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And the Winner is… Movie Snacks!
January 27, 2020
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.