- Categories:
- Food & Beverage
- Tags:
- HistoricalTechnology
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every December 2
- Holiday emoji:
- 🍿
Business of Popping Corn Day pops up every December 2 to honor Charles Cretors’ groundbreaking 1885 invention of the first large-scale commercial oil popcorn popper. This day celebrates the ingenuity that transformed popcorn from a humble snack into a global industry. Discover the fascinating history, explore the evolution of popcorn technology, and enjoy a bowl of your favorite kernels.
Want to sponsor Business of Popping Corn Day? Learn how
History of Business of Popping Corn Day
Business of Popping Corn Day celebrates Charles Cretors and his invention — the popcorn machine.
His was the first large-scale commercial oil popcorn popper and was invented in 1885, first as a peanut popper. This was due to Charles’ discontentment with all the popular peanut poppers available at the time, as confirmed by his great-grandson who said, “My great-grandfather had a candy store in Decatur, Illinois. He bought a peanut roaster that he didn’t like and thought he could do a better job. So he sold everything and moved to Chicago to build a better peanut roaster, which he proceeded to do. He had a City of Chicago peddlers license dated 1885, and that’s how we date the start of the company.”
In the 19th century, most people made popcorn by holding long-handled wire boxes filled with kernels over fires that, although effective for home consumption, were inadequate for commercial success. It was Cretors’ machines, invented through his C. Cretors & Company in 1885, that soon made it practical for people to get into the business of popping corn.
Cretors powered his popcorn machine with a steam engine, allowing for automation. The steam was created by a fire under a broiler and powered the small engine, which, in turn, moved the gears, shaft, and an agitator, stirring the kernels. The fresh popcorn was caught in a storage bin. Additionally, steam was diverted to a whistle, which caught the attention of customers.
He applied for a patent for his invention on August 10, 1891, and it was granted on October 10, 1893. The same year, he took his invention to the World’s Columbian Exposition where the wider public could sample his machine’s popcorn for the first time.
Business of Popping Corn Day timeline
Charles Cretors is born in Lebanon, Ohio.
Cretors goes to Fort Scott, Kansas, and opens a successful homemade crackers bakery.
Cretors invents the first large-scale commercial oil popcorn machine.
Cretors successfully introduces his invention at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Illinois.
Business of Popping Corn Day FAQs
When is Business of Popping Corn Day?
Business of Popping Corn Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, December 2, commemorating the invention of the commercial popcorn popper.
Who invented the first commercial popcorn popper?
The first large-scale commercial oil popcorn popper was invented by Charles Cretors in 1885. His Chicago-based company, C. Cretors & Company, continues to be a leader in popcorn equipment.
How much popcorn is consumed annually?
Americans consume approximately 13 billion quarts of popcorn annually, making it one of the nation’s favorite snacks. A significant portion of this is enjoyed at home.
What is the difference between different types of popcorn kernels?
The two main types are “butterfly” (or “snowflake”) and “mushroom.” Butterfly kernels are irregular with “wings,” ideal for eating, while mushroom kernels are round and dense, preferred for candy coating.
Business of Popping Corn Day Activities
Make popcorn
Observe Business of Popping Corn Day by popping — you guessed it — corn! Celebrate this centuries-old snack by making popcorn in inventive new ways and sharing it with friends and family.
Visit an exhibition museum
Exhibition museums are where you’ll be able to witness the progression of the corn popping machine, from the time of invention to the present day. Go to one dedicated to showing relics of food production equipment to really celebrate the day.
Talk about Charles Cretors on social media
Charles Cretors had a testing but amazing life! Share insights about him and tell his story to people online. Use the hashtag #BusinessOfPoppingCornDay.
5 Things You Should Know About Charles Cretors
He was the youngest of 11 kids
Cretors was the son of a house painter and the youngest of 11 kids who were all raised strictly as Methodists.
He quit a successful biscuit business
Cretors decided to quit his successful homemade crackers bakery to move away from the town he lived in due to the tragic death of his one-year-old son Edwin in 1876.
His original idea was a peanut roaster
According to his great-grandson and fourth-generation CEO of his company, the idea behind his corn popper started as an effort to build a better peanut roaster.
Cretors put popcorn on the map
Although Cretors did not invent popcorn, he’s widely regarded as the person who put popcorn on the map since.
The Special
Cretors was also responsible for introducing the Special, the first large horse-drawn popcorn wagon.
Why We Love Business of Popping Corn Day
We get to taste popcorn variants
On Business of Popping Corn Day, people get especially creative when making popcorn. As a result, we get to enjoy several varieties.
That famous popcorn smell
The smell of popcorn is said to be unusually attractive to humans. This is because popcorn contains high levels of specific chemicals and very powerful aroma compounds that soothe the nostrils.
For the ’gram
Popcorn and popcorn carts are some of the most Instagram-worthy subjects! Holding your delectable popcorn next to a serving cart makes for the perfect selfie!
Business of Popping Corn Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | December 2 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | December 2 | Thursday |
| 2028 | December 2 | Saturday |
| 2029 | December 2 | Sunday |
| 2030 | December 2 | Monday |
