American Pop Corn Company

Infobox Company
company_name=American Pop Corn Company
type=Private Corporation
foundation=1914
founder=Cloid Smith
location_city=Sioux City, Iowa
location_country=United States of America
key_people=Garrett Smith President, Carlton Smith Chairman
products=Blast O' Butter, Butterlicious, Better Butter, White and Buttery, Crispy 'n White, KettleMania, The Big Cheez, Mallow Magic, Sassy Salsa, Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper| The American Pop Corn Company is a family owned popcorn producer. Founded in 1914, it is the oldest popcorn company in America. Its only brand, Jolly Time, is sold globally and in every state in America. It employs 185 people, and its headquarters are in Sioux City, Iowa.

History

The American Pop Corn Company's founder, Cloid Smith, made many business ventures during his youth; unsatisfied with the price pop corn from his farm was being sold, he decided to sell his own. [cite journal|last=Smith Jr.|first=Wrede|title=A history of pop corn and the American Pop Corn Company|pages=6|publisher=American Pop Corn Company|location = Sioux City, Iowa|date=1972] He first began his popcorn business in the basement of his home with the help of his son Howard. [cite journal|last=Smith Jr.|first=Wrede|title=A history of pop corn and the American Pop Corn Company|pages=4| publisher = American Pop Corn Company|location=Sioux City, Iowa|date=1972] Business was so successful that he immediately built a crib in 1914 and a shelling and cleaning building in 1915. [cite journal|last=Smith Jr.|first=Wrede|title=A history of pop corn and the American Pop Corn Company|pages=8|publisher=American Pop Corn Company|location=Sioux City, Iowa|date=1972] A major concern in the early history of the popcorn industry was packaging. Pop corn packaged in cardboard lost its popping quality, and glass was impracticle. In 1924, Jolly Time transitioned metal cans which were ideal for sealing in moisture. [cite journal|last=Smith Jr.|first=Wrede|title=A history of pop corn and the American Pop Corn Company|pages=11|publisher=American Pop Corn Company|location=Sioux City, Iowa|date=1972] This led to Jolly Time's "Guaranteed to Pop" slogan. Several factors led to the continued growth of the American Popcorn Company and the pop corn industry in general during the 1930's and 1940's. As more people gathered around radios, movie theaters and television sets, Jolly Time often meet the demand for the perfect snack food. Also, popcorn was a cheap food for those living during the great Depression, yet this did not damage pop corn's imaging during the economic boom following World War 2.In 1953, the Floyd River flooded and much of Sioux City was under water. Cloid's grandson and future president of the company, Wrede Smith headed a project with the Sioux City Chamber of Commerce to rechannel the river. The project took three years and cost $19.6 million. [cite journal|last=Smith Jr.|first=Wrede|title=A history of pop corn and the American Pop Corn Company|pages=31|publisher=American Pop Corn Company|location=Sioux City, Iowa|date=1972] Due to an increase in competition, The American Pop Corn Company tried to strengthen the Jolly Time Brand through new marketing strategies. They hired celebrity spokespeople such as Danny Kaye, Bob Hope, and Ozzie and Harriet Nelson, and advertised on game shows such as "Let's Make a Deal." Following the industry trend, Jolly Time transitioned to the plastic bag for packaging. The introduction of the microwave oven revolutionized the pop corn industry. This effect, along with a new strategy of selling Jolly Time in Europe resulted in an increase in sales and the building of another plant.

Today, The American Pop Corn Company is run by the fourth generation of the Smith family. They sold their one-billionth bag of micowave pop corn in 2003.

In The News

In responses to a complaint of a Colorado man who developed a respritory illness from inhaling microwave pop corn fumes on a twice-daily basis, Jolly Time no longer contains diacetyl. This chemical occurs naturally in foods such as butter, cheese, and fruits; it is safe for consumption. [cite web|url=http://www.fitsugar.com/742961accessdate=2008-04-06|title=Don't Inhale the Popcorn Fumes|publisher=FitSugar|date=2007 This link does not work as of June 1, 2008.]

References

Homepage

http://www.jollytime.com