It may be corny, but it works

SAVOURY-flavoured popcorn with varieties such as chilli and fennel, garlic and herb, and honey and mustard, looks like taking the adult snack market in the UK by storm, according to a North- East husband-and-wife team.

Richard and Catherine Furze, of Consett, County Durham, have set up a business called the Consett Popcorn Company to market Corn Again popcorn. They sold 900 bags in less than four days at the product’s launch and say they were amazed at the public’s response.

“We were overwhelmed by the demand.

It was just unbelievable,” says Catherine. “ Everyone who tries it says they have never tasted popcorn like it and we are now totally convinced we have a national winner on our hands.”

As far as the Furzes know, they are the only company in the UK producing savoury-flavoured popcorn.

“Our popcorn is made of entirely natural ingredients, a world away from commercial sweet or cinema popcorn, with a range of flavours that makes a great alternative snack to crisps or nuts, whatever the occasion.

It is aimed primarily at adults, but kids seem to love it, too,” says Richard.

The company was set up by the couple in the kitchen of their home at Shotley Bridge, near Consett, but they are hoping to move into a factory unit soon – “before the popcorn overwhelms the family home,” says Catherine.

“The Consett Popcorn Company’s delicious twist on a firm snack favourite has the potential to be a real winner in the UK market,” says Sandy Duncan, of the North-East England Food and Drink Group.

“The company’s savoury popcorn is also a great example to other North- East producers that creating an innovative product can help you stand out from the crowd.”

The product is selling at delis and farm shops across the North-East, as well as in Fenwick’s food hall, in Newcastle.

The five initial flavours also include salty sweet and sweet cinnamon spice. Other varieties will follow in due course, say the Furzes.

The 100g bags retail at £2.30.

■ cornagain.co.uk