AMC's Popcorn Bucket Business Reaches $100 Million Valuation
Movie theater chain AMC projects its limited-edition popcorn buckets will generate $100 million in revenue this year, nearly doubling its 2023 earnings from the product line.
AMC, the movie theater chain, has seen its business selling themed popcorn buckets become a significant revenue driver. The company now estimates that sales of these collectible buckets will reach $100 million this year, nearly double the amount it earned from the product in 2023.
The success is largely attributed to limited-edition, movie-themed designs that have become collector's items, rather than the popcorn itself. For instance, buckets released for Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey" included a $50 IMAX camera replica and a $70 Trojan horse design, both of which sold out rapidly.
Companies like Snap Creative partner with studios to license intellectual property for these buckets. The demand can be substantial, with IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond noting that an initial order of 2,500 units sold out almost immediately, leading to a second batch selling out within seven minutes.
This niche market is dominated by a few key players, including Snap Creative, Disney's partner Golden Link, and Australia's Zinc. While collaborations can be highly profitable, success is not guaranteed. Bucket sales for less popular films, such as "Supergirl" and "Masters of the Universe," did not perform as well.