Valentines Day Statistics from the US Government

The U.S. Census Bureau has created a series of statistics relating to Valetines Day.  You can view the full list online at their website.  A few examples:

Candy

1,177

Number of U.S. manufacturing establishments that produced chocolate and cocoa products in 2009, employing 34,252 people. California led the nation in the number of chocolate and cocoa manufacturing establishments, with 135, followed by Pennsylvania, with 111.  Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns: 2009.

$12.6 billion

Total value of shipments in 2009 for firms producing chocolate and cocoa products. Nonchocolate confectionery product manufacturing, meanwhile, was a $7.4 billion industry.  Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2009 Annual Survey of Manufactures.

24.7 pounds

Per capita consumption of candy by Americans in 2010. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Industrial Reports, Confectionery: 2010.

Flowers

$375 million

The combined wholesale value of domestically produced cut flowers in 2010 for all flower-producing operations with $100,000 or more in sales. Among states, California was the leading producer, alone accounting for more than three-quarters of this amount ($286 million). Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service.

17,124

The number of florists nationwide in 2009. These businesses employed 75,855 people. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns.

Jewelry

24,973
Number of jewelry stores in the United States in 2009. Jewelry stores offer engagement, wedding and other rings to couples of all ages. In February 2011, these stores sold $2.27 billion in merchandise. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns.

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