POPCORN PERFECTION

Family and fun are at the core of Dr Bugs, and it has been since Monique and Raymond Posthuma bought the popcorn brand together in 1999.

Since Monique and Raymond took on the snack mantle, they have grown the business to around a team of 20 people, and being a true family business, a couple of the kids are in the fold too.

Daughter Michaela, the chief production officer, ensures that every bag of popcorn is made to perfection while son Reuben takes charge of sales and marketing. Monique is a trained food scientist and handles the health and safety, the food safety, and new product development. Raymond, managing director, handles the business and engineering side of things.

Dr Bugs Popcorn has microwave popcorn, ready-to-eat popcorn, and candyfloss in stores across New Zealand and on its website. All the products are made right here in Christchurch from New Zealand grown popping corn.

Over the years, they have expanded their range of popcorn flavours. They have been experimenting with new flavours and introduced choc-coated Gourmet Popcorn Treats and limited-edition flavours like apple crumble, feijoa cider, and lemon meringue pie.

“We’ve learned that popcorn can be more than just your classic butter or caramel flavours and that people love to indulge in something a little more gourmet,” Reuben says.

The team draws inspiration from community feedback and childhood favourites while creating new flavours.

“Our customers have been super creative, so we’ve been listening to what they’re suggesting and what they want to try. Often, we’ve been tapping into flavours we’ve loved as kids, so there’s a bunch of nostalgia in the tasting process.”

The brand is planning to expand its savoury range and launch an all-new Christmas lineup later this year.

“So far, we’ve released Pulled Pork and American Cheeseburger. Savoury is super different than sweet, so it’s been really interesting to hear feedback and ideas.”

To try out some of their limited-edition flavours, head over to their website at drbugs.co.nz/avenues, where you can get a free bag of popcorn with your first order.

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Sam Parish @sam.parish.food