California Business Minute™

Hi, I am Tim Johnson and welcome to the California Business Minute.

The observance of Halloween dates back to Celtic rituals thousands of years ago.
Today, many of the young and young at heart take a more light-spirited approach
and California is at the center of the celebration.

The US Census Bureau estimates that there will be 36 million potential trick-or-
treaters nationwide.  Over 1 billion pounds of pumpkins will have been picked in
time for Halloween.  While Illinois leads the nation in pumpkin production with
482 pounds, California is right behind.

Americans consumed some 26 pounds per capita of candy in 2006. Nationwide there
are 1,198 manufacturing establishments and California leads the nation in the
number of establishments with 143 up from 128 in 2008.  Additionally there are 477
establishments in the nation that make non chocolate candy; again California leads
the nation with 70, unfortunately down from 73 in 2008.

It appears that California and Halloween go hand and hand and that ain’t tricking
the economy.

I am Tim Johnson and this has been the California Business Minute.