Core Insights - The article highlights the successful breeding of specialty corn varieties, particularly popping corn, which has led to increased consumer options and market demand [1] - The introduction of new specialty corn varieties at the 2025 Liaoning Specialty Corn Variety Exhibition indicates a growing trend towards diversified and high-quality corn products [1] Group 1: Specialty Corn Development - The exhibition showcased various specialty corn types, including glutinous corn, sweet glutinous corn, and popping corn, which are bred for specific uses and high quality [1] - Popping corn's yield has increased from approximately 500 pounds per acre to around 1,000 pounds, with prices 2 to 3 times higher than regular corn, making it a profitable crop [1] Group 2: Market Trends and Consumer Preferences - There is a growing trend in the specialty corn market towards diversification and quality, driven by consumer preferences for fresh sweet corn and glutinous corn [1] - The processing of popping corn products is expanding from traditional cinema channels to the family snack food sector, while fresh corn is seeing development in ready-to-eat and functional products [1] - The current planting area for specialty corn in the region is about 1 million acres, with potential for further growth in the future [1] Group 3: New Variety Selection Process - Prior to the exhibition, 149 new specialty corn varieties were collected and evaluated through a blind selection process, resulting in the top 10 glutinous corn and sweet glutinous corn varieties being promoted to seed companies and planting cooperatives [2]