TOP 100 MAGAZINE

Cody Derner

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Cody Derner didn’t launch a popcorn brand because he wanted to cash in on a trend—he did it because he believed in a recipe and the story behind it. Growing up, Cody’s grandmother made popcorn that was anything but ordinary. Light, crunchy, and full of flavor, it was a staple at every family gathering. Years later, that same recipe would inspire KrackCorn® Popcorn, a brand Cody and his wife have built from the ground up—without shortcuts, and without a safety net.

 

Founded in 2020, KrackCorn® is as personal as it gets. From bootstrapping their way forward, their mission was clear from the beginning: create a real, scalable brand while honoring the quality and comfort of Grandma’s original recipe.

 

By early 2021, armed with just one flavor, they saw unexpected retail momentum. In 2022, KrackCorn® won the Most Innovative New Salty Snack of the Year at the industry’s largest trade show, an achievement that caught the attention of national retailers. But success came fast—and so did the pressure. With no major funding, they couldn’t support full national rollouts, yet still managed to grow 400% and landed on shelf in over 5,000 stores by the end of that year.

 

This growth led to a need for further innovation in 2023. They launched their Cheddar Cheese Caramel flavor, but with expansion comes growing pains. Still bootstrapped, the release of their third flavor—Jalapeño Heat— didn’t come until July 2024. Still, the brand pushed forward and found creative ways to thrive. In 2024, KrackCorn® became the #1 popcorn brand on TikTok Shop, and secured national placement with the large retail chain, Publix.

 

Today, KrackCorn® offers three bold flavors and has plans to release one or two more in Fall 2025. With expansion into select Walmart and Costco locations, Cody has big goals for the future.

 

What makes KrackCorn® truly different isn’t just the flavor—it’s the popcorn itself. Light, crunchy, and unmistakably unique. But beyond the snacks is a story of grit, perseverance, and unshakable belief in doing things their way. Success isn’t coming easy, but it’s coming honestly, one delicious popcorn bag at a time. With no experience in CPG, or backup plan, Cody is all-in.

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Cody Derner
Founder
KrackCorn Popcorn
Website: www.krackcornpopcorn.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-derner-b9134b113
Instagram:@krackcorn