Popcorn Market Analysis APAC, North America, Europe, South America, Middle East and Africa - US, China, UK, Japan, Germany - Size and Forecast 2024-2028

Popcorn Market Size 2024-2028

The popcorn market size is projected to increase by USD 4.92 billion at a CAGR of 10.87% between 2023 and 2028. The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by several key trends and factors. One of the primary growth drivers is the increasing demand for healthy snack options. Consumers are shifting towards snacks that are low in calories and high in fiber and nutrients, making popcorn an attractive choice. Another trend shaping the market is the growth of online retailing. With the convenience of shopping from home and the wide variety of options available online, more and more consumers are turning to e-commerce platforms to purchase their popcorn. Additionally, fluctuating prices of corn, a key ingredient in popcorn production, pose a challenge to market stability. Despite this, the popcorn market is expected to continue its growth trajectory, fueled by consumer preferences for healthy, convenient, and affordable snacking options.

Market Overview

The market shows an Accelerate CAGR during the forecast period.

To get additional information about the market report, Request Free Sample

Market Dynamics and Customer Landscape

Popcorn, a beloved snack in the food and beverage industry, continues to captivate consumers with its delicious and versatile nature. With the increasing popularity of plant-based proteins, popcorn, derived from corn kernels, has gained significant attention. The market offers a wide range of popcorn flavors, including the ever-popular Sea salt. Ready-to-eat snacks, including popcorn, have seen a rise in demand due to the convenience they provide. Online platforms, e-commerce, shopping apps, and microwave popcorn have made it easier than ever to enjoy this tasty treat at home. Supermarkets and hypermarkets are increasingly featuring gourmet flavored RTE popcorn, including sea salt, matcha, and vegan options, in their all-occasion gift boxes and party favors, alongside organic popcorn lines that cater to diverse consumer preferences. Nutritionally, popcorn is rich in essential vitamins and minerals such as folate, niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, pantothenic acid, vitamins B6, iron, calcium, copper, and magnesium. Instant food and ready-to-eat food lovers can enjoy their favorite snack with added health benefits. Popcorn is not just a movie theater staple anymore. It's a popular choice for multiplexes and theatres, as well as a go-to snack for many. Vegetable oil and butter are common additives, but consumers can also opt for healthier alternatives like air-popped or oil-free popcorn. The market is continuously evolving to cater to diverse consumer preferences.

Key Market Driver

The growing demand for healthy snacks is driving growth in the market size. The health benefits of popcorn principally contribute to its global popularity as a widely consumed snack item.  As more and more people realize the health benefits of Popcorn, it is now considered to be a healthy snack.

Furthermore, popcorn is a rich and concentrated source of various proteins, antioxidants, fibers, polyphenolic compounds, and vitamin B complex. More people are choosing healthy options for their snacks, as health consciousness increases in an increasing number of consumers. The ready-to-eat popcorn category has benefited from this shift in perception and change in eating habits as popcorn is a familiar, natural, trusted, and healthy snack. The few health benefits of popcorn coupled with increasing demand for healthy snacks will drive the market in focus during the forecast period.

Significant Market Trends

The growth of online retailing is a key trend in the market. The global expansion of e-commerce enterprises such as Alibaba, Amazon, and Flipkart, among others, has been fueled by increasing internet access. A new opportunity has been opened to the suppliers through online shopping, which will allow them to increase sales, expand their geographical reach, and enhance customer relations and profitability. With an online presence, manufacturers and distributors can boost their product visibility across regions. 

However, a number of producers and distributors are focusing on Internet sales owing to consumers' increased interest in online sales, as well as their preference for the convenience this offers. Online retailers facilitate business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) transactions, encouraging vendors to concentrate on the internet-savvy consumer segment and explore new online retail formats. Such factors are expected to boost the growth of the global market during the forecast period.

Major Market Challenge 

The fluctuating prices of corn are a major challenge in the market. Due to climatic conditions, there have been fluctuations in the supply of corn from some geographic regions, some of which have affected the operations of the vendors in the market. The fluctuation in the prices of corn is a major challenge faced by vendors operating in the market.

Moreover, any sudden rise or fall in corn prices due to an abnormal climate affects the profit margins of many corn-based food manufacturers in the US. This volatility of prices and price changes, affecting market demand and the gap in supply, is a frequent cause of production problems. Thus, fluctuating prices of corn will negatively impact the market in focus during the forecast period.

Market Segmentation

By End-user 

Popcorn is increasingly popular across the world, particularly in the US, Canada, Mexico, the UK, Germany, China, and India. In addition, popcorn has become common at picnics, house parties, and gatherings of family and friends. The growth of this segment is attributable to the adoption of popcorn in a large number of households. This is being fueled by the proliferation of posts on social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook that show people cooking and eating this ready-to-eat popcorn. The rising demand for ready-to-eat popcorn among customers and the launches of new products are expected to propel the growth of the household segment of the global market during the forecast period.

By Product 

The market share growth by the ready-to-eat segment will be significant during the forecast period. Preferences for ready-to-eat (RTE) snacks, including popcorn, are evolving, with consumers, especially the youth, eager to experiment and constantly seeking different products. Increased consumer interest in convenience foods is driving up the market for prepared and eaten snacks.

The read-to-eat segment was valued at USD 4.04 billion in 2018.

For a detailed summary of the market segments Request for Sample Report

RTE goods are becoming more popular because of short cooking time, ease of preparation, and long shelf life. To meet this demand, manufacturers are seeking to innovate products, extend their brand names, and introduce new brands. Increasing consumer interest in ethnic and exotic flavors is pushing vendors to experiment with innovative flavors such as fruit-flavored chutney popcorn and barbecue popcorn. Such factors are expected to fuel the growth of the ready-to-eat segment and market in focus during the forecast period.

By Region

APAC is estimated to contribute 34% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period

Get a glance at the market share of various regions View PDF Sample

Technavio’s analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period. In 2022, APAC was the largest market for popcorn in the world. China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Taiwan, New Zealand, Singapore, and Indonesia are the major APAC countries with huge market potential for popcorn in APAC. Over the last five years, imports of popcorn have increased from countries such as China, Australia, and India, which are the companies operating in the world market for popcorn, this is a positive sign. The APAC region is the world's biggest population area and has a huge potential for growth in popcorn. The increasing disposable income of consumers and the rising number of organized retail outlets offering ready-to-eat popcorn are the major drivers estimated to drive the growth of the market in APAC during the forecast period.

Key Companies & Market Insights

Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the market forecasting growth and analysis.

• Key Offering- Campbell Soup Co. - The company offers popcorn such as pop secret extra butter flavor popcorn.
• Key Offering- Conagra Brands Inc. - The company offers popcorn such as natural, butter, and kettle microwave popcorn.
• Key Offering- Garrett Popcorn Holding Company LLC -The company offers popcorn such as Orville Redenbachers gourmet popping corn.

The  market growth and forecasting report also includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about Key companies, including:

American Pop Corn Co., Campbell Soup Co., Coda Manufacturing LLC, Conagra Brands Inc., CORNiCO Co. s.r.o, Garrett Popcorn Holding Company LLC, Great American Popcorn Co., Intersnack Group GmbH and Co. KG, Joes Gourmet Foods Ltd., Jonnys Popcorn Delights, Kettle Foods Ltd., Newmans Own Inc., PepsiCo Inc., Popcorn Superpop Group Pty Ltd., Popz USA LLC, PROPER Snacks, Quinn Foods LLC, The Hershey Co., The J.M Smucker Co., and Weaver Popcorn Bulk LLC

The market analysis and report of qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key market players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.

Segment Overview

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD billion  " for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018 - 2022 for the following segments.

• Product Outlook
  • Ready-to-eat
  • Microwave
• End-user Outlook
  • Household
  • Commercial
• Region Outlook
  • North America
    • The U.S.
    • Canada
  • Europe
    • U.K.
    • Germany
    • France
    • Rest of Europe
  • APAC
    • China
    • India
  • Middle East & Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • South Africa
    • Rest of the Middle East & Africa
  • South America
    • Chile
    • Argentina
    • Brazil

You may also interested in the below market reports

• Ready-To-Eat (Rte) Popcorn Market: Analysis North America, Europe, APAC, South America, Middle East and Africa - US, UK, China, Germany, Japan - Size and Forecast 

• Savory Snacks Market: Analysis APAC, North America, Europe, South America, Middle East and Africa - China, US, India, Japan, Germany - Size and Forecast 

• Snack Market: Analysis APAC, Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa - US, China, Japan, Germany, UK - Size and Forecast 

Market Analyst Overview

Popcorn, a beloved snack enjoyed by people of all ages, is experiencing a significant shift in the market due to changing consumer preferences. The demand for plant-based proteins and healthier snack options has led to an increase in the production and consumption of popcorn. Popcorn flavors have expanded beyond the traditional butter and salt, with options like Sea salt, ready-to-eat snacks, popcorn mix-ins such as candy, dried cranberries, and clean-label products gaining popularity. The rise of online platforms, e-commerce, and internet usage has made it easier for consumers to shop for popcorn from the comfort of their homes.

Furthermore, shopping apps and doorstep service with simple payment options have become the new norm. Even microwave popcorn, once criticized for its unhealthy reputation, has undergone a transformation with healthier options and cleaner labels. Stay-at-home orders have further boosted the sales of microwaveable popcorn and popcorn stores. Health consciousness has led to an increase in demand for organic popcorn lines and vegan popcorn brands. Additionally, innovative flavors like coconut water and matcha have entered the market, catering to diverse tastes. Folate, niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, pantothenic acid, vitamins B6, iron, calcium, copper, and magnesium are essential nutrients found in popcorn, making it a nutritious snack option. The market is expected to continue its growth trajectory, with an increasing focus on providing healthier and innovative snack options to consumers.

Buy Full Report Now

What are the Key Data Covered in this Market Report?

• CAGR of the market during the forecast period
• Detailed information on factors that will drive the market growth and forecasting of the market between 2024 and 2028
• Precise estimation of the size of the market size and its contribution to the parent market
• Accurate predictions about upcoming market trends and analysis and changes in consumer behavior
• Growth of the market industry across Europe, North America, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa
• Thorough market growth analysis of the market’s competitive landscape and detailed information about companies
• Comprehensive market analysis and report on the factors that will challenge the market research and growth of market companies

We can help! Our analysts can customize this market research report to meet your requirements. Get in touch