Popcorn Companies - ConAgra Brands, Inc., Weaver Popcorn Company, Inc., PepsiCo, Inc.,Amplify Snack Brands (Acquired by Hershey),Snyder\'s-Lance, Inc. (Acquired by Campbell Soup Company), Butterkist (Owned by KP Snacks), American Popcorn Company, Angie\'s Artisan Treats, LLC (BOOMCHICKAPOP), are the Key Players

What is Popcorn?

Popcorn is a type of corn kernel that expands and puffs up when exposed to heat, becoming one of the most popular snack foods worldwide. This versatile snack comes in various flavors and forms, from plain salted to gourmet caramel-coated versions, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences. Its popularity is fueled by its convenience, affordability, and the growing trend of healthy snacking, as popcorn is often regarded as a low-calorie and high-fiber option.

In this blog, we provide a comprehensive look at the popcorn industry, focusing on market size, regional insights, leading companies, and the growing popcorn market in the USA.

The Popcorn Market was valued at USD 4,467 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 4,752.89 million in 2024, with growth expected to reach USD 7,813.17 million by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.4% during the forecast period [2024-2032].

Popcorn: Facts and Figures

1. Global Consumption: Over 500 million pounds of popcorn are consumed annually, with the USA leading global consumption.
2. Health Trend Impact: Approximately 40% of popcorn consumers opt for air-popped or lightly salted varieties as part of health-conscious snacking habits.
3. Global Market Value: Estimated at USD 12 billion, with steady growth attributed to innovative flavors and increasing demand in emerging markets.

USA: Growing Popcorn Market Size

The USA is the largest popcorn market globally, driven by high per-capita consumption and a culture that associates popcorn with entertainment, particularly cinema and sports events. The market is expanding due to:

• Healthy Snacking Trends: Rising awareness about the health benefits of popcorn, such as being a whole grain and a source of dietary fiber.
• Gourmet Popcorn: An increasing preference for premium, flavored options has created a surge in demand for artisanal brands.
• Convenience: The popularity of ready-to-eat (RTE) and microwaveable popcorn products.
• Marketing Innovations: Effective branding and packaging strategies targeting younger demographics.

Global Growth Insights unveils the top List global Popcorn Companies:

1. ConAgra Brands, Inc.

• Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, USA
• Revenue (2023): $12.5 billion
• Overview: Producers of the popular Orville Redenbacher’s and Act II popcorn brands, offering a wide range of microwaveable and RTE options.

2. Weaver Popcorn Company, Inc.

• Headquarters: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
• Revenue (2023): $450 million
• Overview: A leader in bulk popcorn supplies and makers of Pop Weaver, known for their innovative popping technology.

3. PepsiCo, Inc.

• Headquarters: Purchase, New York, USA
• Revenue (2023): $86 billion
• Overview: Owner of Smartfood, a popular RTE popcorn brand with a focus on flavored and healthy options.

4. Amplify Snack Brands (Hershey’s)

• Headquarters: Austin, Texas, USA
• Revenue (2023): $1 billion
• Overview: Makers of SkinnyPop, a health-oriented brand known for gluten-free and non-GMO popcorn products.

5. Snyder’s-Lance, Inc. (Campbell Soup Company)

• Headquarters: Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
• Revenue (2023): $8.1 billion
• Overview: Offers premium snack products, including RTE popcorn under its Lance Snacks division.

6. Butterkist (KP Snacks)

• Headquarters: Slough, UK
• Revenue (2023): $300 million
• Overview: A prominent popcorn brand in the UK, specializing in caramel and sweet varieties.

7. American Popcorn Company

• Headquarters: Sioux City, Iowa, USA
• Revenue (2023): $500 million
• Overview: Makers of Jolly Time, one of the oldest and most recognized popcorn brands in the USA.

8. Angie’s Artisan Treats, LLC (BOOMCHICKAPOP)

• Headquarters: Mankato, Minnesota, USA
• Revenue (2023): $400 million
• Overview: A health-conscious popcorn brand offering non-GMO and low-calorie RTE snacks.

9. Borges Agricultural & Industrial Nuts (Borges Group)

• Headquarters: Tàrrega, Spain
• Revenue (2023): $1 billion
• Overview: A major agricultural company involved in popcorn production, focusing on sustainable practices.

10. Chamerfood

• Headquarters: Paris, France
• Revenue (2023): $50 million
• Overview: A regional leader in gourmet popcorn, particularly caramel and chocolate-coated varieties.

11. Garrett Popcorn Shops

• Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, USA
• Revenue (2023): $120 million
• Overview: Famous for its Chicago-style popcorn blend of caramel and cheese flavors.

12. Newman’s Own, Inc.

• Headquarters: Westport, Connecticut, USA
• Revenue (2023): $600 million
• Overview: Offers organic and microwaveable popcorn, with all profits donated to charitable causes.

13. Aramidth International

• Headquarters: Cairo, Egypt
• Revenue (2023): $30 million
• Overview: A growing player in the Middle East popcorn market, emphasizing affordable and quality snacks.

14. Joe & Seph's

• Headquarters: London, UK
• Revenue (2023): $20 million
• Overview: Known for luxury popcorn products with gourmet flavors like gin & tonic and salted caramel.

15. Mage’s

• Headquarters: Perth, Australia
• Revenue (2023): $10 million
• Overview: A key player in the Australian popcorn market, focusing on classic and flavored popcorn.

16. Inter-Grain

• Headquarters: Warsaw, Poland
• Revenue (2023): $25 million
• Overview: Supplies high-quality popcorn kernels to manufacturers and cinema chains across Europe.

17. Quinn Snacks Inc.

• Headquarters: Boulder, Colorado, USA
• Revenue (2023): $15 million
• Overview: A health-conscious brand offering microwave popcorn with organic and clean-label ingredients.

Regional Market Insights and Growth Trends for the Popcorn Industry

The global popcorn market shows notable growth across various regions, driven by unique consumer preferences, rising disposable incomes, and a growing inclination toward convenient snacking options. Here’s a detailed look at regional markets and their specific growth dynamics:

1. North America: The Largest Market for Popcorn

Key Highlights:

• Market Size: Over $4 billion, accounting for approximately 35% of the global popcorn market.
• Growth Drivers:
• Cultural Preferences: Popcorn's association with cinemas, sports events, and home entertainment drives consumption.
• Health Awareness: Increased demand for low-calorie, whole-grain snacks like air-popped popcorn.
• Product Innovation: Introduction of gourmet flavors such as truffle, cheddar, and chocolate-caramel.
• Leading Countries: USA and Canada.
• Key Companies: ConAgra Brands (Orville Redenbacher’s), PepsiCo (Smartfood), American Popcorn Company (Jolly Time).

Future Outlook:

• Continued growth in the ready-to-eat (RTE) popcorn segment.
• Expansion of premium and organic options to meet evolving consumer preferences.

2. Europe: Rising Demand for Gourmet Popcorn

Key Highlights:

• Market Size: Estimated at $3 billion, with the UK leading consumption.
• Growth Drivers:
• Premiumization: Gourmet popcorn brands like Joe & Seph’s gaining popularity.
• Healthier Choices: Increased interest in low-fat, non-GMO, and gluten-free snacks.
• Cinema Culture: Strong correlation between popcorn sales and cinema visits.
• Leading Countries: UK, Germany, France, and Spain.
• Key Companies: Butterkist (KP Snacks), Joe & Seph’s, Chamerfood.

Future Outlook:

• Steady growth due to expanding retail availability and partnerships with cinema chains.
• Opportunities for plant-based and functional ingredient-infused popcorn products.

3. Asia-Pacific: Fastest Growing Region

Key Highlights:

• Market Size: Approximately $2 billion, with India and China as the fastest-growing markets.
• Growth Drivers:
• Urbanization: Increased exposure to Western snacking habits through urbanization and media.
• Rising Disposable Income: Growth in middle-class consumers with higher spending power.
• Flavored Popcorn: Preference for spicy, tangy, and locally inspired flavors.
• Leading Countries: China, India, Japan, and South Korea.
• Key Companies: Borges Agricultural & Industrial Nuts (Borges Group), Quinn Snacks Inc.

Future Outlook:

• Expanding distribution channels, including supermarkets, convenience stores, and online platforms.
• Emerging markets in Southeast Asia to drive demand for RTE and microwaveable popcorn.

4. Middle East & Africa: A Nascent but Growing Market

Key Highlights:

• Market Size: Around $500 million, with growth primarily in urban areas.
• Growth Drivers:
• Rising Awareness: Increased consumer interest in Western snacks.
• Cinema Expansion: Growth in cinema chains across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
• Affordable Options: Popularity of locally manufactured and budget-friendly popcorn brands.
• Leading Countries: UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa.
• Key Companies: Aramidth International, Garrett Popcorn Shops.

Future Outlook:

• Growth supported by increasing disposable incomes and the entry of global brands into regional markets.
• Demand for both plain and flavored popcorn, with room for luxury gourmet offerings.

5. Latin America: Emerging Potential

Key Highlights:

• Market Size: Estimated at $1 billion, with Brazil and Mexico leading the region.
• Growth Drivers:
• Traditional Snacking Culture: Popcorn is a staple snack in many households.
• RTE Convenience: Rising demand for ready-to-eat popcorn products due to busy lifestyles.
• Local Flavors: Development of unique regional flavors catering to local tastes.
• Leading Countries: Brazil, Mexico, Argentina.
• Key Companies: Inter-Grain, Mage’s.

Future Outlook:

• Opportunities for international brands to expand their footprint through localized offerings.
• Growth in microwaveable popcorn due to increased adoption of household kitchen appliances.

Market Growth Trends Across Regions

1. Global Adoption of Healthy Snacking:
• Across all regions, health-conscious consumers are driving demand for organic, non-GMO, and low-fat popcorn products.
• Air-popped popcorn and products with natural flavoring are gaining momentum.
2. Rise of Gourmet and Artisanal Popcorn:
• Premiumization trends are especially prominent in North America and Europe, with consumers willing to pay a premium for unique and high-quality flavors.
3. E-Commerce Expansion:
• The availability of popcorn on online platforms has significantly boosted market penetration, particularly in emerging economies where traditional retail channels may be limited.
4. Increasing Flavored Varieties:
• From spicy and tangy in Asia-Pacific to indulgent sweet flavors in Europe, consumer demand for diverse tastes is shaping product innovation globally.

Conclusion

Popcorn remains one of the most beloved snacks worldwide, with its market driven by innovation, health-conscious trends, and regional preferences. From household names like ConAgra and PepsiCo to artisanal brands like Garrett Popcorn Shops and Joe & Seph's, the industry is characterized by diversity and constant evolution.

With the USA leading the charge in production and consumption, and new flavors and healthier options continuing to attract consumers, the popcorn market is poised for sustained growth and innovation in the years to come.