June 22, 2009
CHICAGO, IL – Earlier this year, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services invited five organic food companies based in Virginia to join them in representing the Commonwealth at the Organic Trade Association’s All Things Organic Expo 2009 in Chicago. Among the five was Popghum LLC, a new Arlington based company that makes innovative snacks that are as tasty as they are healthy and affordable.
The show, which took place from June 16-18, marked the public release of Popghum Original and Southwestern Chili & Cheddar, the company’s first two commercially available varieties of organic popped sorghum. Dan Gadra, Chief Executive Officer of Popghum LLC, was on hand to provide samples and information about the popular new snack.
“I can’t be more pleased with the audience response,” said Mr. Gadra. “Folks have expressed overwhelming support for Popghum and the company’s mission. Our goal was to provide a much healthier and tastier version of a familiar snack that all people can eat, even if they are allergic to corn or intolerant to gluten. We were able to do this and to certify it organic, all while keeping the price as low as traditionally less healthy snacks like chips and popcorn. Best of all, people thought it tasted better than those snacks. That made me happier than anything else.”
Popghum stood out among over 300 companies displaying products and services at the show, drawing interviews from news outlets including the Chicago Sun Times, and making its debut an unqualified success. Orders flowed in on the spot from retailers and individuals alike, as well as requests for joint product offerings from large natural food businesses and major event producers. Major distributors also requested meetings to discuss long term deals.
Attendees and exhibitors who visited Popghum’s booth were excited about the innovative new snack. People strongly supported Popghum’s mission to donate a percentage of its profits to help save endangered species around the world. People were also surprised to learn that sorghum is the fifth most produced cereal grain in the world (behind corn, rice, wheat and barley, and before grains like oats and rye) and that just like corn, sorghum kernels pop when you heat them.
“Popped sorghum has many advantages over popcorn,” said Mr. Gadra. “For example, it has fewer calories, less fat and does not contain the corn allergen zein. It’s also very high in protein for a carbohydrate based snack, and very high in fiber. It definitely has a better flavor than popcorn (mildly nutty and sweet) and it has a better crunch. Best of all, it has no hulls, which parents know can be a choking hazard for children, and which everyone who’s eaten popcorn knows are a real pain when they stick in your teeth and gums.”
For more information about Popghum and to order, visit www.popghum.com.
About All Things Organic:
All Things Organic is the leading organic industry tradeshow with over 300 organic suppliers. The show provides a resource for new and innovative products across today’s top growing food industry categories, and includes products, education and tools to capitalize on top consumer trends. Information is available at www.organicexpo.com.
