Men Say Reputation for Valentine's Procrastination Unfair

National Confectioners Association Poll Reveals Men Start Valentine's Day Planning and Shopping Earlier than Women May Think

With the majority of men saying they finish their Valentine's Day planning and shopping before February 14, men stand ready to set the record straight on their bad rap for procrastination surrounding Valentine's romance. In fact, 75% of the men surveyed in a national poll by the National Confectioners Association testified that they plan ahead for the day, even if they don't make the final purchases until the last few days.

Many of the surveyed men stated that they start the detective work early, querying friends and family for good gift ideas. Only 10% of those surveyed said they relied on the store clerk or cashier for suggestions. Regardless of when they prepare for Valentine's Day, the survey also revealed that men are more likely to buy a gift at a chain store, department or brand name store (55%) over specialty stores (12%) or online (12%).

"Whether you plan your romantic evening a month in advance or are searching for the perfect gift minutes before your date, chocolate and candy remain trusted and timeless classics for Valentine's celebrations," says Larry Graham, president of the National Confectioners Association. "With more options than ever in the gourmet and custom- designed lines, planners can use the treats to create anticipation in the days leading up, while procrastinators can deliver a sweet gift no matter when they hit the stores."

And for those looking to pack a little antioxidant punch into their Valentine's treat, options abound on the chocolate front. "The demand for dark chocolate continues to rise in the marketplace," added Graham. "Not only does the chocolate carry a deep, rich flavor, but the flavanols that fill every piece of dark chocolate contain potential health benefits making it a doubly sweet Valentine's indulgence."

What women need to know ...

As a result of the nationwide survey, the National Confectioners Association offers the following few key findings that women should keep in mind this Valentine's:

-- Keep your present to him simple. While women may think any candy will do for their men, keep in mind that men admit they favor boxed chocolate (34%). Gourmet, high-end chocolates (25%) are a close second, followed by conversation hearts (9%).

-- 53% of men say they tend to lean on friends and family to find the perfect present for their sweetheart. Ladies be sure to clue in mom and your best friends to help ensure successful hint dropping. -- Contrary to popular belief that Valentine's Day is a holiday men love to hate, 50% of men admit that Valentine's Day is about being romantic.

-- NCA's nationwide survey found that men 55 years or older were more likely to be nonchalant towards Valentine's Day shopping and gifts compared to younger men (18 - 54 years old). So ladies, be sure to get your older men in the Valentine's Day mood. Try sending him conversation heart hints and chocolate surprises in the weeks leading up to February 14 to entice him to be more romantic.

Valentine's Fun Facts

-- More than 36 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate will be sold for Valentine's Day.

-- About 8 billion candy conversation hearts will be produced this year; that's enough candy to stretch from Rome, Italy to Valentine, Arizona 20 times and back again.

-- At one time, conversation candies were made into shapes including horseshoes, baseballs and watches.

-- American men say they'd prefer to receive boxed chocolate as a Valentine's Day present followed by gourmet, high-end chocolates then conversation heart candies.

-- A natural aphrodisiac? As an elixir for love, chocolate has been believed throughout history to bring smiles to the broken-hearted and to prompt amorous feelings in both men and women. It is believed that Madame Du Barry served it to all her suitors; Casanova consumed chocolate instead of champagne to induce romance; and Montezuma, the king of the ancient Aztecs, believed chocolate would make him virile.

-- In the 1800's physicians commonly advised their lovelorn patients to eat chocolate to calm their pining.

The chocolate and candy industry has long been friend to both men and women looking to create a romantic and decadent Valentine's celebration. The National Confectioners Association has tips and entertaining ideas to help make Valentine's Day a sweet success available at http://www.candyusa.com/ .

Source: National Confectioners Association
VIENNA, Va., Jan. 30, 2005 /PRNewswire/ --

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