Popcorn Market Trends, Share, Growth Factors, Analysis, and Forecast 2025-2033
- Rahul Pal
- Dec 30, 2025
- 4 min read
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, growing at a CAGR of 5.36% during 2025-2033. The market growth is driven by surging health-conscious consumers who favor low-calorie, high-fiber snacks, the convenience of ready-to-eat options, innovative flavor introductions, and the global expansion of the cinema industry. North America dominates with over 48.3% market share in 2024.
Study Assumption Years
Base Year: 2024
Historical Year/Period: 2019-2024
Forecast Year/Period: 2025-2033
Popcorn Market Key Takeaways
Current Market Size: USD 14.12 Billion in 2024
CAGR: 5.36% during 2025-2033
Forecast Period: 2025-2033
North America held the largest market share with over 48.3% in 2024.
Ready-to-eat (RTE) popcorn accounted for approximately 68.2% of the market in 2024.
Households dominate end consumers with around 67.5% market share in 2024.
The growth is propelled by consumer demand for healthier, convenient snacks and the booming cinema industry globally.
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Market Growth Factors
Popcorn market growth is driven by the increasing demand for healthier snack options. With consumers becoming more health-aware, popcorn is favored as a low-calorie, high-fiber snack due to its whole-grain nature, fitting consumer trends for weight management and overall health. The global healthy snacks market was USD 91.1 Billion in 2024 and expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.19% between 2025-2033, supporting the rise in popcorn consumption.
The ready-to-eat (RTE) popcorn segment has witnessed rapid growth fueled by consumers' need for convenience amid busy lifestyles. With 56% of the world's population residing in urban areas in 2023, the demand for hassle-free snacking solutions like RTE popcorn is significant. Innovative packaging that maintains freshness and flavor make RTE popcorn highly desirable, paralleling a drift towards nutritious and tasty snack options.
Innovations in popcorn flavors and premium offerings also contribute to market expansion. Manufacturers experiment with sweet, savory, spicy, and artisanal flavors such as truffle, caramel sea salt, and cheese. Premium brands focus on non-GMO kernels and artisanal cooking, enhancing consumer indulgence. The global non-GMO food market size was USD 2.7 Billion in 2024 and projected to grow at a CAGR of 11.3% during 2025-2033, supporting these innovations.
Market Segmentation
By Type:
Microwave Popcorn: Growth fueled by demand for convenient, easy-to-make snacks among busy consumers, with flavor variety and innovative packaging aiding in-home movie night consumption.
Ready-To-Eat (RTE) Popcorn: Largest segment in 2024 (68.2%), driven by health-conscious consumers seeking lower-calorie, whole-grain, high-fiber snacks. Gourmet and artisanal products broaden consumer appeal.
By Distribution Channel:
On-Trade: Driven by demand for gourmet and artisanal popcorn in cinemas and entertainment venues. Premium ingredients and organic/non-GMO options appeal to health-conscious consumers.
Off-Trade: Fueled by demand for convenient snack options from supermarkets, hypermarkets, and online retailers. The rise of e-commerce facilitates access to gourmet and specialty popcorn.
By End Consumer:
Households: Lead with around 67.5% market share, driven by demand for convenient, easy-to-prepare snacks fitting busy lifestyles and at-home entertainment.
Commercial: Supported by cinema and entertainment industries, along with growing gourmet popcorn shops and specialty retail offerings.
Regional Insights
North America dominates the popcorn market with over 48.3% share in 2024. The region benefits from increasing demand for convenient and healthy snacks, a strong entertainment industry, and innovations such as organic and non-GMO popcorn. The United States comprises over 85.00% of North America’s market, with rising consumer health consciousness and home entertainment trends fueling growth.
Recent Developments & News
February 2025: B Pop, a leading premium popcorn company in India, introduced gourmet popcorn in pillow packs, expanding beyond upscale outlets through modern distribution channels in India and internationally.
September 2024: 4700BC partnered with Netflix to launch Cheese & Caramel and Sweet & Salty popcorn products, supported by a campaign featuring director Karan Johar and TV stars Karanvir Bohra and Karan Wahi.
August 2024: G.H. Cretors partnered with Tajín Clásico to launch gourmet popcorn combining Tajín seasonings with premium popcorn, available exclusively at Costco USA Northwest and Costco Mexico.
June 2024: Netflix and Popcorn Indiana collaborated on the “Netflix Now Popping” popcorn range, launching cinnamon kettle corn and cheddar kettle corn flavors.
January 2023: Santa Cruz Fun Foods partnered with ICEE to introduce a two-flavor popcorn line available at amusement parks, stadiums, 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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