Residence shot in Gray; No injuries reported
December 22, 2021
The Foundation for Terrebonne General Health System Receives Generous Donations from Partners to Help Employee Relief Fund
December 22, 2021
The Grinch is attempting to steal more than Christmas this year as the U.S adds Candy Canes to its list of national shortages. For years, candy canes have been seen as a symbol and tradition during the Christmas season. The festive Christmas candy can be used as stocking stuffers, tree decorations, and is the perfect complement to a cup of rich hot chocolate.
Unfortunately, the holiday candy is the latest victim to be added to the list of items that are harder to come by along with Christmas trees and Santa Claus Imitations. As the nation approaches the 2-year mark of the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans continue to face national shortages.
According to the Department of Agriculture, peppermint production has declined nearly 25% over the past decade. Candy stores said even though there is not an abundance this year, the candy canes in stock are flying off the shelves.
The shortage can be attributed to several factors, including sugar shortages, weak peppermint harvest, suppliers are experiencing sugar shortages, leading to limited sales to manufacturers. In addition, domestic crops were reportedly destroyed when Hurricane Ida hit Louisiana, and Brazil’s sugar crop was hit hard by drought. The scarcity of the item can also be attributed to a global shortage of ingredients caused by the pandemic, cutting candy production. Many stores across the U.S are only receiving half of their candy cane order for the holidays.
The red and white striped peppermint flavored candy has been around since the 17th century, with over 1.76 billion candy canes made yearly. Nearly 90% are sold between the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.
