INDIANAPOLIS -
Another Indiana crop is suffering from this summer's drought - this time it's popcorn. Most U.S. popcorn is grown in the Midwest and Indiana is one of the top producers.
The owners of Just Pop In have been serving up popcorn since 2003 in Indianapolis. They've grown to four stores and are working on opening another one soon. While demand has increased, the owners are concerned about supply because of this summer's drought.
Fall is right around the corner and it's always the peak period for popcorn sales.
Just Pop In owners Carly Swift and Mandy Selke want to sell as much as they can, but this season, the twins might not be allowed to buy extra popcorn.
"Because of the drought, we are not allowed to have any unusual ordering. That means we cannot order as much popcorn as we usually would," said Swift.
The businesswomen said they are now paying nearly double for popcorn kernels. Retail prices have jumped from about $20 for a 50-pound bag to $30 or higher. The higher prices are due to the dry, hot summer.
The twins buy popcorn from an Indiana distributor. Since they want to stay local, their business is covering those extra costs.
"It's a price increase for us," said Swift.
Just Pop In is also dealing with increased corn oil pricing and packaging increases. Selke said she wants consumers to be aware of the extra costs.
"It is important that (consumers) know about this now, just in case there is an increase," she said.
Consumers may see an uptick in prices at stores, especially as the holiday season arrives. Prices may also go up at the movie theater. Do not expect drastic increases, however.
Central Indiana Boy Scouts sold more than four million dollars in popcorn sales last year for their biggest fundraiser. Seventy percent of all the money made by selling the Scout treats stays here in central Indiana.
The Boy Scouts are not worried about the price increase caused by the drought, because they bought their supply early.
"At this point, it hasn't impacted our sales. Our supplier has already purchased our product before the drought," said Nat Baker, Boy Scouts of America.
The popcorn fundraiser starts September 22, with one slight change. The bag of popcorn kernels is smaller, but the price is the same this year.
The popcorn shortage is affecting the annual Boy Scout sale this year.
The owners of Just Pop In are also watching prices closely.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and WTHR. For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
