the star in theaters is popcorn

In dark rooms, the sound of popcorn is a sign of pleasure for some and annoyance for others, but it is above all a tradition. In the largest cinema in France in Lomme (North), among all the treats sold before the entrance to the theater, the star is the popcorn. Its sales continue to increase, one in five customers buys it. “It is shared so we do not know exactly how many people will consume it, probably double”explains Régis Raway, confectionery manager at Kinepolis cinemas.

A little pleasure from the United States

In the 1930s in the United States with the crisis, cinemas had to bail out the coffers. Inexpensive to produce, popcorn appears to be the most profitable source of income. In France, it arrived in the 90s. A factory in the Gers is the European leader. In the region, more than 200 farmers supply them with maize at 70 cents per kilo. They are then cleaned, sorted and packaged in the factory for manufacturers who sell them to individuals and 80% to cinemas. Sold 1.50 euro per kilo, it is a treasure for the boss of the company. It is then sold for around 39 euros per kilo, a good deal for hall owners.