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In this chapter of Start-Up Stories, we got to hear all about Popcorn Shed: A start-up business creating delicious gourmet popcorn in beautifully unique packaging! ‘Kernel-In-Chief’ Laura Jackson told us all about their start-up journey and what makes them different…
What’s the story of Popcorn Shed?
After a trip to the US, we discovered gourmet popcorn and we were bowled over with how tasty the popcorn was and how many different flavour combinations there were across the pond. We came back to the UK feeling inspired, so we set ourselves a challenge to make the finest and tastiest all-natural gourmet popcorn in the world, using flavour concoctions and textural inclusions that tasted better than the ones we had tried in the States.
We had always flirted with the idea of running our own family food business together, and in a moment of madness around our 30th birthdays,
“We are real perfectionists when it comes to releasing a flavour.”
And then the artwork and design bit comes after. There are plenty of flavours that haven’t made the cut.
As a start-up, do you think using social media to promote your business is a necessity?
Getting your name out there is important when launching a new brand and social media channels are a great semi-free way to do that. It’s also a way for consumers to feedback to you directly.
What’s the single biggest thing you need to consider when starting a business?
What’s the plan…creating a business plan can really help crystalize your thoughts.
What are the most important things you can control in a start-up?
How you spend your time and focus and where you spend your money.
What makes your popcorn different to others on the market?
Say goodbye to boring, tasteless popcorns. Our gourmet popcorn tastes better than the competition, is beautifully branded and our pack formats are both unique and eye-catching. Our production process is complex. Whilst our competitors apply spray-on and powder coatings in an industrial process, Popcorn Shed uses an artisan cooking process by making a fresh caramel batch with each production run.
“Our popcorn is tumbled in fresh caramel before being scattered with melted chocolate, nuts and dried fruit.”
This ensures a deep, rich flavour and provides a lovely texture to every single kernel.
When do you know you’re ready to start a business?
That’s a tough question. I guess it’s personal for everyone. But I think for me it was when I was thinking about the idea every single day and it really excited me.
How has your life changed since starting a business?
I sleep, dream and think popcorn 24/7!
When can people find your perfect popcorn?
You can Find us in a number of leading independent stores, Selfridges, Superdrug (this Christmas) September and buy us online on our website, Amazon or Ocado.
What’s next for Popcorn Shed?
We’ve got some exciting plans coming up, so watch this space!
Popcorn shed are innovating their way to the top! We can’t wait to see what the future holds for them, be sure to grab some of their perfect popcorn from their website here!