Illinois Movie Theaters Are Bracing For A Popcorn Shortage

I understand that many of you are probably unfamiliar with the word "shortage," because everything you want and need is in abundant supply here in Rockford and across the fruited plain.

In case you need it, the Cambridge Dictionary defines it thusly: "a situation in which there is not enough of something."

And, that appears to be the case with popcorn.

Sarcasm Aside, The Popcorn Shortage Is Just The Latest Entry On The List Of Things In Short Supply Over The Last Year Or So

There are a few other items that have found themselves on people's wish lists lately, like:

• Baby formula
• Computer chips
• Cream cheese
• Coins
• Potatoes
• Blood
• Christmas trees
• Maple syrup
• Diapers
• Lumber
• Garage doors
• Used cars
• Furniture
• Chicken
• Chlorine

Okay, that's probably enough now that I'm depressing myself. Let's move onto the popcorn angle on things.

Like Most Of The Other Shortages, The Popcorn Problem Began With Pandemic Closures Of Movie Theaters

Back in 2020, when movies theaters locked their doors due to COVID-19, America's popcorn farmers had plenty of popcorn, but struggled to sell it when a big chunk of their customer base disappeared.

Now, the situation has reversed. We're going back to theaters in droves, and eating shovelfuls of popcorn. The same popcorn suppliers who had a surplus are now struggling to meet demand.

MentalFloss.com:

Moviegoers returning to theaters isn't the only problem contributing to the shortage. Issues that are rippling through the economy—such as the rising cost of materials, a lack of truckers, and supply chain disruptions—have impacted popcorn sales.

However, Rockford Movie Audiences May Not Feel The Pain Of The Popcorn Shortage

Rockford's Showplace 16 and Showplace 14 in Machesney Park are AMC Theaters, and the CEO of AMC, Adam Aron, says that he's got you covered because he made a long-term deal with popcorn suppliers.

AMC's current arrangement for "high-quality" popcorn supplies is in place for the next 3 years, which means that while other theater chains may struggle to obtain enough popcorn for their audiences, AMC has their supply chain locked in.