HOW TO START A POPCORN BUSINESS IN GHANA

According to Healthline, popcorn is the world’s healthiest and most popular snack food; it is a whole grain food that is high in important nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and very high amount of fibre.

Popcorn, scientifically known as Zea mays everta, is a growing and profitable business in Ghana because people generally like snacks. It is mostly sold in churches,schools,children’s fairs,malls, and by the roadside. However, like any other business, there are certain things you must note before commencing. It is important to have a business plan, and although it is not capital-intensive, there are certain basic equipment you should have and measures you have to take to have a successful business.

The business plan should include the total cost of starting, which varies depending on the scale of the business. It is also important to conduct market research to know your target market,competitors,suppliers, and pricing.

Sales in this type of business depend largely on location; although popcorn is loved by both adults and children, children seem to enjoy it more than adults. Hence, citing your business around a school, playground, mall, and even at church on Sundays can aid sales. If you own a provision shop,kids salon,or fresh juice stand, you can also be commercially dynamic by adding a popcorn business to earn more income. You can also place a stand at the bus stop, and because of the traffic situation in Accra, you will definitely make sales. You can also be a vendor at events such as weddings and kids parties.

Similar to the food business, the popcorn business requires certain certifications, such as a food handler’s certificate, which shows that you have undergone medical screening for communicable diseases.

Packaging is one of the means of enhancing sales in this industry. It is also prudent to use flavorings based on customer specifications.

Marketing can be done through social media; however, it is important to register your business. To penetrate the market, you must choose a name that would give you a strong identity.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

Popcorn machine

Packaging materials

Corn

Oil

Flavourings

Sealing machine

For your popcorn business to thrive, you have to be consistent, thus ensuring quality and showing up at the location.

According to Yahoo Finance, the global market for popcorn was estimated at $13.6 billion in 2023 and its projected to reach $21billion by 2030.This means that demand is high, and because the cost of production is minimal, profit is high. With good pricing and proper packaging, sales will increase significantly.