Business of Popping Corn Day

Business of Popping Corn Day is an annual celebration held on December 2nd to honor the invention of the first large-scale commercial popcorn machine by Charles Cretors in 1885. This day highlights the transformation of popcorn from a simple snack to a global industry, thanks to Cretors’ innovative spirit.

Quick Facts

When is it? December 2
Tagged as: Food, History, Innovation
What’s the hashtag? #BusinessOfPoppingCornDay
When was it founded? Exact founding date unknown, but it honors events in 1885.
Who founded it? Inspired by Charles Cretors’ legacy.

History of Business of Popping Corn Day

The day commemorates Charles Cretors’ invention of the first commercial oil popcorn popper in 1885. Dissatisfied with peanut roasters, he created a machine that could roast peanuts and pop popcorn consistently. His invention gained fame at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, where the public sampled his popcorn for the first time. This marked the beginning of popcorn’s journey as a beloved snack and a thriving industry.

Timeline

1885: Charles Cretors invents the first commercial oil popcorn popper.
1893: Cretors showcases his invention at the World’s Columbian Exposition.
1900: Introduction of “The Special,” a horse-drawn popcorn wagon.
1920s: Popcorn becomes popular in movie theaters.
1988: The U.S. Postal Service issues a stamp featuring Cretors’ popcorn wagon.
Today: Popcorn is a billion-dollar industry worldwide.

Business of Popping Corn Day Dates

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	December 2	Tuesday
2026	December 2	Wednesday
2027	December 2	Thursday
2028	December 2	Saturday
2029	December 2	Sunday
2030	December 2	Monday

Observed on Business of Popping Corn Day

On this day, people celebrate by indulging in various popcorn flavors, learning about its history, and recognizing the innovation behind its success.

Popcorn Parties: Host gatherings with creative popcorn recipes, from sweet caramel to savory cheese blends.
Educational Activities: Visit museums or exhibitions showcasing food innovations like Cretors’ machine.
Social Media Tributes: Share facts about Charles Cretors and use #BusinessOfPoppingCornDay to spread awareness.

Fun Facts About Business of Popping Corn Day

Popcorn kernels expand up to 35–40 times their original size when popped.
Charles Cretors’ company still operates today, producing modern popcorn machines.
Popcorn is one of the oldest snacks, dating back thousands of years to Native American cultures.

Quiz

Who invented the first commercial oil popcorn popper?
(Answer: Charles Cretors)
When is Business of Popping Corn Day celebrated?
(Answer: December 2)
What event popularized Cretors’ invention?
(Answer: The World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893)
How much moisture do popcorn kernels need to pop?
(Answer: 13.5–14% water)
What was Charles Cretors’ original idea for his machine?
(Answer: A peanut roaster)

FAQs

What is Business of Popping Corn Day about?
It celebrates the invention of the first commercial popcorn popper and honors the legacy of Charles Cretors.
Who was Charles Cretors?
He was an inventor who revolutionized popcorn production with his steam-powered machine in 1885.
Why is popcorn so popular in theaters?
Popcorn became a staple during the Great Depression due to its affordability and association with entertainment.
How does a popcorn kernel pop?
The moisture inside heats up and turns into steam, creating pressure that bursts the kernel open.
Is there a specific hashtag for this day?
Yes, use #BusinessOfPoppingCornDay on social media.

Importance of Business of Popping Corn Day

Celebrating Innovation: It highlights how creativity can turn simple ideas into transformative inventions.
Honoring History: The day connects us to an important milestone in food technology and entrepreneurship.
Appreciating Popcorn’s Role: It reminds us how this snack has brought joy across generations and cultures.