Trader Joe's is shaking up the snack category with its new Heirloom Popcorn. While most people associate the word 'heirloom' with colorful varieties of tomatoes or carrots, Trader Joe's is going beyond the basics to put heirloom corn to work.
Trader Joe’s Heirloom Popcorn is made from corn seeds that have been cultivated and passed down for years by Amish and Mennonite farmers across the Eastern United States. Unlike the 12-foot-high corn stalks that most of us are used to seeing, these heirloom seeds "produce three-foot to five-foot high bushes that sport multiple stalks." The corn on the stalks is also smaller, with petite kernels that are perfect for popping.
Trader Joe's then takes the tiny kernels and air-pops them in avocado oil and sprinkles them with pink sea salt for a gourmet snack that is perfect for sharing.
Petite Heirloom Popcorn Snacks
Trader Joe’s Heirloom Popcorn is Made from Heirloom Corn Kernels
Trend Themes
1. Heirloom Snacks - The rise of heirloom snacks presents an opportunity for companies to offer unique and flavorful products that highlight traditional farming methods.
2. Cultivating Heirloom Crops - The cultivation and promotion of heirloom crops can create a market for sustainable and diverse food options, appealing to consumers interested in heritage and quality.
3. Gourmet Popcorn - The popularity of gourmet popcorn opens up possibilities for creative flavor combinations and premium ingredients to elevate the snacking experience.
Industry Implications
1. Snack Food Industry - The snack food industry can capitalize on the trend of heirloom snacks by introducing new products that cater to a growing consumer demand for unique and high-quality snacks.
2. Agricultural Industry - The agricultural industry can explore opportunities to collaborate with Amish and Mennonite farmers to cultivate and preserve heirloom crops, fostering sustainable farming practices.
3. Specialty Food Industry - The specialty food industry can tap into the gourmet popcorn trend by offering artisanal popcorn flavors and innovative packaging to attract discerning consumers.