The American Pop Corn Co., the producers and marketers of JOLLY TIME Pop Corn, has supported its internationally distributed brand by participating in Food Export-Midwest’s Branded Program since the late 90’s. They joined the Market Access Program (MAP) funded Branded Program, to defer the costs associated with promoting their famous popcorn brand in major international markets. 

In 2023, the JOLLY TIME brand participated in the Branded Program to promote their products in Kuwait with the support of their South Dakota-based export manager, Global Groceries Sales. Working closely with their longtime JOLLY TIME distributor in Kuwait, their efforts and program assistance increased brand awareness and recognition among Kuwaiti consumers. With that in mind, they used their allocated funds to complete a series of in-store tasting events, create temporary in-store displays, and administer social media/online advertising plans. The Branded Program funding helped to continue to support and promote JOLLY TIME Pop Corn in the Kuwaiti market. Their goal was to build back sales after a challenging prior year due to price increases, which negatively impacted their sales. 

This past February, the company reported that its marketing strategy and use of the Branded Program helped it gain $511,000 in sales, with projected sales of over $1,000,000 over the next 12 months. 

American Pop Corn Company has participated in the Food Exports-Midwest Branded Program since 1997. The Sioux City, Iowa-based company has also participated in Food Export webinars, the Online Product Catalog, and Food Show PLUS! events. 

Food Export uses funding from the Market Access Program (MAP) to help America’s small businesses increase their exports of food and agricultural products. As these exports increase, these small businesses are creating jobs and improving the strength and stability of our agricultural economy. Food Export-Midwest and Food Export-Northeast are non-profit organizations that work in collaboration with their member state departments of agriculture and the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service. They offer a wide range of programs and services that help boost America’s agricultural exports.