Market Overview

The global popcorn market size was valued at USD 14.12 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 23.14 Billion by 2033. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.36% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2033. Key growth drivers include increased demand for healthier snacks, convenience, innovative flavors, the expansion of the cinema industry, and rising income levels across regions. North America currently dominates the market with a major share.

Study Assumption Years

• Base Year: 2024

• Historical Year/Period: 2019-2024

• Forecast Year/Period: 2025-2033

Popcorn Market Key Takeaways

• The global popcorn market size was USD 14.12 Billion in 2024.

• The market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 5.36% during 2025-2033.

• North America holds the largest market share of over 48.3% in 2024.

• Ready-to-eat (RTE) popcorn is the dominant type, accounting for about 68.2% of the market in 2024.

• Households lead the end consumer segment with around 67.5% market share.

• The market growth is fueled by health-conscious consumers seeking low-calorie, high-fiber snacks, convenience, and the cinema industry's expansion.

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Market Growth Factors

The popcorn market is driven primarily by the growing consumer demand for healthier snack options. Consumers increasingly prefer low-calorie and high-fiber foods, which popcorn fulfills due to its natural, whole-grain nature. The global healthy snacks market was valued at USD 91.1 Billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.19% during 2025-2033. Popcorn’s richness in dietary fiber and antioxidants along with low calorie content when air-popped makes it appealing, especially as education about whole grains and reduced processed food consumption rises.

Convenience is a significant growth factor, particularly the expansion of the ready-to-eat (RTE) popcorn segment. The segment benefits from busy lifestyles and urbanization, with 56% of the global population living in urban centers in 2023. Consumers prefer snack options that require no preparation, and investment in innovative packaging that preserves freshness has further boosted RTE popcorn’s desirability. This convenience correlates with an overall trend toward nutritious, tasty, and quick snack alternatives.

Innovation in flavors and premium product offerings is another crucial driver. Manufacturers have introduced a broad spectrum of flavors, including sweet, savory, spicy, and artisanal types such as truffle, caramel sea salt, and cheese. Premium popcorn brands emphasize non-GMO kernels and artisanal cooking methods. The global non-GMO food market was valued at USD 2.7 Billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.3% through 2033. These innovations cater to diverse consumer preferences and enhance the indulgence associated with snacking.

The global cinema industry’s expansion also drives popcorn consumption, as it is a traditional movie snack. Worldwide box office revenue grew by 29.4% to USD 33.2 Billion in 2023. Increasing multiplexes and cinemas in emerging economies boost popcorn demand as a value-added offering, maintaining the historic cultural association between movies and popcorn.

Market Segmentation

By Type:

• Microwave Popcorn: Driven by the need for convenient, easy-to-make snacks, favored for in-home movie nights and midnight snacking. Innovations in packaging extend shelf life and flavor retention.

• Ready-To-Eat (RTE) Popcorn: Largest market segment (68.2% in 2024), promoted as a low-calorie, whole-grain, high-fiber snack. Includes gourmet and artisanal varieties appealing to health-conscious consumers seeking convenience.

By Distribution Channel:

• On-Trade: Growth driven by demand for gourmet and artisanal popcorn in cinemas, entertainment venues, and specialty stores. Consumers pay premium for unique flavors and healthier options such as organic and non-GMO popcorn.

• Off-Trade: Growth fueled by the need for convenient, ready-to-eat snacks via supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores, and online channels. Includes microwaveable and ready-to-eat popcorn in various flavors and packaging sizes.

By End Consumer:

• Households: Lead with around 67.5% market share in 2024, driven by demand for convenient snack options amidst busy lifestyles and at-home movie trends. Wide array of flavors caters to diverse tastes.

• Commercial: Growth fueled by cinema and entertainment industry expansion, and the rising popularity of gourmet specialty popcorn in retail outlets and online.

Regional Insights

North America dominates the popcorn market with over 48.3% market share as of 2024. Growth is driven by health-conscious consumers favoring low-calorie, whole-grain snacks, a strong entertainment industry especially in the US, and the introduction of various flavors including organic and non-GMO options. The region’s robust retail infrastructure and streaming service growth further stimulate demand.

Recent Developments & News

• February 2025: B Pop expanded into FMCG by launching gourmet popcorn in pillow packs throughout India and internationally.

• September 2024: The snack company 4700BC partnered with Netflix to launch Cheese & Caramel and Sweet & Salty popcorn with a promotional campaign.

• August 2024: G.H. Cretors partnered with Tajín Clásico to introduce a new gourmet popcorn line, offered exclusively at Costco USA and Mexico.

• June 2024: Netflix and Popcorn Indiana launched "Netflix Now Popping" range, featuring Cinnamon Kettle Corn and Cheddar Kettle Corn flavors.

• January 2023: Santa Cruz Fun Foods partnered with ICEE to launch a popcorn product line for National Popcorn Day, available in amusement parks and cinemas.

Key Players

• Conagra Brands Canada, Inc.

• Eagle Family Foods Group LLC

• Frito-Lay North America, Inc. (Pepsico Inc.)

• Great American Popcorn

• Intersnack Group

• Joe's Gourmet Foods Ltd.

• Popcorn & Company

• Popz USA LLC

• Preferred Popcorn LLC

• Proper

• The Hershey Company

• Weaver Popcorn, LLC

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