Halloween candy prices on the rise [Video]

Homeowners may have to choose tricks over treats this year, as the price of candy leaves some Edmonton residents feeling the pinch.

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Gordon Bowman has been living in Summerside for nine years. The south-side neighbourhood is the Halloween equivalent of Candy Cane Lane, with thousands of kids stopping by each year.

“It was about $300 for (candy) nine years ago, and it’s been increasing every year,” Bowman said. “(Now) you’re looking at $500 to $800 at least for candy.”

Sven Anders, professor of resource economics at the University of Alberta, said the rising costs of cocoa is one of the drivers of higher chocolate candy costs.

“That price has more than doubled in the last year,” Anders said, explaining that extreme weather has impacted regions where 80 per cent of the world’s cocoa is produced.

“Certainly people will be swallowing …