The exhibition’s resilience has been remarkable, after facing the challenges of the pandemic. What’s more, TOP GUN’S blockbuster opening has injected the summer with a strong dose of optimism over the future of moviegoing.
Alas, another challenge may be looming, in the form of a supply chain crisis. The availability of basic supplies such as cups and popcorn bags and buckets has become dangerously low. Key concessions items are also in doubt, with soda, candy, and, most importantly, popcorn in short supply. The supply of popcorn is especially in flux with many long-time corn farmers choosing to grow cheaper and more resilient crops such as soybeans.
Together with a steep rise in fertilizer prices due to the war in Ukraine, the cost of growing corn has increased, which has inevitably raised prices for exhibitors. Thankfully, many exhibitors have diversified their concessions offerings in recent years, leaving them in a better position to offer alternative snacks and sweets. However, most theatres still rely heavily on popcorn and soda as the foundation of concessions sales, and profits.