American Pop Corn Company, headquartered in Sioux City, Iowa, United States, is a century-old family-owned enterprise recognized globally for its iconic JOLLY TIME brand. Founded in 1914, the company is one of America’s oldest and most trusted popcorn producers, offering a full line of popcorn products ranging from microwave popcorn to bulk kernels, accessories, and private label solutions.
Core Business and Offerings
Operating under the JOLLY TIME banner, American Pop Corn Company offers an extensive product portfolio tailored to both retail and commercial segments:
Microwave Popcorn
- Flavor Variants: Blast O Butter, The Big Cheez, KettleMania, Simply Popped, Healthy Pop, Butterlicious, White & Buttery, Crispy 'n White, Smart Balance Butter, Mallow Magic, Sassy Salsa, Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper
- Health-Focused Lines: Smart Balance and Healthy Pop cater to wellness-conscious consumers with low-calorie and non-GMO options
Popcorn Kernels
- Standard: Yellow and White Popcorn Kernels
- Premium: Organic Yellow, JOLLY TIME Select Yellow and White Kernels – ideal for stovetop and air poppers
Bulk & Concession Supplies
- Products: Popcorn Machine Kits, Bulk Kernels, Concession Oils, Portion Packs
- Clients: Stadiums, theaters, schools, event caterers
Novelty & Accessories
- Includes popcorn makers, snack containers, branded merchandise, scented candles, apparel, and customized party packs
Specialization and USP
The company's unique strengths include:
- Heritage and Trust: Over 110 years of continuous operation by the founding Smith family
- Agricultural Integrity: All popcorn is grown in the U.S. Midwest with full traceability and farmer partnerships
- Innovation in Packaging: Microwave popcorn bag design patents and high-efficiency packaging
- Broad Market Reach: Products available in over 40 countries through retail, wholesale, and export distribution
Financials and Market Footprint
As a privately held company, American Pop Corn does not disclose detailed financials, but third-party market data and export catalogs provide key insights:
- Annual Production Capacity: Estimated over 200 million microwave popcorn bags/year
- Global Presence: Active in North America, Europe, Middle East, and Asia-Pacific via Groceries USA and other distribution platforms
- Private Label Services: Manufactures for international brands and retailers, adding to B2B revenue streams
- Estimated Annual Revenue: Based on production and unit pricing, conservatively $80 million–$120 million USD
Target Market
JOLLY TIME serves a diverse customer base:
- Retail Consumers – via grocery chains, e-commerce, and club stores
- Institutional Clients – schools, cinemas, fairs
- Distributors and Importers – especially in Asia, Latin America, and the EU
- Private Label Retailers – seeking custom flavors or co-branded solutions
Their focus on clean-label, non-GMO, and gluten-free offerings appeals to health-conscious segments and modern trade formats.
Capabilities
- In-house R&D lab for flavor development and packaging innovation
- GFSI-Certified production facilities
- Advanced quality control systems from seed to shipment
- Global distribution network supported by Groceries USA for exports
- Flexible production lines to accommodate private label and branded orders
Certifications and Compliance
American Pop Corn Company upholds top-tier standards:
- BRC Global Standards
- GMP and HACCP certified facilities
- Non-GMO Project Verified
- Kosher and Gluten-Free Certifications
- FDA and USDA Compliant
- Full documentation for international trade including COO, phytosanitary, and nutritional specs
Customer Testimonials and Recognition
The JOLLY TIME brand enjoys strong brand recall, with millions of loyal customers across generations. Online reviews and social engagement show:
- High satisfaction for flavor consistency
- Brand trust due to clean ingredients and family ownership
- Positive reception of heritage-themed marketing and nostalgic campaigns
JOLLY TIME commercials dating back to the 1970s and 1990s continue to be referenced by long-time consumers.
Major Achievements
- First popcorn brand to receive the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval
- Celebrated 100-year milestone in 2014 with new heritage product lines
- Exported to 40+ countries, with localized branding and flavors
- Partnered with health brands like Smart Balance to enter wellness categories
- Successfully launched branded merchandise and accessories line for popcorn lovers
American Pop Corn Company continues to shape the global popcorn industry with a blend of heritage, innovation, and heartfelt commitment to quality—bringing “The Official Snack of Happiness” to households and institutions worldwide.
