Pricing and Costs of Popcorn

Research the types of popcorn available to find the best to fit your company's budget

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.

 

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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.

 

• 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.

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