Popcorn Market Demand Rises in Convenience Store Retail Channels

The global popcorn market size was estimated at USD 6.53 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 10.35 billion by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 8.2% from 2025 to 2030. This growth is largely driven by the increasing global inclination toward wellness and healthier snacking options.

Shifting consumer behavior in the food and beverage sector is playing a vital role in market expansion. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted the global popcorn supply chain and distribution networks, especially with the temporary shutdown of convenience stores and super/hypermarkets

Sustainability and personal health, once considered niche concerns, are now key drivers of purchasing decisions. Consumers are increasingly opting for convenient, healthy, and eco-friendly food products. The rising interest in plant-based proteins and the shift toward mindful shopping habits, influenced by the pandemic, have further accelerated demand for healthier snack alternatives like popcorn. Moreover, the growing preference for popcorn in a variety of flavors continues to support the market's upward trend.

The surge in demand for ready-to-eat (RTE) snacks is profoundly impacting the food and beverage sector, with RTE products leading the way. Continuous product development, along with the launch of innovative and gourmet-flavored popcorn options, has significantly drawn consumer interest. Popular flavors such as sea salt are gaining traction, as seen in PepsiCo Inc.'s Smartfood Delight Sea Salt Popcorn. Players in the RTE popcorn market are enhancing their visibility and sales through appealing packaging, diverse offerings, and active promotion across digital platforms.

Flavor innovation remains a cornerstone of consumer engagement. Popcorn brands are launching an array of bold and novel flavors—from sweet variants like caramel and chocolate to savory ones such as cheddar, sriracha, and truffle. The introduction of internationally inspired flavors like Japanese matcha and Mexican chili lime caters to consumers' growing interest in diverse and global taste profiles.

At the same time, health-oriented flavor innovations are gaining popularity. Brands are offering low-calorie and natural ingredients like olive oil or sea salt to meet the rising demand from health-conscious consumers. Seasonal and limited-edition flavors, such as pumpkin spice or peppermint, are also proving successful in generating excitement and encouraging spontaneous purchases. Combined with creative packaging and marketing, these strategies are keeping consumer interest high and fueling ongoing market growth.

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Key Market Trends & Insights:

• North America accounted for 48.3% of global revenue share in 2024.
• The U.S. popcorn market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.2% from 2025 to 2030.
• Ready-to-eat popcorn dominated with a 68.0% revenue share in 2024.
• B2C distribution channels accounted for 61.2% of revenue in 2024.

Market Size & Forecast:

• 2024 Market Size: USD 6.53 Billion
• 2030 Projected Market Size: USD 10.35 Billion
• CAGR (2025–2030): 8.2%
• North America: Largest regional market in 2024

Key Popcorn Company Insights:

The global popcorn market comprises both established and emerging players actively engaging in strategic product innovation to address changing consumer preferences. For example, in August 2023, Joe & Seph’s introduced a line of limited-edition air-popped popcorn inspired by popular baked goods. The collection features flavors like Chocolate Fudge Cake, Millionaire’s Shortbread, Birthday Cake, and Peanut Butter Blondie—each offering a creative fusion of caramel, chocolate, and other confectionery ingredients.

Leading Companies in the Popcorn Market:

• Campbell Soup Company
• PepsiCo Inc.
• Conagra Brands, Inc.
• Weaver Popcorn, Inc.
• Quinn Foods LLC
• The Hershey Company
• Eagle Family Foods Group LLC
• PROPER Snacks
• JOLLY TIME
• Intersnack Group GmbH & Co. KG

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Conclusion:

The global popcorn market is undergoing a dynamic transformation fueled by a growing preference for healthier snacking, flavor innovation, and sustainability. As consumer expectations continue to evolve, manufacturers are adapting through creative offerings, strategic branding, and diversified distribution channels. With strong growth prospects and ongoing developments in product variety, the popcorn market is poised to remain a competitive and lucrative segment within the global snack industry.