Our strategy is based on a complete traceability obtained through vertical integration and enabling us to monitor the product’s quality from seed to end product.
Popcorn is our specialty
Selection of varieties, cultivation, meticulous quality control, innovative facilities designed specifically for popcorn, unique packaging solutions development and logistics optimization…we’ve been very busy.
our expertise
AT THE HEART OF OUR BUSINESS…POPCORN, NOTHING BUT POPCORN !
CREATING BETTER-QUALITY KERNELS THROUGH RESEARCH
Big innovations take place every step of the way, even when looking at something as small as a seed. We are privileged to have maintained a 25 years relationship with Zangger Seeds, a family owned business in the United states which specializes in traditional seed selection. Zangger’s research in seed selection has allowed for the development of seeds optimized for our soil and climate. Over 40 seed varieties are evaluated and observed every year on Natais tests plots. The 4 or 5 most promising varieties are then tested by our partner growers in order to determine whether they will be used in future harvests.
Unlike typical industrial farming procedures, this process allows our business to maintain a high level of quality and confidence with our customers
AN IDEAL LOCATION
The terrain of south western France alternates between plains and hills resulting in contrasting climates which combine to create a balance of agricultural biodiversity. This region is characterized by the many family-run farms where the most prominent agricultures play an essential role in the community. Corn culture occupies a key role in the Gers country and it this is where Nataïs operates. Its unique climate provides agricultures with a high-quality and GMO free popcorn.
To secure our yearly quotas and to accommodate unforeseen environmental hazards, Nataïs created Nataïs Popcorn South Africa (NPSA) in 2012, a sister company located in South Africa.
These geographic zones, selected for their well-suited climates and terrains, help to ensure a constant supply of high quality popcorn thanks to their asynchronous harvesting seasons.
8 000 hectares harvested in 2 geographic zones suited for popcorn farming.
NATAÏS COMBINES INNOVATION AND AGRICULTURE
Nataïs’ first job is soil preparation. As soon as we begin to cultivate our fields, respect for the environment becomes our main priority. Our partner growers take full advantage of the innovative techniques at their disposal which results in ever improving cultivation practices. With our 220 fellow corn growers Nataïs strives to reduce the use of irrigation water, prevent soil erosion and to decrease the presence of the harmful corn borer. The experimental technique of Green Tillage, developed by Nataïs, which tills our seeds into a light layer of vegetation, is an example of our commitment to sustainability
HARVESTING, STORING AND SORTING
When the moment is right, we join our partner farmers to begin the harvest. To avoid any cross contamination our growers are obligated to follow a strict set of contractual guidelines which requires a thorough cleaning of all agricultural equipment between harvests.
After cultivation, the harvest undergoes the delicate process of humidity conditioning which ensures that the kernels attain an acceptable level of moisture.
This step is crucial to guarantee the quality of the popcorn: each kernel must not be too dry nor too moist to produce the best expansion possible and a minimal amount of un-popped kernels.
For additional surety and to guarantee the maximum level of quality after storage, the kernels are sorted before being sent to processing at our production facility.
Following the completion of construction of our new silos in 2015, Nataïs maintains a total global storage capacity of 52 000 tons.
Thanks to our unique facilities we are able to ensure that our corn is kept in the optimal storage conditions between harvesting and processing.
A SINGLE PRODUCTION SITE FOR 100% TRACEABILITY
In partnership with our 220 growers in south western France. Nataïs cultivates, collects and stores all of its popcorn. This allows us to ensure material traceability as well as an unmatched and consistent quality.
AN EFFECTIVE TOOL
Our 3 fully automated production lines produce 300 bags of microwave popcorn per minute, and our 2 production lines dedicated to bulk process close to 150 tons of popcorn kernels every day !
PACKAGING
Nataïs’ packaging is characterized by a structured flexibility allowing us to offer our customers a broad range of popcorn processing options for both our microwave (individual bags, 3 packs, 6 packs, 10 packs…) and bulk products (bags of 10kg, 20kg, 25kg and 50lbs and big bags from 760 to 930kg). All processing options are listed in our catalogue, but also bags of 250, 400 et 500 grams to prepare yourself in the pan.
CONSUMER
Nataïs’ strength as a business is derived from its deep understanding of its target markets. Every country and culture has its unique tastes which include taste in popcorn! Whether you prefer sweet or savory, Nataïs has developed a range of flavors and a unique expertise which will suit your pallet no matter your preference!
Here at Nataïs we are just as excited to hear about out customer’s satisfaction as we are receptive to their complaints. We feel it is our duty as a proud and consciensous enterprise to form a relationship with out customers welcoming their compliments and building on their criticism.
Specialist in the cultivation and processing of popcorn
Nataïs’s operations focus on the two primary markets : microwave popcorn and raw materials processed in bulk
our products
NOT ALL CORN IS CREATED EQUAL. IN FACT, ONLY 2 FAMILIES OF CORN PRODUCE OUR SPECIALIZED POPPING KERNELS WHICH COME IN 5 DISTINCT VARIETIES
butterfly family
The butterfly is the ideal variety for those manufacturers and distributors of snacks who are looking for optimal kernel expansion to fill as many bags as possible.
The butterfly is the ideal variety for those manufacturers and distributors of snacks who are looking for optimal kernel expansion to fill as many bags as possible
mushroom family
Our classic mushroom variety produces an exquisite mushroom shape and is specially conditioned to pop up into a round puff which is perfect for sweet recipes.
Extra large kernels which pops in round uniform flakes (mushroom) making this ideal choice for caramel ans coated popcorn crumble resistant.
Ideal blend to give you expansion with a perfect balance of mushroom and butterfly. Perfect for ready to eat popcorn or cinema popcorn.
Specialist in the cultivation and processing of popcorn kernels, Nataïs’s operations are focused in two primary markets: Microwave popcorn and bulk raw materials production.
Nataïs is proud to offer our customers a tasty line-up of Microwave popcorn which include salty, sweet, butter, caramel, cheese and more!
Additionally, we supply kernels in bulk to manufacturers and wholesalers all around the world.
IN BULK
Nataïs’s stock of premium raw kernels is comprised of both our butterfly and mushroom varieties. Bulk shipments are available for manufacturers and wholesalers of snacks. In addition to the classic butterfly and mushroom kernels we also now offer an organic butterfly kernel
Bulk shipments are available in the following sizes: Bags of 10kg; 20kg; 25kg and 50lbs as well as Big Bags of 760 to 930 kg.
Nataïs has vested interest in making sure our bulk shipping operations function at the optimal logistic capacity. Whether it’s by land (freight) or by sea (container) we strive to ensure that every shipment operates at maximal container occupancy.
MICROWAVE POPCORN
Nataïs has developed an unrivaled “savoir faire” when it comes to our microwave popcorn. This allows us to offer a delicious range of flavors from savory (salt, butter, cheese, bacon, and more) to sweet (kettle, caramel, chocolate, apple cinnamon, and even more!)
Our production systems are as flexible as they are efficient. Natais operates 100% automated productions lines producing 300 bags a minute and can be adjusted to any of the processing options specified in the Natais catalogue.
Snack manufacturers and distributors are our main customers
Nataïs R&D
We at Nataïs strive for innovation. While constantly searching for ways to improve our existing products, Natais’ R&D also aims to expand by adding new flavors and varieties.
R&D occupies an essential role at Nataïs and is working daily on new projects:
- The creation of new recipes
- Improving existing formulas (incorporating more natural ingredients)
- Working to find a sustainable alternative to palm oil
- Packaging optimization
Striving constantly for innovative solutions and improvement continues to allow us to develop our unique expertise in microwave popcorn and has made Natais a lead producer and innovator in the European popcorn market
NATAÏS QUALITY
-
Our guarantees
Our guarantees concerning mycotoxines, microbes and heavy metals are in accordance with the strictest European standards
Our GMO and pesticide free guarantees are part of a deep commitment to our customers and are unrivaled by others in the industry.
Following each production cycle, our lab systematically carries out the following measurements:
- Expansion
- Verification of the number of popped kernels for 10g
- Moisture
-
Our Kernel Specs
EXPANSION KERNEL COUNT HUMIDITY RATE Butterfly Classic Butterfly 40+, 42+, 44+, 46+ 55-65 12,5-14,5% Organic Butterfly 40+ Mushroom Classic Mushroom 32+ 45-60 12,5-14,5% Pop N Roll 28+ 40-50 Kettle Corn 36+ 50-60 Expansion (MWVT) :The Kernel expansion is measured with a CRETORS machine (Metric Weight Volume Tester), officially recognized by the popcorn manufacturing industry.
The volume is measured in cubic centimeters per gram of unpopped kernels(cc/g).
Kernel count : Number of kernels for every 10g. -
Our storage recommendations
In order to preserve optimal kernel quality, we recommend the following storage parameters:
- Store in a cool dry area with a temperature less than 25°C
- Do not expose the merchandise to artificial light. Avoid direct sunlight.
- Avoid contact with walls and floor to protect against moisture
- Keep in a sterile environment free from insects, rodents, pests and any other potential contaminants
Corny facts
Popcorn is gluten free!
Corn and its derivatives, including popcorn, are foods naturally free from gluten like it is the case for soy, quinoa and millet!
Microwave popcorn by Nataïs
Nataïs pours all of its know-how into two in house brands : Magic Pop et Yum Kah, by Nataïs.
Our brands
NATAÏS POURS ALL OF ITS KNOW-HOW INTO TWO IN HOUSE BRANDS : MAGIC POP AND YUM KAH, BY NATAÏS
Organic microwave popcorn without any constraints!
GROWN IN FRANCE SINCE 1999, OUR ORGANIC POPCORN IS ALSO AVAILABLE IN MICROWAVE VERSION. IT CORNES IN TWO FLAVORS (SALT, SWEET) AND A 3-PACK PACKAGING. SIMPLE INGREDIENTS ARE THE KEY : CORN, OIL, SUGAR, SALT AND THAT’S IT!
Organic Corn
Oil
Salt
Sweet
Yum Kah™ advantages
premium
Quality
competitively
Price
constant
Quality
free from
ogm‘s
Yum Kah™ range
3 Pack
salt
microwave
popcorn
3 bags 90g
3 Pack
Sweet
microwave
popcorn
3 bags 90g