BOOTHBAY HARBOR - The Maine Grocers & Food Producers Association (MGFPA) is proud to announce Coastal Maine Popcorn Co. of Boothbay Harbor as the 2019 Food Producer of the Year.  

Julie and Paul Roberts started Coastal Maine Popcorn because, well let’s be honest, what could be more fun than making and selling delicious, eye-popping flavors of popcorn? Eleven years ago, this past June, they opened their doors bringing popcorn back to the bustling, little town of Boothbay Harbor. The couple has found success by expanding their reach throughout the United States, including retail stores and an expansive wholesale program. They’ve positioned themselves as the ideal gift, offering personalized options for special events, corporate giving and fundraising.

They credit their customers’ reactions as to what “fuels their passion.” Offering more than 40 flavors, from classic kettle corn or white cheddar to Mint Chocolate Cookie or Maine Blueberry Pancake, there’s an option guaranteed to please everyone. ­­­If you’ve yet to try one of their flavors, you’ll be amazed at how your palate and mind will burst with amazement as it makes the connection between the popcorn’s airy texture and unique flavor combination! The flavors mimic exactly the taste you anticipate based on the name and description.  At Coastal Maine Popcorn, all their popcorn is handmade one batch at a time. They follow the Maine Coast tradition of creating a quality product that is second to none.

As a customer for 10 years, Sheila Nappi owner of Bow Street Market in Freeport, proclaims, “Paul and Julie exemplify the hard work of small business owners.  They are independent, risk-takers, ambitious, personable, and above all, they are purveyors of a line of flavorful gourmet popcorn.  It's what drives them.  Their risks and passion to produce a high-quality, local treat moves our taste buds forward.  And we need them!”

Since day one, their focus has been on producing the world’s best popcorn while providing world-class customer service. The team at Coastal Maine Popcorn values the relationship they have with their customers and works hard to foster it through honesty and integrity – and great tasting popcorn! Together they work diligently, day after day, to make sure that all of their customers are taken care of. “Coastal Maine Popcorn is a great vendor partner. You deal directly with the owners, one on one, resulting in superior personal customer service. They are always willing to go the extra mile to make sure our stores are in- stock with what our customers are looking for! Everything is made right here in Maine and sold in all of our Maine stores”, states Alan Martel, Maine District Manager, Shaw’s Supermarkets.

The Maine Grocers & Food Producers Association is proud to honor Coastal Maine Popcorn Co. as a dedicated member who has leveraged our partnership with an unmatched willingness to participate and provide samples that surprise our taste buds time after time. A genuine congratulations to the entire team and cheers to Julie and Paul on all your accomplishments!

The award will be formally presented on Thursday, Oct. 24 at the Annual Summit in Rockport at the Samoset Resort (220 Warrenton St.).  Awarded annually this prestigious honor is given to a MGFPA member who meets the highest standards of excellence in providing a positive workplace, increased sales, contributions to the food industry through legislative or educational activities, and a commitment to furthering opportunities for other Maine businesses.

The Maine Grocers & Food Producers Association is a non-profit business trade association composed of independent grocery stores and supermarkets, food and beverage producers and manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors, and associated service businesses.