The global popcorn market size is estimated to reach USD 13.6 billion in 2033 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.9% from 2026 to 2033, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The growing awareness about health among consumers is propelling the industry's growth. The demand for salty snacks, along with innovation in terms of flavors, is boosting the growth. New product innovations are becoming more popular among consumers, particularly in the Asia Pacific and North America regions. For instance, in February 2023, AMC Entertainment launched a new line of microwave and ready-to-eat popcorn exclusively available at Walmart. This product line includes various flavors designed to replicate the movie theater popcorn experience at home. The microwave popcorn comes in flavors such as “Butter,” “Cheddar,” and “Kettle Corn,” while the ready-to-eat options will feature “Movie Theater Butter” and “Cheddar.” The collaboration aims to cater to popcorn lovers and enhance home viewing experiences, making it easier for consumers to enjoy quality snacks reminiscent of the cinema.
The rising demand for popcorn is being driven by several factors, starting with the increasing preference for healthier snacks. As more consumers focus on better-for-you options, popcorn has emerged as a popular choice due to its low-calorie, high-fiber profile, especially in its air-popped or lightly flavored forms. Popcorn brands have capitalized on this trend by promoting non-GMO, gluten-free, and whole-grain attributes, appealing to the growing number of health-conscious individuals. In addition, as the pandemic accelerated home entertainment and snacking habits, popcorn has benefited from being a convenient and enjoyable option for home movie nights and streaming binges.
Moreover, sustainability has become an essential trend in this era as consumers have become more concerned about health, wellness, and environmental issues, such as the depletion of natural resources and environmental degradation. Thus, continuous innovation in terms of product quality, along with packaging design improvements, drives customer traction. The ready-to-eat (RTE) popcorn industry is booming with sales growing faster than microwave popcorn due to a rise in gourmet varieties and a reputation as a healthy snack meal. The demand for RTE is expected to grow in developing countries such as India. With over 50 popcorn flavors and varieties, 4700BC, for example, has seen a 200+ percent increase in retail and e-commerce sales in October 2021.
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Based on type, Ready-to-eat popcorn led the popcorn industry, accounting for a revenue share of 68.1% in 2025. The rising consumption of RTE popcorn at home and in theatres, coupled with a rise in the spending capacity of consumers, is expected to drive the demand for RTE popcorn.
In terms of distribution channel, Sales of popcorn through B2B channels are expected to grow with a CAGR of 8.3% from 2026 to 2033. Popcorn is gaining popularity in the hospitality sector, including hotels, resorts, and event catering.
The North America popcorn market accounted for a revenue share of 47.9% in 2025. The rise of streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ has transformed the way North Americans consume entertainment, with many opting for home-based movie nights and binge-watching sessions.
Grand View Research has segmented the global popcorn market report based on type, distribution channel, and region:
Popcorn Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)
Ready-to-Eat Popcorn
Microwave Popcorn
Popcorn Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)
B2B
B2C
Supermarket/Hypermarket
Convenience Stores
Online
Others
Popcorn Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)
North America
U.S.
Canada
Mexico
Europe
Germany
UK
France
Italy
Spain
Asia Pacific
China
Japan
India
Australia & New Zealand
South Korea
Central & South America
Brazil
Argentina
Middle East & Africa
South Africa
List of Key Players in 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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