Supply chain issues create a popcorn shortage for movie theaters

Supply chain concerns are leading to a popcorn shortage at movie theaters, just as the summer movies are coming out.

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The Wall Street Journal says the popcorn supply this summer will be tight due to supply chain issues. “Popcorn supply will be tight,” Norm Krug, the chief executive of Preferred Popcorn, which is a company of about 150 farmers that supply kernels to movie theaters, told the WSJ.

The issue are corn production, containers, shipping, and demand. Farmers don’t want to grow the corn because of how much it is costing them, while others are trying to incentivize growing them at higher costs. The WSJ says that because of this, there is a possibility that less and less corn will be produced than in years past.

Paper bags used at theaters that have “sheen linings,” which are bags lined specifically to keep butter grease from going through, are in short supply, Neely Schiefelbein, sales director for Goldenlink North America, told the WSJ. Some movie chains are looking at plastic or metal containers as an alternative but will end up costing more in the long run. It is also harder to provide different popcorn sizes.

The WSJ says that other supply chain issues can trickle down to the snacks and drinks people buy at the theaters as well. They say it’s down to not having enough cups to put drinks in and candy companies aren’t able to keep up with wrapping supplies.

WRC-TV says the summertime is when many people head to the movies because of big blockbusters such as the latest release of “Top Gun” and upcoming movies like “Jurassic World: Dominion,” “Lightyear,” and “Minions: The Rise of Gru.” Movies during the summer are also a great time to escape the summer heat, no matter where you live.

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