Kearney, Neb. – The GROW Nebraska® Foundation is proud to announce that this year’s Russ’s Market/B&R Stores Best Nebraska Product Award winner is Colby Ridge Popcorn. The award was presented during the 2026 MarkeTech Conference, celebrating Nebraska businesses that consistently deliver high-quality products that customers know and love.
Founded more than four decades ago, Colby Ridge Popcorn has become a well-known Nebraska brand recognized for its handcrafted gourmet popcorn and dedication to customer satisfaction. The company was started by Donn Steinbach, who grew up in Fremont, Nebraska, and launched the business at just 23 years old. Over the past 40+ years, Steinbach’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence have helped grow Colby Ridge Popcorn into a respected and trusted business across the region.
Today, the company offers a wide variety of gourmet popcorn, gift assortments, seasonal products, and fundraising options while continuing to focus on quality and strong Midwestern values. The business operates in Lincoln and ships products to customers across the United States.
No business is more fitting to sponsor this award than Russ’s Market / B&R Stores, a staple in Nebraska since 1964 and a proud GROW Nebraska® member since 2009. What began as a single store in Lincoln has grown into a thriving enterprise, now operating multiple Russ’s Market locations and dozens of grocery stores across several states. When selecting a business for this award, Russ’s Market/B&R Stores focuses on Nebraska-based companies that consistently produce high-quality products that are in high demand and regularly stocked on their shelves.
Colby Ridge Popcorn customers have come to associate the brand with quality, consistency, and delicious handcrafted popcorn. After more than four decades in business, the company continues to grow while maintaining the same focus on excellence that began when the business first launched.
The 2026 MarkeTech Conference was another outstanding event, featuring exceptional speakers, strong attendance, and incredible sponsors. Presenting the award during MarkeTech continues to be a meaningful way to celebrate Nebraska-based businesses and highlight the success stories happening across the state.
The GROW Nebraska® Foundation will announce next year’s Best Nebraska Product Award winner at the 2027 MarkeTech Conference. For more information about the conference, visit marketechconference.com and stay tuned for upcoming details.
The GROW Nebraska® Foundation was founded with the mission of expanding resources to businesses and entrepreneurs to help them make a sustainable living anywhere within the state of Nebraska. As a 501(c)(3) educational foundation established in 1998, GROW Nebraska® works to provide training, resources, a brick-and-mortar store, and an eCommerce platform featuring Nebraska-made products, helping connect local entrepreneurs to a national marketplace.
B&R Stores, Inc. was founded in 1964 by Russ and Anita Raybould. The family-owned company has grown to include several supermarket banners including Russ’s Market, Super Saver, Apple Market, Allen’s, Cash Saver, C&R Markets, and Joe’s Market located across Nebraska and neighboring states.
