American Pop Corn Company
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Food processing |
| Founded | 1914 |
| Founder | Cloid H. Smith |
| Headquarters | Sioux City , United States |
Area served | United States, international |
| Products | Popcorn (including Jolly Time brand) |
Number of employees | 185 (2024) |
| Website | www |
The American Pop Corn Company, established in 1914, operates as a family-owned enterprise headquartered in Sioux City, Iowa. Recognized as the longest-standing popcorn manufacturer in the United States, it is widely known for its Jolly Time brand, which is distributed both domestically and internationally. The company currently employs approximately 185 individuals.
History
Cloid H. Smith founded the business after becoming dissatisfied with farm prices, initiating popcorn production in the basement of his home located in Schaller, Iowa, with assistance from his son Howard.
During its inaugural year, the company sold more than 75,000 pounds of popcorn. To accommodate growing demand, Smith constructed a storage crib in 1914 and followed with a shelling and cleaning facility in 1915.
In 1924, the packaging was changed from cardboard boxes to metal cans to better maintain freshness, accompanied by the introduction of the slogan "Guaranteed to Pop."
The rise of radio, movie theaters, and television throughout the 1930s and 1940s significantly contributed to the company's expansion. During the Great Depression and post-World War II economic growth, popcorn became a popular and affordable snack choice.
Following severe flooding in Sioux City in 1953, Cloid's grandson Wrede Smith spearheaded a $19.6 million initiative to rechannel the Floyd River, a project that spanned three years.
To enhance Jolly Time's market position amid increasing competition, the company engaged in celebrity endorsement campaigns featuring personalities such as Danny Kaye, Bob Hope, and Ozzie with Harriet Nelson. Advertising efforts also included sponsorships on game shows like Let's Make a Deal. Additionally, packaging materials transitioned from metal to plastic.
The advent of the microwave oven in the 1970s transformed the industry landscape. Jolly Time introduced microwave popcorn products that significantly increased sales and led to new manufacturing facilities. During this era, the company also expanded its reach into European markets. By 2003, it had sold its billionth bag of microwave popcorn.
As of 2024, The American Pop Corn Company continues as a family-run operation with involvement from fourth- and fifth-generation members of the Smith family. That year marked the appointment of its first president outside the family while maintaining Smith family representation on the board of directors. The company's corporate culture is reflected in its address—One Fun Place, Sioux City, Iowa.
In the news
A man from Colorado developed bronchiolitis obliterans—commonly referred to as "popcorn lung"—after consuming roughly two bags of popcorn daily over a decade. In 2007, he filed a lawsuit against popcorn manufacturer Gilster-Mary Lee and retailer Kroger, claiming his condition was caused by inhaling diacetyl, a buttery flavor additive used in microwave popcorn. Although diacetyl naturally occurs in foods such as butter and cheese and is safe for ingestion, it had been associated with bronchiolitis obliterans among workers exposed to high concentrations of the chemical.
In response to this litigation, several popcorn producers, including The American Pop Corn Company (Jolly Time), discontinued using diacetyl in their products.