Norfolk County home to top family-run popcorn business [Video]

Norfolk County may just be home to the country’s largest grower and manufacturer of popcorn and the family behind it all says that success comes with its challenges competing against popcorn growers around the world.

The Townsend family has been running their popcorn business in Ontario since 1985.

The 300-acre plot was formerly a tobacco farm, but the Townsend’s turned to popping corn and are now known as the largest popcorn producers in the country.

“I don’t think being the largest is the specialty part. I think it’s more or less the uniqueness of the business.” Tanner Townsend said of Uncle Bob’s Popcorn.

The business was named after founder Robert Townsend. Robert’s son, Blair, says his father found a niche market in Canada.

“Popcorn was a commodity that was imported mostly into Canada and so they said they would like to try it.” Blair explained.

Operating in Canada, though, comes with its challenges.

“When we’re trying to compete for contracts and what not with companies it’s a lot tougher for us to hit the same price points that the companies in the U.S. and Argentina can do.” said Tanner.

“Simply, our costs are higher, wages are higher here… expenses in general… as well as we have to make money at the end of the day so we have to compete with that big time.”

Tanner says the weather can also play a role in the quality of the kernels.

“We really pray for an appropriate amount of rain and a lot of sunshine … popcorn loves the heat.”

He says most people buy their Uncle Bob’s online which helps them to keep their prices low and concentrate on quality, adding that working alongside his family also makes the business worthwhile.

“I’ve been working with my parents and both of my brothers for, oh my goodness, probably for 20 years now at this company,” said Courtney Townsend. “It’s been amazing to grow as a family and grow in our talents and utilize them to grow our business.”

There are several steps to making good popcorn, from cleaning out the dirt, to separating the good kernels and packaging.

“We like to put out a quality product so we make sure that we do everything the way it should be done. There are no corners that are cut because we want our customers to have the best popcorn.” said Livia Townsend.

Uncle Bob’s is now expanding their retail presence, with products now on the shelves of 42 Food Basics locations across Ontario, including in Hamilton.