Starting a Gourmet Popcorn Business

Have you ever wondered about starting a gourmet popcorn business? Popcorn is one food that a lot of people enjoy munching on. If you’re a foodie and enjoys experimenting on new flavors, this might be the business for you. You can enjoy meeting new people while at the same time earn money doing what you like the most.

We’ve created a step-by-step guide on how you can successfully start tour own gourmet popcorns business.

Starting a gourmet popcorn business can be done by anyone and everyone likes to eat popcorn. It doesn’t cost much and you can have it anywhere, at the movies, in parties, amusement parks, while watching your favorite sports match. You can even enjoy it while shopping. You can be assured that you will never run out of customers. Looking for a place to sell, it would not be a problem too, because popcorn would sell equally well whether you do it from a store or online. You can also sell your products at sporting events or concerts.

Starting a gourmet popcorn business can be done for as low as $10,000. It is always best in all start-up businesses to start-out small and work your way up as the demand increases.

The set-up is the first step to starting your gourmet popcorn business. The first thing you need to do is to select a recipe for your popcorn. You can use your old family recipes or you can buy different flavoring wholesale. You must have a thorough knowledge of the processes involved in making your popcorn and make sure that the popcorn you make will have ingredients that would make your finished product better than the rest of the competition. Your choice of ingredients should include knowing how the corn was raised, what type of oil should be used in popping it and what type of flavoring should be used. Right around this point you should have an idea how everything would cost. Your budget should include all your business expenses for food and cooking supplies, rent for a commercial cooking space if you’re not going to do it at home. Also include costs for website development, transportation costs. You might also expect to shell out money for insurance, licensing and permits. Make a list of possible outlets you can use to sell your gourmet popcorns including local events, retail outlets and even online sites. As starters also, you may also have to make promotional samples of your popcorn to give out. All these should be included in your start-up budget.

Next thing that you should do is to apply for all necessary business operating permits. This should include a food handler’s license and resale permit. To get your products moving, you can join events around your neighborhood. You can get in touch with local market leaders or community organizers on the schedule of events and how to join in. When you do make it to one event make sure that that your gourmet popcorn is packaged nicely. Remember that packaging is a very important aspect of selling. Make sure also that your booth is attractively designed to attract your first customers. Giving out a few samples would not hurt your business. Encourage comments so you can improve. Continue to learn and train and apply it for you to grow as a businessman.
One form of marketing that you can use is by making a website. You can also join local business groups so you can become a regular at your neighborhood fairs.

45 Comments

  • Christopher Newsom said on May 23, 2012
    My wife and I are considering opening up a gourmet popcorn business in Pikeville, Kentucky. We have about $20K to get started and My wife has a degree in International Business Management. We are requesting information a basic step by step process on how to do this. We plan on renting a commercial place to set up our kitchen and store in the area. Any information you could provide would be helpful and greatly appreciated.
  • Innocent said on December 16, 2012
    i want to start a popcorn business in schools in a form of a kiosk. please provide me with basic information.
  • Bulelwa Somgidi said on March 11, 2013
    I would like to start a popcorn business in South Africa, Cape Town and sell in the schools. I know how to make them but no experience.
  • Jordan said on April 8, 2013
    My husband and I are looking to open a shopin Chicago. Please send info regarding the necessary steps to do so. Thanks.
  • Anil said on April 12, 2013
    My wife and I are considering opening up a gourmet popcorn business in Baltimore, Maryland. We are requesting information a basic step by step process on how to do this. We plan on renting a commercial place to set up our kitchen and store in the area. Any information you could provide would be helpful and greatly appreciated. Please help us.
  • Gary Gibbs said on July 11, 2013
    I am considering opening up a gourmet popcorn business in Pittsburgh,Pennslyvania I am requesting information on a basic step by step process on how to set up the business
  • nicole said on November 6, 2013
    I was looking to sell gourmet popcorn online. If you could give me a step by step process that would be great.
  • Dianna said on November 17, 2013
    Looking for more info on gourmet popcorn business. I would love information on packaging. Thank you
  • Bena said on December 20, 2013
    I would like to start a gourmet popcorn business in a mall in kenya, but I do not have enough capital to buy the equipment. Please inform me how I cam make it a just in time popcorn business using pots to make the candy coating syrup....and how to keep the syrup liquid without burning it
  • Ranjith said on December 25, 2013
    I would like to start a gourmet popcorn in Los Angeles area and I need a business plan to get loans from potential investors. Please share with me a business plan.
  • Lisa said on December 27, 2013
    I plan to open a gourmet popcorn business in Texas and would like a business plan for the bank. Need help with the forecasting for a new business.
  • Michael said on January 6, 2014
    I would like to open a chain of gourmet popcorn outlets in the malls in South Africa. Could you advise what is needed to do so.
  • Alexander said on January 7, 2014
    Hi, me, my wife and our dog (yes) would like to tell our country Ukraine what gournet popcorn actually is :) If you may assist as you say, please, do so and send us the info. All the best and good luck to you in 2014!
  • Lori said on February 7, 2014
    Please provide me with basic information on how to start a popcorn gourmet business in Africa.
  • Brandi said on March 25, 2014
    I am looking for more detailed information on how to start a gourmet popcorn business in Georgia (USA) and general information including: a step-by-step process, packaging, forecasting, etc. Would also like information about selling in other countries. Your assistance is greatly appreciated.
  • kathy said on June 19, 2014
    I am wanting more info on starting a gourmet popcorn business in Tennessee, general info including step by step process, and packaging. Your help is greatly appreciated.
  • Michael said on July 29, 2014
    Hi, please send me info on the types of licenses and permits needed to start a gourmet popcorn business in Chicago. Can a home kitchen be used to make the popcorn?
  • Karen said on August 15, 2014
    I wish to start a gourmet popcorn business in Jamaica. I want to start small and build. Kindly send me all necessary step-by-step information in which to do so. At the moment I have limited cash to get started. This business has been a dream of mine for many years. Thank you for your support and looking forward to hearing from you soon.
  • blake said on August 25, 2014
    I'm in Tennessee and would like to start a home based gourmet popcorn business. Any information you could provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
  • David said on September 23, 2014
    Hello - I am looking to open a gourmet popcorn business in North Carolina. Can you please provide me with more information.
  • zaharoula daoudaki said on January 11, 2015
    Hello i am from Greece and i want to start up a popcorn store(flavored popcorn) but i cant find any help about the process and the equipment needed.Please please please help me.
  • CATHY BOURNE said on February 20, 2015
    Hi I have done research on all the permits I need to start a gourmet popcorn business, I plan to lease a space for this. my question is what do I need to put in the kitchen to have the steam go out side. and would a gold medal lobby master work to make the popcorn. the #2619. it has a cart with wheels and comes with a caramel kettle, a popcorn machine and a candy glaze kettle and stirring stray. I need to start small. or do I start with a commercial equipment? I have an investor. please send information. thank you
  • Parag said on April 7, 2015
    Hi, I am from india and i want to start business of popcorn. But i dont have much knowledge about shelf life of popped popcorn. If packed in vacuum or air tight bag then how longer it can stay good. Is there any way to increase shelf life of flavored popped popcorn?
  • Cameron said on April 16, 2015
    Port Huron Michigan, New Baltimore Michigan
  • M shah said on June 21, 2015
    Hi, I am from India and I want to start business of flavored popcorns. I need to have knowledge of it's shelf life of popped popcorn. If packed in vacuum or nitrogen packing or in an air tight bag than how longer it can stay good. Is there any other way to enhance the quality and shelf life of popcorns. Also guide me who are the best machinery suppliers for commercial popcorn productions
  • Edrich said on June 25, 2015
    Hi, I am based in Auckland New Zealand and would love to start a gourmet popcorn business. I would like to to know the know how from production to selling, shelf life, labeling ingredients, machines
  • Yolanda Bernard said on July 6, 2015
    My fiance and I are planning to open up a gourmet popcorn shop in the southern suburbs outside of Chicago. We need help with the business plan that has been requested by the village Board members where we plan to open.
  • Popcorn Cellar said on July 16, 2015
    I have created a successful gourmet popcorn business and brand. I am willing to sell the entire concept with a year supply of packaging and inventory including website and trademark. Very franchiseable and several revenue streams! I got in early and designed the concept with the intent on selling. You can contact me at our website. We are located in Naples FL.
  • Craig said on August 11, 2015
    I am interested in starting a gourmet popcorn business in Thailand. Any information would be great.
  • Ramat said on September 5, 2015
    I am so interested in opening a popcorn business in Lagos Nigeria and i really need ideas and steps to go about it..... I will really appreciate it if you help me.
  • Popcornpapa said on September 9, 2015
    Want a turnkey solution to opening a popcorn business? We have equipment, branded custom packaging, recipes, business start-up documents, ecommerce website and the knowledge to get your business up and running. Don't waste time and money trying to figure it out yourself! Let us help you make money fast! Paradisebizinfo@gmail.com
  • monique said on September 15, 2015
    I am interested in a popcorn business in little rock, ar. please send me info. thanks.
  • shernette said on November 3, 2015
    Would like to start a gourmet popcorn business in Jamaica,but I need to know how I can get my business up and running.Already have my start up capital, I just need to know the steps in doing it.
  • Joyce Ryn said on January 29, 2016
    Hi, I am interested in starting a gourmet popcorn business in California. Please send me step by step process. Tks joyce
  • josephine Ibeto said on February 4, 2016
    Hi, I am interested in starting a gourmet popcorn business in the UK and would be grateful for information on step by step process. Thanks
  • Geneva Yarborough said on February 16, 2016
    I am going to start a popcorn business in Chicago and I definitely need the proper tools to make it or the step by step instructions to make this dream a reality.... Thanks in advance for all your help.
  • Marvel said on March 11, 2016
    I am planning to start a pop corn making business in Oyo state, Nigeria alongside my Msc.program. Need more ideas on how and especially in the area of employing someone to handle it while I'm away for my classes. Is it profitable to start even on that note.
  • Lisa Armstead said on June 15, 2016
    Requesting information on starting a gourmet popcorn business.
  • seyda said on September 12, 2016
    Could I have a step by step on how to open a gourmet popcorn shop?
  • Christina said on October 16, 2016
    Hi, I am interested in starting a gourmet popcorn business in Ohio. Please send me step by step process. Thanks Christina
  • John said on December 15, 2016
    I am looking to open a gourmet popcorn store please send information on how to get started. thank you
  • JAGDEEP said on February 9, 2017
    PLS SEND ME DETAIL HOW TO START POPCORN BUSINESS, INVESTMENT DETAIL
  • DONSEN said on December 4, 2017
    gourmet business for school kids
  • Lucian Dan said on March 13, 2019
    Hello from the UK! Could you, please send me your info about how to do the business? Like the other guys before me. Many thanks, Lucian
  • Lucian Dan said on March 13, 2019
    I want to start a such business and all your advice will be great. I'm in the UK. Thank you, Lucian

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