Chennai: Gourmet Popcornica, India’s largest popcorn maize company and the fourth largest globally, has received a personal letter of recognition from the Vice President of India C.P. Radhakrishnan, acknowledging the company’s contribution to Indian agriculture, farmer livelihoods, and the nation’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The recognition highlights Gourmet Popcornica’s efforts in building India’s popcorn maize ecosystem through farmer partnerships, agricultural innovation, and sustainable value creation.
In his letter, the Vice President of India praised the company’s entrepreneurial journey and its impact on India’s agricultural sector.
“Your vision, perseverance, and entrepreneurial spirit have transformed popcorn into one of India’s most popular snack foods while creating value for maize farmers and generating livelihoods across the country.”
— His Excellency Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, Vice President of India
The letter, dated June 23, 2026, was personally addressed to SBP Pattabhi Rama Rao, Managing Director of Gourmet Popcornica Pvt. Ltd.
It acknowledges the company’s journey that began with the transfer of agricultural knowledge from Preferred Popcorn in Nebraska, USA, and has since expanded across multiple Indian states.
Today, Gourmet Popcornica works with nearly 20,000 farmers across nine states and supports the cultivation of popcorn maize over more than 40,000 acres, creating a robust agricultural ecosystem while strengthening farmer livelihoods.
Responding to the recognition, SBP Pattabhi Rama Rao said the honour reflects the collective efforts of farmers, employees, and partners who have contributed to the company’s mission.
“This recognition from the Vice President of India is not mine alone. It belongs to every farmer who trusted us with their land, every team member who believed in the mission, and every partner who has walked this journey with us. This is not our summit, it is our fuel to do more for Indian agriculture and for Bharat,” said SBP Pattabhi Rama Rao, Managing Director, Gourmet Popcornica.
The Vice President also expressed confidence that Gourmet Popcornica’s initiatives would help India achieve popcorn maize self-sufficiency by 2030 while positioning the country as a global exporter of premium-quality popcorn maize.
According to the company, the recognition underscores the role of agricultural entrepreneurship in strengthening India’s farming ecosystem and advancing the country’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
About Gourmet Popcornica
Gourmet Popcornica is a Chennai-based agri-to-consumer company that is building India’s popcorn value chain, spanning hybrid seed development, farmer partnerships, kernel processing, storage, cinema supply, branded retail, and e-commerce products.
Founded in 2014, the company works closely with 19,500 farmers across nine states, cultivating more than 40,000 acres of popcorn maize.
It is India’s largest producer of popcorn maize and the fourth largest globally. Gourmet Popcornica focuses on product integrity, supply reliability, farmer impact, sustainable packaging, and responsible sourcing throughout its operations.
