Snacks’ Supporting Role in the Movie Experience

Award season is upon us.  Regardless if their favorite movies or actors/actresses make the list, there’s one star of the silver screen customers can agree on – movie theater concession snacks. Whether they’re watching in a traditional theater, or streaming from the nouveau theater (aka their sofas), customers have cast their votes and say that salty and sweet poppable snacks play a leading role in the viewing experience.

As we amp up for the awards night in Hollywood, chew on these tidbits about the love affair between movies and snacks.

• According to a 2018 SurveyMe survey of more than 10,000 moviegoers, 49% make a trip to the concession stand every time they go to see a film.

• In 2016, leading movie theater chain, AMC, reported concessions totaling more than $1 billion, according to VOX.

• SurveyMe found the most popular concession products purchased by moviegoers in 2018 were: popcorn (39%), soda (33%), candy (12%), ICEE® frozen beverages (5%). 

• According to Bon Appetit, concession stands were not added to the standard design of movie theaters until the 1930’s.

• Due to the shortage of sugar during WWII, moviegoers were opting for a salty snack. By 1945, half of all popcorn eaten in America was consumed in movie theaters, according to VOX.

• Sales of Reese’s® Pieces saw a 65% sales increase in the two weeks following its on-screen debut in the blockbuster, E.T., in 1982.

• The first popcorn machine was invented in 1885 by Chicago native Charles Cretors.

No matter if it’s at “a theater near you” or “a couch near you,” theater box candies and snacks make movie night more memorable.  Click below for a satisfying selection of movie theater classics and latest in on-trend refreshments.