JonnyPops began in a dorm room at St. Olaf College, selling its first pops at Twin Cities farmers’ markets and local cafés in 2012. Since then, the Minnesota-based brand has grown into a national and international success, with products sold in major retailers across all 50 states and in global markets since 2016. Guided by its mission to create a “Better Pop for a Better World,” JonnyPops uses simple, wholesome ingredients—and each stick comes with an uplifting message, making kindness a hallmark of the brand.

Since 2016, Elk River, Minnesota-based JonnyPops LLC has leveraged Food Export–Midwest’s MAP-funded Branded Program to expand its export business. The Branded Program, which reimburses U.S. suppliers for a portion of their international marketing costs, has been instrumental in growing JonnyPops’ global presence.

In 2023, JonnyPops used program funding to build brand awareness in Mexico, Taiwan, and China through in-store demonstrations, sample shipments, coupon promotions, and packaging and label modifications. These efforts resulted in $397,000 in sales with projected sales of $525,000 over the next twelve months, along with 17 new foreign buyer contacts and 4 new distributorships.

“The Branded Program is such a wonderful program, and we are so appreciative for how it has truly helped us expand our international presence and sales,” said Samantha Kookogey, Director of Strategy & IT at JonnyPops.

The 2023 results marked the third consecutive year of export sales growth supported by the Branded Program. In 2021, program participation helped JonnyPops achieve its first-ever sales in China, and in 2022, the supplier reported $140,000 in sales to Australia.

Building on that momentum, JonnyPops continued participation in 2024, promoting its frozen novelties in Canada and Mexico. The company achieved $1 million in sales and established two new distributorships, further proving the Branded Program’s critical role in supporting export growth for medium-sized U.S. suppliers.

Food Export uses funding from the Market Access Program (MAP) to help America’s small businesses increase their exports of food and agricultural products. As these exports increase, these small businesses are creating jobs and improving the strength and stability of our agricultural economy. Food Export-Midwest and Food Export-Northeast are non-profit organizations that work in collaboration with their member state departments of agriculture and the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service. They offer a wide range of programs and services that help boost America’s agricultural exports.