And the Winner is… Movie Snacks!

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.