Made in Frederick: Catoctin Popcorn Company

Three jars of preserves and the production of popcorn treats. The left jar is pumpkin butter, the middle shows chocolate being poured over popcorn, and the right jar is strawberry preserves. All jars have a label that says

In The City of Frederick, many local businesses make and manufacture their own products. From popcorn and coffee to dog treats, many businesses are choosing Frederick as a place to make their products and to do business.

Made in Frederick is a feature that showcases these businesses and their products.

Made in Frederick: Catoctin Popcorn Company

Catoctin Popcorn Company was established in 2001 and sold its signature kettle corn on roadsides and at local fairs. More than a decade later, the company's factory and retail store are located in Frederick, Maryland (behind AstraZeneca/MedImmune's biologics manufacturing facility). The store offers a variety of delectable treats, including its namesake's kettle popcorn.

Catoctin Popcorn's factory is fully-stocked with the company's complete product line. In addition to offering over 35 varieties of popcorn, customers can purchase roasted nuts, preserves and butters, peanut brittle, and more. Additionally, decorative tins and baskets are available for purchase and are especially popular at the holidays.

The City of Frederick's Department of Economic Development had the chance to stop by Catoctin Popcorn's factory and retail store and talk to managing member Bryan Casey.

Q&A with Managing Member Bryan Casey

Bryan Casey took the time to answer a few questions about the business, its products, and why he enjoys doing business in Frederick.

Display of popcorn tins, wooden crate shelves with jars, and a wooden popcorn tub, likely in a shop.

Catoctin Popcorn's factory store is fully-stocked with the company's entire product line, including gift tins and baskets.

How long has your company been in business?

Catoctin Kettle Korn was started in 2001. In 2007, we purchased the business and changed the name to Catoctin Popcorn Company. 

What are your product/products?

We are most famous for our Kettle Korn and Caramel Popcorn, but have a large following who enjoy many of our other flavors. We make over 36 flavors - as diverse as Apple Pie, Peanut Butter Cluster or Dark Chocolate Drenched Popcorn.

What makes your product different?

Although not all of our products are all natural, we specialize in making all natural, delicious snacks from popcorn grown here in the mid-Atlantic region.

A bird's eye view of the production area.

Overhead view of a commercial kitchen, showing stainless steel equipment, stacked containers, and workers preparing food.

What do you want your customers to know about your product?

Our premium popcorn uses the best ingredients to make a product that is rich and delicious. It's an indulgent snack for any occasion. We are now carried by some of your favorite grocery stores as well. Our products can be found in Frederick at Weis Markets and Giant Eagle.  In Baltimore, we are in ShopRite and Weis Markets. In Pennsylvania, we can be found at Renders', Weis Markets and Kennie's Markets.

What does Frederick offer a company like yours?

We love being located in Frederick. It's central for distribution purposes and loaded with great people to help us make, and eat, our popcorn.

Four sequential images depicting the chocolate-making process: an industrial machine, a conveyor belt, a worker operating a rotating machine, and gloved hands pouring melted chocolate into a large pot.
Exterior view of Catocin Popcorn Co. storefront with large red lettering, glass windows, and a brick facade, featuring a visible address of 104.

If you go

Catoctin Popcorn has a full factory store (650 MedImmune Court, Frederick, MD 21703) that is open to the public on most weekdays.  As the hours of operation vary throughout the year, visit Catoctin Popcorn's website for more information. Catoctin Popcorn's products are also available in Frederick at Giant Eagle and Weis Markets.

Six sealed plastic bags of Chesapeake Crab Corn popcorn displayed on a metal shelf with a black sign indicating the price as $1.99 per bag.
A gloved hand pours melted chocolate from a brown pitcher onto a tray of caramel corn, while other trays filled with plain caramel corn sit on a stainless steel work surface.
Industrial food processing machine composed of a rotating cylindrical screen, metal frame, a chute for exiting product, and an electric motor. The cylindrical screen has an exterior of wire mesh and a central drive wheel connected to a belt driven by the motor. A blue metal chute directs the flow of processed food.

Want to be featured?

If you or your business has a product that's made in The City of Frederick, contact us and let us know more about your business, product, and why Frederick is a great business location for you.