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Colorado Jack’s: Poppin’ in Sun Oil
Wednesday, March 30, 2022
filed under: Utilization/Trade
Photos courtesy of Colorado Jack's
There’s something new “popping” in the snack food aisle, and sunflower oil is a key ingredient.
Colorado Jack’s legendary popcorn is grown in Colorado and Nebraska. Once harvested, the raw kernels are then shipped to North Dakota where they are popped and seasoned with five delicious flavors.
The crew at Colorado Jack’s shared their insights with Jody Kerzman regarding their company, and their vision for the future.
Explain the idea behind your product.
In addition to farming, our family owns and operates processing plants that handle dry edible beans and raw popcorn. Looking for a way to diversify our company, we began to make pre-popped flavored popcorn called Colorado Jack Popcorn.
We have since created five flavors: Caramel, Colorado Mix, White Cheddar, White Cheddar Jalapeno and Sea Salt & Butter.
How is sunflower used in your products?
We use sunflower oil as a base for all our savory products.
Why do you use sunflower?
We found this to be the best for flavor!
Where do you get the sun oil you use?
We purchase the sunflower oil from Colorado Mills.
What makes your products stand out?
Well, the flavor for sure. Our products are made with the best and real ingredients, sunflower oil being one of those. We are not your average popcorn on the shelf. We are truly selling a quality made product with the best flavor. Our number one seller is Caramel — made with real butter.
We are a small company based on the values and principles of giving back. That’s why we created the Colorado Jack Giveback Program. Our Colorado Jack Giveback Popcorn is made in single batches by the eager hands of residents at the Open Door Center, a not-for-profit organization in North Dakota that serves people with cognitive and physical disabilities.
Our fundraising program offers a generous 50% return to fundraising groups. Visit our website — coloradojackpopcorn.com — to learn more about fundraising opportunities.
What kinds of challenges have you faced along the way?
The biggest challenge so far has been getting in front of the decision makers after Covid-19.
Approximately how much sunflower oil do you use each year?
We use around 75,000 pounds of sunflower oil a year.
What market segments do you supply?
You’ll find Colorado Jack’s legendary popcorn in convenience and grocery stores.
What are the latest trends in each market segment you serve?
Spicy! Our White Cheddar & Jalapeno has really grown in sales. Our Colorado Mix, which is our Caramel and White Cheddar & Jalapeno mixed, is popular also — and we think it’s simply amazing.
Are there any new offerings, new products coming?
New products are in the works, but we can’t share yet. They’re a secret!
Are you doing advertising, PR, social media or grassroots efforts to promote your product? If yes, what?
Yes, of course. We do a lot of trade shows, social media advertising and samplings! Visit coloradojackpopcorn.com. We have a new sale/pack every month!
What do you believe the future looks like for Colorado Jack’s Popcorn?
We think the future holds a lot of opportunities for growth. We are excited to see what 2022 has in store for us, and we’re looking forward to growing our brand and having recognition across the country.