Asterisk Gourmet Popcorn
Matís operates a so-called food workshop. The food factory is in fact a kitchen and processing facility with a variety of equipment, appliances and utensils available so that it is possible to carry out a variety of food processing in the facility. Processing may take place provided that it has obtained the required operating license or certification.
One of the entrepreneurs who has worked on her projects in Matarsmiðjan is Ásthildur Björgvinsdóttir at Ástrík Gourmet Poppkorn.
Ásthildur Björgvinsdóttir is behind the brand, but she had enjoyed experiments and challenges in the kitchen for years. The pop production actually started in the kitchen of her home where she kept trying and people around her were very interested in tasting and getting recipes. In 2015, she took the popcorn to the food market, where it was very well received. After that, she started looking at the possibilities of bringing this into production and sale and then looked to Matís where she got access to facilities in a commercial kitchen, as well as instructions and teaching.
Ásthildur imports non-genetically modified popcorn from the South of France of the so-called "mushroom" variety that pops into large balls. They are rolled out of caramel that is made from scratch by herself or her colleagues. That caramel is made with care, just like caramels were made in the old days with Icelandic butter, flake salt and other goodies. The basic recipe for caramel popcorn has remained the same since the beginning, the same good ingredients are always used and no additives are added. The production requires great precision and care, but Ásthildur believes that this is precisely the key to success.
All kinds of popcorn are available from the brand Ástrík Gourmet Poppkorn and they are always trying something new. Examples include popcorn with rosemary, licorice or coconut. The most popular type, however, is caramel pop with sea salt, which can be eaten as is, for example, placed in and on top of cakes and buns on cupcake day, served with cheese and placed on top of ice cream and coffee drinks. Caramel pop can also be paired with drinks and put in gift baskets. It has also been popular to order large portions of several flavors and make a kind of pop-bar at parties or events. The popcorn is also available in various grocery and specialty stores.
More information about Asterisk Gourmet Popcorn can be found at the company's website.
