Killian Korn proves popular during holidays

OTHELLO - Hot cocoa with marshmallows, peppermint cream, cookies and cream are just a few of the flavors offered by the Othello-based Killian Korn.

The family-owned business is in its twenty-third year of operations and going strong, especially around the holidays.

Sales increased from last year, which owners didn't expect, said Shanna Stakkeland, one of the family owners, this week.

Figures from the company's busiest time, December, aren't yet available, but order amounts are larger and stores are once again ordering when they weren't before, explained Lisa Killian, of Ritzville, another store owner.

"We had a certain amount of gift packs left and we already exceeded that," Killian said. "We feel like we're making more and shipping more out ... They are ordering like they used to."

Killian said word of mouth has been a big driver in the business, as well as some marketing on the business's part.

"A lot of retail customers have seen us at shows and we do some wholesale gift shows," she said. "Then we have a really good rep who handles this side of the state and Idaho."

Many times, the business has a kiosk offering their product at Columbia Center Mall in Kennewick. The corn is also sold at The Country Mercantile, located along state Route 395, near Pasco.

The company is growing like it wants too, slowly, and by employing family members. 

"The next step is to really get automated with an assembly line," she noted.

The product is made in Othello and shipped to various businesses for sale. 

In Moses Lake, sales outlets include Samaritan Hospital's gift shop, Andrew's Hallmark, Lep-Re-Kon, Park Place Boutique, One Stop Mart and Truck Stop and Moses Lake Shell, she said.

Certain flavors have proven popular during the holidays. 

Andrew's Hallmark store Manager Amy Tudor said Wednesday the peppermint cream flavor sold out. 

"The Original" flavor, comprised of almond, coconut and pecan, is also a good seller, Tudor explained.

If anyone wants to taste before they buy, Andrew's Hallmark also offers samples of different flavors, she said. 

Killian's sister-in-law and co-owner, Stakkeland explained her parents, Dennis and Donna Killian, started the business in 1987.

The first flavor was a family recipe now known as "The Original."

"My mom always gave it out at Christmas time," Stakkeland recalled.

Over the years, white chocolate was added for another flavor.

The newest flavor is hot cocoa with marshmallows, which has done well.

The busiest time of year is November and December.

She described their operation as mostly wholesale, without a storefront.

Another new item is called crunch, a honey cashew popcorn.

"It's a really good one people love," she said. "They fall in love with that one. I think we started it last year."

For more information, visit www.killiankorn.com.