Veteran-owned Funky Chunky gourmet popcorn becomes popular holiday hit
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As Americans head into the holiday gift season, a veteran-founded brand is popping up everywhere, from corporate gift lists to family celebrations.
Funky Chunky, a Minnesota-born gourmet popcorn company known for its chocolate-covered caramel corn, has become a holiday favorite for many thanks to its indulgent flavors and small-batch craftsmanship.
The brand’s story began in the 1990s, when Funky Chunky emerged as a handcrafted Minnesota treat that gained a cult following at local markets and specialty retailers.
U.S. Army veteran Ryan Kuo had the opportunity to buy the company with a small group of friends at the end of 2021, he told Fox News Digital.
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“The opportunity wasn’t to modernize Funky Chunky as a brand,” said Kuo, who is based in Chicago.
“It was about professionalizing the business and thoughtfully transforming it into a national brand without losing what makes it special.”
U.S. Army veteran Ryan Kuo acquired Funky Chunky in 2021 with a mission to grow the beloved popcorn brand. (Funky Chunky, Inc.)
The chocolate caramel corn didn’t hurt either.
“Seriously, this is insanely addictive,” Kuo said.
Today, Kuo, who leads major food brands, drives private equity transformations and advises experienced founders across the country, says he is most proud of building a team and operating a platform that allowed the business to grow nationally while remaining true to its roots.
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He said Kuo’s approach to leadership stems from his time in the military.
Kuo, a West Point graduate and Iraq War veteran who served from 2000 to 2005, said his years in the service shaped the way he made decisions, built trust and prioritized loyalty to both his team and his customers.
Kuo is a West Point graduate and Iraq War veteran. (Courtesy of Ryan Kuo/Funky Chunky, Inc.)
“The military instilled a deep sense of integrity, loyalty and responsibility to both people and results,” he said.
He said these qualities are now evident in his attention to quality and customer experience. “Customer satisfaction and earned loyalty are the basis of sustainable growth.”
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He is also an active supporter of fellow veteran entrepreneurs, coaching through the PenFed Foundation and mentoring veteran CEOs through the Institute for Veterans and Military Families’ CEO Circle program.
His message to employers is clear: “Hire more veterans; you won’t regret it.”
When it comes to the holidays, Kuo said Funky Chunky’s rise in popularity is no secret. It is the best choice for corporate gifts, host gifts and family gatherings.
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“Funky Chunky’s gourmet popcorn makes a great holiday gift because it’s indulgent, shareable, and easy to give—but still feels thoughtful and special,” she said. “We often hear from customers who skip a year to gift something else. The recipients come back because they are disappointed that the gift wasn’t Funky Chunky.”
The brand is known for its creative concoctions like Sea Salt Caramel and Peanut Butter Cup. (Funky Chunky, Inc.)
This season’s specially tailored vacation packages, which start at $25 and allow recipients to sample multiple flavors, have become especially popular.
In addition to the signature Sea Salt Caramel, Funky Chunky’s lineup includes the Peanut Butter Cup, Chip Zel Pop, Chocolate Pretzel and Nutty Choco Pop, as well as seasonal touches like Birthday Cake, Candy Corn Pop, Pumpkin Spice Pop and Mint Chocolate Chip Pop.
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“We’d like to say that once you give Funky Chunky, you’ve found the gift you’ll refer to forever,” Kuo said.
The company is proud to be a legacy company that manufactures in the USA and continues to give back to its service members. Shoppers can discover more at funkychunky.com, where veterans, reservists, National Guard members and active-duty service members receive 25% off.
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Funky Chunky products are also sold at retailers nationwide.
