Two crisps, one Ready Salted, the other Roast Chicken, are strolling down the road, minding their own business. A car pulls up, the driver leans out and asks them if they want a lift. "No" says Ready Salted, "we're Walkers."
Walkers are probably the most famous British crisp brand. At once inextricably linked with both Leicester and Gary Lineker. However, despite an almost innate knowledge of the company and its many (current and defunct) flavours, there are a few things about this great British snack brand that still confuses me. Questions such as why Walkers Salt & Vinegar sold in green packs (and their Cheese & Onion blue) despite the tacit understanding amongst all other crisp manufacturers that the opposite is correct. What came first, Walkers or Lay's (which looks a lot like Walkers and is found worldwide)? Also, what on earth is "Hot Honey?"*
Like Heinz Baked Beans (discussed here), rationing during World War Two was instrumental in the establishment of Walkers as a British icon; Henry James Walker was a butcher who was forced to seek other income streams due to the severe rationing of meat, with Walkers & Sons orienting themselves towards the newly popular production of potato crisps in 1948. However, Lay's actually pre-date them (1932). Despite both companies falling under the same corporate umbrella, Walkers has maintained an entirely British feel, with classic flavours representing British tastes (Cheese & Onion, Worcester Sauce, Tomato Ketchup, Pickled Onion & Salt & Vinegar) and new, often limited-edition versions, representing ever more niche public preferences (Marmite, Grilled Cheese Toastie, Sweet Chilli, Chip Shops Curry, Builder's Breakfast & Branston Pickle have all come and gone).
As regards the blue/green Salt & Vinegar/Cheese & Onion disparity. That's just the way Walkers have always done it. They believe that Cheese & Onion is best represented by the colour blue and have resisted any peer- or customer-pressure to change their minds. They may well be right...
The Trading Post are obviously including a few packs of Walkers in every 20th Anniversary prize hamper in November. That definitely is correct.
