Glowing Candles Throughout the Country: Industry Facts

• Candles purchased by consumers in the United States represent a two billion dollar a year industry.
• Candles are produced by about 350 commercial, religious and institutional manufacturers in the United States, as well as many small craft producers of candles for local, non-commercial use.
• Specialty candles manufactured in the U.S. include: taper candles, straight-sided dinner candles, column & pillar candles, votive candles, wax-filled container candles and other specialty candles. These glowing candles may come in many different sizes, fragrances and colors.
• Candles can be found in seven out of ten households in the United States.
• Candles range in price from approximately 50¢ for votive candles to around $75 for large column candles. Certain types of specialty candles could cost as much as $200.
• 96% of all candles purchased are bought by women.
• Women are more frequent users of romantic candles than men, and younger people tend to use candles more often than older adults. Two-thirds of candle purchasers say they use candles once a week or more often.
• 42% of candle users burn candles in the living room, followed by 18% who say they burn candles in the kitchen, followed by 13% who prefer to burn romantic candles in their bedroom.
• 90% of candle users say they light candles to make a room feel cozy and comfortable
• 76% of candle purchasers feel that candles are an appropriate gift for the holidays, 74% say candles are good housewarming gifts, 66% give candles when invited to dinner, 61% feel candles make a great thank you gift and 58% commonly give candles as adult birthday gifts.
• Candles are usually burned just under three hours at a time.
• The most frequently purchased candles are tea lights, followed by votive candles and container candles.

References:

National Candle Association: www.candles.org