Chennai, July 2: Gourmet Popcornica, India’s largest popcorn maize company, and the fourth largest in the world, today announced that it has received a personal letter of recognition from the Vice President of India, His Excellency Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, acknowledging the company’s extraordinary contribution to Indian agriculture, farmer livelihoods, and the nation’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
“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, addressed personally to Shri SBP Pattabhi Rama Rao, Managing Director of Gourmet Popcornica Pvt. Ltd., acknowledges a journey that began with the transfer of agricultural knowledge from Preferred Popcorn in Nebraska, USA, and has since taken root across several states of India. Today, Gourmet Popcornica works with almost 20,000 farmers in nine states, cultivating an acreage of over 40,000 acres.
“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.”– Shri SBP Pattabhi Rama Rao, Managing Director, Gourmet Popcornica
In a remarkable testament to the power of agricultural entrepreneurship, Shri Radhakrishnan expressed confidence that Gourmet Popcornica’s efforts will not only position India to achieve popcorn maize self-sufficiency by 2030, but will also enable the nation to emerge as an exporter of premium quality popcorn maize on the global stage.