CHICAGO – The edibles category is expected to surpass $10 billion in annual sales by 2025, according to new data from Brightfield Group. Cannabis edibles consistently capture the third-largest amount of shelf space, thanks in large part to their popularity with a prized consumer demographic: the young, well-educated, and upwardly mobile. Edibles users are more likely than other groups to be women with children.
The Brightfield report “Sweets on Shelf: Cannabis Edibles Trends Report” also reveals gummies and candy compose the most popular subcategory with 41 percent of edibles real estate, followed by baked goods (33 percent), chocolate (28 percent), and beverages (19 percent). Most edibles (62 percent) come in 100mg packages, but shelf space allocation doesn’t necessarily reflect that, especially where candy is concerned. Brightfield found 37 percent of candy shelf space devoted to 90mg packs, 31 percent to 350mg packs, 19 percent to 150mg packs, and 12 percent to 20mg products.
Brightfield’s researchers found the majority of candy shelf space (68 percent) is devoted to products designed to assist relaxation, sleep, or stress relief.
Other takeaways included:
- Baked goods exhibit the least diversity in THC:CBD ratio. Nearly all products (93 percent) are 1:1 or 1:2.
- Chocolate is the runaway favorite in baked goods flavors with 24 percent of shelf space, followed by peanut butter (8 percent); honey (5 percent); and brownies, cinnamon, and marshmallow (4 percent each).
- 53 percent of shelf space devoted to chocolates is occupied by products for relaxation; romance products occupy only 14 percent of shelves.
