Since its founding in 1885, C. Cretors & Company has been at the forefront of innovation in the concession industry, revolutionizing the way popcorn is popped and enjoyed. Over nearly 140 years, Cretors has continuously introduced groundbreaking technologies and products that have shaped the snack food industry. Here’s a look at some of the key inventions that have defined the company’s legacy.
The Birth of Cretors: 1885
It all began when Charles Cretors, dissatisfied with a peanut roaster he purchased, set out to build a better machine. His pioneering spirit led him to design a steam-powered peanut roaster that evenly cooked the peanuts while attracting attention with the charming Tosty Rosty mechanical clown. This invention marked the birth of C. Cretors & Company on December 2, 1885.
Revolutionizing Popcorn: 1893
At the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Charles introduced his popcorn machine, changing the way popcorn was prepared forever. Unlike the traditional method of dry popping over an open fire, his machine used a steam-powered agitator to stir the kernels while cooking them in seasoning, ensuring an even coating on every piece. This innovation laid the foundation for modern popcorn production.
Expansion and Export: 1897-1925
By the late 1890s, Cretors had started exporting its machines, with the first international sale going to the Netherlands in 1897. In 1907, Charles and his son Hazael patented an electric motor, shifting from steam-powered machines to electrically operated models that became widely used indoors.
Cretors’ innovation extended beyond popcorn, as seen in the introduction of the Buda Truck in 1911—one of the first concession food trucks in the U.S. Selling popcorn, peanuts, and soda, these trucks set the stage for modern mobile vending.
In 1924, the company launched the Earn More model, its most successful machine to date, which was designed for both indoor and outdoor use. By 1925, Cretors had introduced high-volume double-popper machines to meet the growing demands of theaters and stadiums.
Pioneering Candy-Coated Popcorn: 1935
Cretors continued to push the boundaries of innovation with the introduction of candy-coated popcorn equipment in 1935. The Duplex machine, the first of its kind, enabled caramel corn shops to flourish. This marked a major milestone in the evolution of gourmet popcorn.
Supporting the War Effort: 1945
During World War II, Cretors temporarily shifted production from poppers to defense-related manufacturing, supplying aircraft oil line fittings and anti-aircraft gun components. Once the war ended, Cretors resumed popcorn machine production, though a steel shortage required temporary use of wooden cabinets.
Industrial Popcorn Machines: 1967 and Beyond
In response to rising demand for large-scale popcorn production, Cretors developed and patented Flo-Thru technology in 1967, introducing the first industrial hot air popcorn machine. These machines revolutionized the industry, with some models capable of popping up to 5,000 lbs. per hour.
The 1970s and 1980s saw further advancements, including the update of the OVT (Official Volume Tester) into the enhanced Metric Weight Volume Tester (MWVT) and the T-2000, the first of the Red Top Line compact poppers. The company also expanded into cotton candy and nacho equipment, broadening its product line.
Innovations for the Modern Era: 1998-Present
The late 20th and early 21st centuries brought even more groundbreaking inventions. In 1998, Cretors patented the 7900 Bag-in-Box oil pump, changing how oil was delivered to popcorn kettles. The early 2000s saw the development of the G-Zilla, the largest wet-popping kettle in the industry, and the introduction of an extensive line of popcorn supplies.
In 2004, Cretors gained recognition in the Guinness Book of World Records for building the world’s largest working popcorn machine. The Mach 5, released in 2009, was the company’s first machine built using Lean Manufacturing principles.
With continued advancements in the 2010s, such as the introduction of Poppi, the first commercial hot air popper, and the Double Feature machine that combined popping, coating, and caramelizing in one unit, Cretors cemented its role as a leader in popcorn technology.
The Future of Innovation: 2025 and Beyond
Cretors remains dedicated to innovation, sustainability, and efficiency. The company has installed solar panels at its Wood Dale, IL plant and is continuously developing energy-efficient machines. With a focus on sustainable practices and cutting-edge designs, Cretors is poised to lead the snack food industry into the future.
From steam-powered peanut roasters to state-of-the-art popcorn machines, Cretors has spent over a century revolutionizing the way the world enjoys its favorite snacks. As we look forward to the future, one thing remains certain—Cretors’ commitment to quality and innovation will continue to shape the industry for generations to come.
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