life photograph featuring a pile of gold-wrapped chocolate Easter eggs and a single dark chocolate bar on a clean, monochromatic background, symbolizing the enduring regional appeal of Elmer Candy's traditional Easter confections.Elmer Candy's signature Easter treats continue to delight customers in the Gulf South despite rising cocoa costs.Ponchatoula Today

Despite higher cocoa prices that have tripled the cost to make chocolate candy in the last couple of years, Ponchatoula-based Elmer Candy has seen brisk sales for their Easter candy offerings like the Gold Brick Egg and Heavenly Hash. Elmer Candy CEO Rob Nelson says sales were up in dollars, though down slightly in units due to the price increases. The company plans to introduce new flavors for its popular regional products next year.

Why it matters

Elmer Candy is a beloved regional brand that has maintained strong demand for its Easter confections even as the cost of cocoa, a key ingredient, has skyrocketed. This speaks to the loyalty of the brand's customer base in the Gulf South and the company's ability to navigate supply chain challenges.

The details

Elmer Candy CEO Rob Nelson said the company has seen cocoa prices triple in just the last couple of years, leading to a 67% increase in Easter candy prices since 2020. However, Nelson said Elmer's sales were up in dollars, though down slightly in units, and that retail demand for their signature Gold Brick Egg and Heavenly Hash products remains very strong.

  • Elmer Candy has seen cocoa prices triple in the last couple of years.
  • Easter candy prices have increased 67% since 2020.

The players

Elmer Candy

A regional candy maker based in Ponchatoula, Louisiana that is known for its Easter confections like the Gold Brick Egg and Heavenly Hash.

Rob Nelson

The CEO of Elmer Candy.

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What they’re saying

“In the last couple of years, with the cocoa market and where it's been, it has been crazy. We've seen prices triple for us in just a couple of years.”

— Rob Nelson, CEO, Elmer Candy

“Sales were up in dollars, a little bit down in units just with the price of cocoa, which is what we thought, and then the shorter Easter season. But sales at retail seem to be very brisk.”

— Rob Nelson, CEO, Elmer Candy

“It's an unusual anomaly to have such a brand that is so big regionally. There's nothing else like it in the country.”

— Rob Nelson, CEO, Elmer Candy

What’s next

Elmer Candy plans to introduce new flavors for its popular Gold Brick Egg and Heavenly Hash products next year. The company is encouraging customers to provide suggestions for new flavors through its social media channels.

The takeaway

Elmer Candy's ability to maintain strong demand for its Easter confections despite skyrocketing cocoa prices underscores the loyalty of its regional customer base and the company's resilience in the face of supply chain challenges. The brand's unique regional popularity also highlights the importance of local, community-driven businesses.