Walkers Crisps have been a classic British snack for generations, with their delicious flavour and unique crunch. Founded in 1948 in Leicester, England by Henry Walker, the brand has been providing snacks to the UK for more than 70 years and has become an iconic part of British culture. From the original Salt and Vinegar flavour to a range of other flavours, Walkers Crisps have become a staple in British households and a much-loved snack across the nation.
History of Walkers Crisps
Walkers Crisps, now one of the most well-known brands of crisps in the United Kingdom, has an interesting and varied history. The company was founded in Leicester in 1948 by a gentleman named Henry Walker, who started the business with just a horse-drawn cart. Walker would use the cart to sell crisps that he made in his own kitchen, with his wife's assistance. The company grew slowly but surely, and by the 1950s, the business had expanded to employ 11 people and had a fleet of six vans.
By the 1960s, Walkers had moved to a purpose-built factory and had established a reputation for quality. The company's growth continued throughout the following decades, and it became a household name thanks to the brand's ubiquitous advertising campaigns.
In the 1980s, Walkers was acquired by PepsiCo, which saw the potential for Walkers to become a national, and even global, brand. Under the ownership of PepsiCo, Walkers' marketing and advertising campaigns have been highly successful and the company is now the dominant crisp brand in the UK, with over 50% of the market share.
The Walkers brand has also expanded beyond just crisps, with the company producing a variety of other snack products, including nuts, crackers, and popcorn.
Throughout its history, Walkers has been known for its high-quality crisps and innovative flavours. Today, Walkers boasts an impressive range of flavours, from classic Cheese & Onion and Salt & Vinegar to more unique flavours like Prawn Cocktail and Worcester Sauce. The brand is also known for its collaborations with other food brands, such as its popular partnership with KFC to produce a range of chicken-flavoured crisps.
Despite changes in ownership and market conditions, Walkers remains a staple in the British diet and a beloved snack brand in the UK and beyond. Its success is a testament to the hard work of its founder and its current owners, who have helped to turn a small, local crisp company into a national icon.
Flavours of Walkers Crisps
Walkers Crisps are renowned for their delicious and innovative flavours that cater to a wide range of palates. Whether you like your crisps savoury, sweet, spicy, or tangy, there is a flavour for everyone. Let’s take a closer look at some of the classic and new flavours that Walkers has to offer.
Walkers has been producing its classic flavours since the 1950s, and they remain a firm favourite among many crisp enthusiasts. The classic flavours include Salt and Vinegar, Cheese and Onion, and Ready Salted. These flavours have a distinctive taste that is recognisable even with just one bite.
Salt and Vinegar:
The Salt and Vinegar flavour was the first flavoured crisp that Walkers produced back in 1954. The tangy and salty taste is still a fan favourite, and many people find it hard to resist.
Cheese and Onion:
Cheese and Onion is another classic Walkers flavour that has been around for decades. The combination of creamy cheese and sweet onion creates a mouth-watering taste that is hard to beat.
Ready Salted crisps are a staple snack for many people in the UK. The simple but tasty flavour is perfect for those who like a plain crisp that isn’t too overpowering.
Walkers is known for its innovative flavours and often introduces new and exciting options to its collection. Here are some of the new flavours that have been added to the Walkers line-up.
The Paprika flavour was introduced in 1997 and has since become a fan favourite. The combination of sweet and spicy flavours creates a unique taste that is hard to resist.
BBQ Pulled Pork:
The BBQ Pulled Pork flavour was introduced in 2015 and quickly became a hit among meat lovers. The smoky BBQ flavour mixed with tender pulled pork makes for a deliciously satisfying snack.
The Marmite flavour was launched in 2019 and is a collaboration between Walkers and the famous British spread. The bold and salty taste of Marmite is either loved or hated, but there is no denying that it makes for a unique and interesting flavour for a crisp.
Overall, Walkers has an impressive range of flavours that cater to all tastes. Whether you are a fan of the classic flavours or enjoy trying new and innovative options, there is a Walkers crisp for you.
Marketing and Advertising Campaigns
As Walkers grew in popularity, the company started to focus on advertising and marketing campaigns to further promote their brand. In the 1990s, they ran a campaign featuring popular football players, including Gary Lineker, who has been the face of the brand ever since. Walkers also used various other celebrities such as Stephen Fry, Charlotte Church and Lionel Richie to promote the brand and appeal to a wider audience.
One of Walker's most successful advertising campaigns was their "Do Us a Flavour" competition, which began in 2008. This allowed customers to suggest new flavours, which were then put to the public vote to decide which flavour would become a permanent addition to the Walkers range. The campaign proved incredibly popular, with millions of entries being submitted, and winning flavours including Cheesy Beans on Toast and Builder's Breakfast. Walkers also produced limited edition crisps based on popular food brands such as KFC and Pizza Hut, further boosting their popularity.
In 2018, Walkers introduced a new campaign featuring Gary Lineker, aimed at promoting recycling and reducing waste. The advert shows Lineker being sent off during a football match and collecting discarded crisp packets as he walks off the pitch. Walkers also pledged to make all of their packaging recyclable by 2025, further highlighting their commitment to sustainability.
Overall, Walkers has a long history of successful advertising campaigns, which have helped to cement its position as one of the UK's favourite snack brands. They continue to innovate and evolve, responding to changing consumer preferences and environmental concerns.
Popularity of Walkers Crisps in the UK
Walkers Crisps are an iconic British snack that has been a staple in the diets of many people across the UK for generations. It is estimated that over 11 million packets of Walkers Crisps are consumed in the UK every day!
One of the reasons for their immense popularity is their range of delicious flavours. Walkers Crisps are available in a wide variety of flavours, ranging from classic favourites like Cheese and Onion and Ready Salted to more recent additions like Thai Sweet Chilli and Piri Piri.
In addition to their diverse range of flavours, Walkers Crisps are also known for their high quality. They are made using only the finest ingredients and are cooked to perfection, resulting in a deliciously crunchy and flavourful snack.
Another factor contributing to their popularity is their accessibility. Walkers Crisps are available in supermarkets, corner shops, and vending machines all over the UK, making them a convenient snack option for people on the go.
Furthermore, Walkers Crisps have a long-standing relationship with football, which has helped to increase their popularity even further. Since the 1990s, Walkers Crisps have run several successful advertising campaigns featuring football stars such as Gary Lineker, and have even released special edition flavours to coincide with major football events like the World Cup.
Overall, the popularity of Walkers Crisps in the UK can be attributed to their delicious range of flavours, high quality, accessibility, and their association with football. Whether you are looking for a quick snack to eat on the go, or a delicious treat to enjoy with friends, Walkers Crisps are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Controversies Surrounding Walkers Crisps
Like any iconic brand, Walkers Crisps has had its share of controversies over the years. Here are some of the most notable ones:
1. Packaging waste: In 2018, Walkers Crisps launched a promotion where customers could send in empty crisp packets to be recycled and turned into other items. However, the promotion was criticised by environmental groups for not doing enough to reduce packaging waste in the first place. Walkers Crisps has since pledged to make its packaging recyclable, compostable or biodegradable by 2025.
2. Meat controversy: In 2014, Walkers Crisps came under fire from vegetarians and vegans when it was discovered that some of its flavours contained beef or pork extract. Walkers Crisps apologised and said it would remove the extracts from its products.
3. Artificial colours controversy: In 2002, Walkers Crisps was one of several snack food brands to be targeted by a campaign to ban six artificial colours from food products due to concerns over hyperactivity in children. Walkers Crisps eventually removed the colours from its products.
4. Salt and fat content: Walkers Crisps has also faced criticism over the high salt and fat content of its products. In 2018, it launched a new range of crisps with 30% less fat, but some health campaigners said the company should do more to promote healthier snacks.
Despite these controversies, Walkers Crisps remains a beloved brand in the UK, with a loyal following of fans who continue to enjoy its wide range of flavours. It could be argued that the controversies have only served to make Walkers Crisps more of a cultural icon, with its ups and downs woven into the fabric of British snack food history.
Walkers Crisps as a Cultural Icon
Walkers Crisps have become a cultural icon in the UK, having been around for over 70 years. These crisps are so popular that they have become synonymous with British snack food culture, and their packaging is instantly recognisable on the shelves of any grocery store.
Many Brits have fond memories of growing up with Walkers Crisps, whether it was eating a pack with their friends at school, or enjoying a packet at a family picnic. The brand's longevity has made it an integral part of British snack food culture, and it's unlikely that this will change anytime soon.
One of the main reasons that Walkers Crisps have become such a cultural icon is because they are available in a wide range of flavours. The brand has released hundreds of different flavours over the years, catering to every taste bud imaginable. From classics like Ready Salted and Cheese & Onion to more recent offerings such as Pulled Pork and Cajun Squirrel, Walkers Crisps have something for everyone.
In addition to their extensive flavour range, Walkers Crisps have also been involved in many memorable marketing and advertising campaigns over the years. One of the most famous was the "Do Us a Flavour" campaign, which invited the public to submit their ideas for a new flavour of crisps. The winning flavour, "Cajun Squirrel", was then produced and sold nationwide.
Despite their popularity, Walkers Crisps have not been immune to controversy over the years. The brand was criticised in 2018 for introducing packaging that was not recyclable, and for contributing to the plastic pollution crisis. Walkers Crisps responded to this criticism by pledging to make all of their packaging 100% recyclable, compostable or biodegradable by 2025.
Despite these controversies, Walkers Crisps remain a firm favourite among the British public, and their status as a cultural icon shows no signs of fading anytime soon. They have even become a part of popular culture, with references to the brand appearing in TV shows and movies.
So, what does the future hold for Walker's Crisps? The brand will likely continue to innovate and release new flavours to cater to changing consumer tastes. However, one thing is for sure – Walkers Crisps will always be a classic British snack and a cultural icon in their own right.
Future of Walkers Crisps
As with any brand, the future of Walkers Crisps is always a topic of interest among consumers. What new flavours will they come up with? Will they change their packaging? What new advertising campaigns can we expect to see?
One certain thing is that Walkers Crisps will continue to be a popular snack in the UK and beyond. The brand has been around for almost 75 years, and with its range of flavours and marketing campaigns, they have proven that it can adapt to changing tastes and trends.
In recent years, Walkers Crisps has made efforts to be more environmentally friendly. They have introduced recyclable packaging and have also reduced the amount of plastic used in their bags. This is a positive step towards reducing their impact on the environment.
We will likely continue to see new flavours being introduced by Walkers Crisps. In recent years, they have brought out flavours such as BBQ Pulled Pork, Cheese and Onion with Balsamic Vinegar, and Lime and Coriander Chutney. These new flavours keep the brand fresh and appealing to consumers who are always looking for something new.
In terms of marketing, Walkers Crisps is likely to continue to focus on its partnerships with celebrities and sporting events. Their recent campaign with Mariah Carey, in which she sang a special version of her hit song "All I Want For Christmas Is You" while promoting the brand's Christmas range, was a huge success. Expect to see more collaborations like this in the future.
However, it is worth noting that Walkers Crisps has also faced criticism in recent years. The brand was criticised for using non-recyclable materials in its packaging and for contributing to the litter problem in the UK. As such, they must continue to take steps to address these concerns and work towards a more sustainable future.
Overall, the future of Walkers Crisps looks bright. As a classic British snack with a wide range of flavours and a successful marketing strategy, the brand is sure to continue to be a staple in households across the country. It will be interesting to see what new flavours and campaigns they come up with in the coming years, and how they continue to adapt to changing consumer tastes and trends.