Whether you run a movie theater, snack bar or gourmet gift basket company, popcorn is a popular seller. While popcorn has been a staple American snack food for centuries, today, popcorn comes in a wide range of styles, flavors and prices.

Popcorn can be purchased in several forms, from raw kernels to ready-to-sell bags of pre-popped, flavored corn. Assess each available option and then decide which type or combination of options is best for your business. When determining the pricing and costs of popcorn, consider the following:

1. Popcorn kernel prices vary by type.

2. Determine whether you want to sell pre-popped or prepacked popcorn.

3. Consider the benefits of spending more on gourmet corn.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Save money by purchasing un-popped popcorn kernels in bulk

For proprietors of movie theaters, snack bars and outdoor food services, un-popped popcorn kernels are generally the cheapest option at roughly $20 to $40 for 50 lbs. worth. You can buy them in bulk and select different varieties of kernels for different types of popped corn.

I recommend: Southern Concession Supply provides a wide selection of kernels. Purchase Weaver mushroom cap kernels, which are perfect for making caramel and kettle corn. Jarco Industries carries 50-lb. bags of movie theater popcorn by Premium America Popcorn. Home Theater Market sells a selection of kernels in four 12.5-lb. bag sets. While usually more expensive, buying your bulk corn in smaller packages can keep it fresher, longer.

Research pricing for pre-popped and prepacked popcorn from popcorn distributors

Pre-popped popcorn is already popped, packed in special containers to preserves freshness and available in different flavors. Pre-popped usually costs around $60 and up per 100 unit case and varies by number of units per case and flavors. You can also sell prepackaged popcorn which is packaged into small portions, usually of 4-oz. and 8-oz., for individual use. Depending on the size of the packages, prices of prepacked popcorn can range from $17 up to $30 for 24 pouches per case.

I recommend: Home Theater Express sells prepacked popcorn in varying sizes 4, 6, 8 and 12-oz. pouches. Popcorn Supplies has prepacked popcorn from different popcorn suppliers including Orville, Country Harvest and other top popcorn producers. Atlanta Concessions and Catering supplies pre-popped popcorn in many different sizes and quantities.

Note the high costs, but potential benefits of a gourmet popcorn business

As consumer tastes become more sophisticated, so does the popularity of specialty and gourmet popcorn. While gourmet popcorn is usually much more expensive than traditional varieties, they give you the opportunity to reach a high-end customer base. Prices usually start at about $30 for 11-lb. bags and vary depending on the size, brand and flavor. In most cases you will need to contact the company for exact prices.

I recommend: Dale and Thomas Popcorn is one of the most popular gourmet popcorn makers with specialty flavors like butter toffee and walnut crunch, peanut butter and white chocolate and many more. Popcornopolis also has an amazing assortment of gourmet corn.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When purchasing popcorn, don't forget to purchase any necessary popcorn equipment and supplies from your popcorn distributor. You can often negotiate for a price break when you purchase additional items with your popcorn order.

Popcorn conjures up memories of movies and carnivals. Other venues, including casual eateries, gourmet coffee shops, ice cream parlors, bakeries, juice bars and nightclubs are capitalizing on the fun atmosphere and installing their own popcorn makers.

Proprietors are using several strategies to realize profit from popcorn. Popcorn poppers in plain view mounted on vintage carts are visually appealing and increase traffic. Salt and other seasonings cause thirsty patrons to purchase beverages, so some owners provide unlimited popcorn, gratis. Gourmet popcorn supplies allow owners to offer variety in kernels, seasonings and glazes. Customers, eager to try different flavors, buy multiple bags for each member of their party. Some owners offer sweet flavors like kettle corn with apple cinnamon seasoning, price it higher than candy, and market it as a healthier alternative. Before adding a popcorn business to your venue consider the following:

1. Query your customers to determine their reaction to the addition of popcorn to your cuisine.

2. Decide on a marketing strategy for the popcorn, including where to situate the popcorn equipment, whether to carry gourmet popcorn supplies and what price to charge.

3. Compare popcorn equipment and popcorn suppliers.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase popcorn equipment

Pick a company that carries a wide selection of popcorn popping equipment from high-quality manufacturers.

I recommend: Snappy has a huge selection of popcorn poppers including the small tabletop size, portable cart-mounted machines and industrial movie theater size. My Popcorn Machine has a low price guarantee and will match any competitor’s price.

Locate popcorn distributors and supplies

Select a company that carries nostalgic accoutrements like striped bags and old-fashioned popcorn cups. These supplies can add to the fun atmosphere and boost sales.

I recommend: Standard Concession Supply and Paramount Concessions have a full line of popcorn, oil, popcorn boxes, popcorn cups, popcorn bags, and salt.

Get gourmet popcorn supplies

Use gourmet kernels and seasonings to make your popcorn unique. Select products that will add variety to the texture and taste of your popcorn.

I recommend: Riehle Enterprises carries 15 varieties of gourmet unpopped kernels from its popcorn producers located on the Riehle Farm in Indiana. Kernel Season’s has a long list of yummy seasonings ranging from subtle white cheddar to spicy Cajun to sweet chocolate marshmallow.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Popcorn poppers come in kettle sizes ranging from 4 oz to 16 oz. Kettle size refers to the number of 1 oz. popcorn servings made every 4 minutes, roughly equivalent to a standard 8-inch-high popcorn bag.
• •  Estimate the number of ounces your customers will consume during a peak hour. Divide this number by 16 to arrive at the size popcorn machine you will need.
• •  Hot air popcorn machines are more expensive than the hot oil variety, but you can market the less greasy popcorn as healthier.
• •  Store popcorn in airtight plastic or glass containers to prevent drying. Each kernel contains a small amount of moisture which is necessary for popping.

Popcorn has become more than just a movie theater snack. Popcorn makers are showing up at malls, children's parties and even in retail store locations to give customers something to nosh on as they browse aisles. Popcorn equipment has become smaller, less intimidating and more portable.

With increased popularity, also comes more choices. The gourmet popcorn business provides people with popcorn that is more than just plain or buttered. If you are looking to add some popcorn equipment to your business or want to add some gourmet popcorn supplies to your stock, you need to have some background on how popcorn poppers and equipment work.

1. Get knowledgeable on the classes of popcorn makers

2. Find professional training for popcorn makers

3. Use the Internet to locate information on how to correctly operate your popcorn equipment

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Know how much popcorn each popcorn maker can handle

Bigger is not necessarily always better. If your popcorn business is scant or scattered, having a large machine that makes a lot of popcorn isn't cost effective or necessary. On the other hand, having a line out the door while a small popcorn popper chugs away isn't good either. Get to understand how long each popcorn maker cycle is and the volume produced during each.

I recommend: The learning center at MyPopcornMachine.com provides free articles on popcorn machines. It includes a formula to help you calculate how much popcorn is necessary for you to produce based on your client base. There is a chart at ePopcorn.com that spells out how much each size popcorn machine can produce per hour for those who would prefer to have the calculation done for them.

Have a formal popcorn machine training session

If the popcorn machine is going to be used by more than just yourself, you might want to consider having a larger, more formal training session for your workers. Even if it's just you that will be operating it, you need to know how to work the machine, how to service it and how to clean it after a day of use.

I recommend: Get a comprehensive training DVD from Concession Solutions that not only covers setting up and using a commercial popcorn popper, but also includes instructions on how to properly clean it. The crew at Heart of Dixie Popcorn & Supply, who are popcorn distributors, offer training and assistance with setting up, operating and cleaning popcorn poppers.

Use the Internet to learn how to use popcorn equipment correctly

If you've had training or if you just need a refresher course on how to correctly operate or clean your popcorn machine, hit the Internet for some quick and free training. Most popcorn equipment suppliers include instruction manuals with their products, but it may not always be enough information or contain the information that you need to focus on.

I recommend: The folks at Standard Concession Supply have a free article that gives you the steps necessary to operate a general commercial popcorn machine. If a video tutorial is more your speed, Gold Medal Products Co. has a free online video that shows you how to operate a commercial popcorn machine.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When searching for popcorn suppliers or popcorn producers, make sure that their product includes directions on use and is compatible with the type of popcorn equipment you have.