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Halloween Celebrations are Back

Halloween chocolate and candy sales are up

Rosario Fajardo

rfajardo@wjournalpr.com @RosarioWJournal

‘Tis the season to be spooky and it seems that many people are ready to celebrate Halloween again, not just in Puerto Rico but the U.S. mainland as well. The 2021 Halloween season is full of excitement, as chocolate and candy sales are up and consumers are ready to maximize their fun during the Halloween season, according to the National Confectioners Association (NCA).

Retailers are going strong on their Halloween sets, with about 27 percent more seasonal items per store than in 2020, based on a nationwide survey of 1,500 adults conducted by the NCA. Consumers are planning to celebrate in a big way, including young parents – 93 percent of whom say they plan to celebrate Halloween this year. And sales of chocolate and candy are up 48 percent over 2020 and nearly 60 percent over 2019.

The survey also found that 80 percent of Americans plan to trick-or-treat this year, while 82 percent said they are confident they will find safe and creative ways to celebrate the Halloween season.

Many people do have a so-called sweet tooth. Most people in the U.S. enjoy chocolate and candy two to three times per week, averaging about 40 calories per day and just one teaspoon of added sugar per day – this includes seasonal celebrations like Halloween.

“Chocolate and candy sales have come roaring back during the 2021 Halloween season as excitement continues to grow and consumers tell us they’re ready to celebrate. About 82 percent of Americans say they plan to celebrate Halloween – including 93 percent of millennial parents,” said John Downs, NCA president and CEO. “And retailers are going strong on Halloween displays this year, with iconic orange and black sets coming back in a big way. Up from 80 percent in 2020, 87 percent of people say they will purchase the same amount – or more – of Halloween candy this year,” he added. “Which all makes sense, because what would the Halloween season be without chocolate and candy?”

However, LendingTree warned consumers not to overspend on Halloween this year, whether it’s for candy and party supplies, outdoor decorations and costumers. “Throughout the pandemic, we’ve heard of people going above and beyond when it comes to holidays and other events to make up for how crummy the last couple of years have been,” said Matt Schulz, LendingTree’s credit card expert. “Don’t let your big Halloween blowout turn into debt, though. One evening of fun isn’t worth it if it is followed by months of debt.”

A man dressed as the killer character Michael Myers (aka The Shape) from the “Halloween” films looks on during the premiere of the film “Halloween Kills,” Oct. 12, 2021, at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles. >AP/Chris Pizzello

In fact,

Consumers are planning to celebrate in a big way, including young parents – 93 percent of whom say they plan to celebrate Halloween this year. - National Confectioners Association

The Electric Wrangler 4XE Arrives in Puerto Rico

Part of Jeep’s global electricvehicle lineup

THE WEEKLY JOURNAL Staff

Many automaker companies are betting on the growing worldwide popularity of electric vehicles. Now, the Jeep brand has introduced its new Wrangler 4xe to Puerto Rico, marking the arrival of the most capable, technically advanced and ecofriendly. The Jeep Renegade 4xe and Compass 4xe models – introduced last year in Geneva – began arriving in Europe this summer. The new Jeep 4xe models follow the introduction of the Jeep Grand Commander PHEV in China last year.

The Jeep electric vehicle lineup will give consumers a quiet and efficient driving experience with an estimated 50 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) on the Wrangler 4xe, but just as fun. In the case of the charging port, it is easy to access and simple to use, located on the front left with LED lights that indicate the status of the charge level. In addition, it can be conveniently charged with a 120V charger that is included in the purchase of the unit, but 240V is also available.

The Wrangler 4xe’s plug-in hybrid powertrain is capable of up to 21 miles of nearly silent, zeroemission, electric-only propulsion, making it commuter friendly as an all-electric daily driver without range anxiety and the most capable and ecofriendly Jeep vehicle off-road – combined with the open-air freedom that only Jeep Wrangler offers. Jeep will offer electrification options on each nameplate in the next few years as it strives to become the leader in ecofriendly premium technology. Electrified Jeep vehicles will carry the 4xe badge. Jeep electric vehicles will be the most efficient and responsible Jeep vehicles ever, taking performance, 4x4 capability and driver confidence to the next level. “Our Jeep 4xe vehicles will be the most efficient, responsible and capable that the brand has ever created,” said Christian Meunier, global president of Jeep Brand - FCA. “We are committed to make Jeep the greenest SUV brand. The electrification of the Jeep lineup will allow commuters to travel solely on electric power, delivering an efficient and fun on-road experience and offering an ability to enjoy even more Jeep capability off-road in nearly complete silence.”

The Wrangler 4xe’s advanced powertrain provides a unique on- and off-road experience through the combination of two electric motors, a high-voltage battery pack, a high-tech 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 engine and robust TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. The most advanced powertrain ever developed for a Jeep Wrangler maximizes efficiency with its estimated 50 MPGe, while eliminating range anxiety, delivering pure-electric operation for most daily commutes.

Torque from the electric motors in the Wrangler 4xe’s hybrid powertrain arrives instantly on demand from the driver. The powertrain also delivers fuel-saving, seamless, start-stop operation of the engine.

Jeep has demonstrated 4x4 capability leadership for nearly 80 years and were made famous by American soldiers using them during World War II. Jeep vehicles were the first to feature an automatic full-time four-wheel-drive system, first 4:1 transfer case and first electronic front sway-bar disconnect system. According to the company, merging electrification into the product lineup is a natural evolution.