In every kitchen somewhere lies corn ready to be popped. At the cinema or in the comfort of our living room, it's a must. But let's forget for a moment the fluorescent yellow grains, the bags that swell in the microwave, the butter and the salt in industrial quantities. BepOp popcorn invites us to revisit one of the greatest snack classics.
Become an entrepreneur
I met Nadia Podtetenev at the Canard café one chilly autumn morning. Founder of BepOp, she told me about her journey as an entrepreneur and convinced me that popcorn was much more than the idea we had of it.
After studying marketing, Nadia learned all about entrepreneurship from her boyfriend. As he started his web business, she became his assistant and wore a thousand and one hats. When the business closes, she finds herself looking for a job and the doors don't open as quickly as she would have liked. “You have two choices in life. Either we put ourselves in a small ball wondering what we are going to do with our life, or we go for it and we say to ourselves: ̏I will find my way˝. And Nadia, a curious person who fuels ideas, is definitely a go-getter.
popcorn popsicles
Inspired by a photo seen on Pinterest, Nadia first launched with her daughter into the design of vegan popsicles made of pulp and pieces of fruit, without added sugar. But now, we had to find a winter alternative to this product appreciated in hot weather. The idea of hot chocolate presented itself, but it was under his nose that the vocation of the company was.
Photo credit: BepOp
In the family home, popcorn is already consumed on a regular basis. One day a friend gave Nadia a taste of white, small and delicate grains. It is enlightenment. At a Christmas market, popcorn machine in hand and helped by her family, Nadia offers this new corn for tasting and sells bagged grains. The success is such that she has to restock during the weekend from her supplier, the only Quebec farmer to grow this type of organic grain. The kick is given.
Turnkey Snacks
BepOp offers turnkey packaging where corn kernels, oil and seasoning are already calculated. There is even a procedure for cooking in a cauldron. No headache, just prepare and enjoy!
Photo credit: BepOp
Two types of packaging are available. The first, presented in a pretty cardboard box, is a good gift, while the second is more for personal consumption and includes two sets. Herb Salt, Nacho Mucho, and Cinnamon Sugar are the three flavors on the market. A little news, BBQ, has just been added to the offer.
A bite is worth a thousand words
One challenge Nadia faces is to convince consumers to go beyond their preconceived ideas and rediscover popcorn. “I often tell them that a bite is worth a thousand words. Once you taste it, you realize how different the taste, the texture, everything is. At BepOp, corn is the big star and seasonings play secondary roles. Both super crunchy and light, with a hint of hazelnut, corn is nothing compared to what you find in commercial packaging.
Photo credit: BepOp
Only the best, without compromising on flavor
With the aim of reducing its ecological footprint as much as possible, the vegan company favors organic and local products. Everything that is transparent in the packaging is compostable. The oil pouch and the cardboard are recyclable. And Nadia's research is constant in order to find new ecological avenues.
New flavors, new destinations
In the near future, Nadia would like to set up a subscription system where customers would receive a new flavor every month. Following the comments received, a permanent flavor would be introduced each year. Following an Ulule crowdfunding campaign, the entrepreneur purchased a freeze-dryer. This device extracts any moisture from fresh ingredients and grinds them into a very fine powder. This new acquisition will make it possible to test new seasonings from his home, where his office is located. The business is growing! Talks have already started with some local producers for future associations. The international market could also open up, since 400 BepOp boxes are preparing to fly to France!
For more details on the company, visit its member page .
Reviewed By Melanie
Leave a comment
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.