SUGAR LAND--The candy and confectionery sector has been challenged by changes in consumer behavior amid the COVID-19 pandemic, as more people resort to online grocery shopping, which puts a dent in impulse buying of sweets. Even so, the industry saw sales totaling $36.7 billion in the U.S. last year, according to the National Confectioners Association. Industrial Info is tracking more than $500 million worth of active candy and confectionery project activity in the U.S. and Canada.