Current Events!
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Read My Interview From
The Daily Gazette
from November 9th, 2022.
Click here!
Read My November From
518 Profiles Magazine
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My latest Article in 518 Profiles Magazine: Elana Mark: The Ins and Outs of a Landscape Artist
Click on the dashed box to see in full view.
https://issuu.com/ininkny/docs/2023_june_518_profiles_magazine/6
I received an email from Ron Schrotenboer (an external tax lawyer advisor who I previously worked with at GE) telling me that he saw me the other evening on an episode of the History Channel's The Food That Built America entitled "Peanut Butter Battle." Lo and behold I watched it on the History Channel on Demand and there I am. I had no idea. What's more, as far back as I can remember, I have been severely allergic to peanut butter, so it was even more of a surprise.
So in addition to multiple episodes about potato chips, I have now also appeared on episodes about both burgers and peanut butter.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27461723/
Please watch all of my videos from
The Saratoga County History Center
Click Here Or The Photo To Visit The Page!
Saratoga County man
considered top
potato chip historian
Mark Mulholland WNYT
Updated: August 1, 2022 - 6:40 PM
Published: July 29, 2022 - 4:44 PM
Please click below to watch my latest interview!
I have recently been featured in two
Times Union Articles
Please read them by clicking the links below!
Article 1 - Vanderbilt helped invent the chip in Saratoga?
Likely a salty myth
Article 2 - Toga Chip Guy makes a second showing on History Channel
Article from Saratoga Today
Featuring, your's truly, The Toga Chip Guy!
Click Here
Watch The History Channel's
The Food That Built America,
"When The Chips Are Down",
season 2, episode 3,
where I am prominently featured.
Click Here!
Read my feature article in
"Shorelines"
The Saratoga Lake Association News Letter.
Click Here
History Channel Podcast
After appearing in several episodes of
The History Channel's Series
"The Food That Built America",
I have now been prominently featured
in an associated podcast.
Please visit The ACast Site to listen!
My recent interview with Julia Dunn on CBS 6.
Click Here
Article About Me In Saratoga Today Entitled
"Who: Alan Richer, The Toga Chip Guy"
April 2nd, It starts on Page 3.
Click here to read!
The History Channel's
"The FoodThat Built America"
that aired on
National Potato Chip Day, March 14.
Featuring the history of Herman Lay
and then rival Fritos!
Click here to watch
Inventor of Cheetos Launches New Cheesy Vegan Snack to Disrupt Entire Category
Eat Well Group, a plant-based investment company, announced it will be launching Protein Twists – a high-protein, cheesy snack, into 300 Federated Co-Operatives toward the end of December, followed by an expansion to additional Co-Operatives, select retailers, and e-commerce in the first half of 2022.
Alaska Chip Company’s barbecue potato chips rated among the best in the country
The recognition comes from America’s Test Kitchen and was recently published on their webpage. Writer and food critic Kevin Pang sought to find the country’s best barbecue chips made by small regional companies that most people had never heard of. He tested 30 brands out of hundreds of suggestions and found six clear winners. The Alaska Chip Company’s barbecue-flavored Grizzly Chip was one of them.
Alaska Chip Company Owner Ralph Carney said he didn’t know there was a contest until he got a call that he’d won. The award surprised him, but he said the quality of their products has always been high.
“We’ve been making our potato chip for 18 years, so I’ve known it’s been good,” he said.
Potato chips that don’t get your fingers all powdery developed by Calbee and Tokyo Banana
Since the dawn of the potato chip, humanity has struggled to fully control it. Like the Sirens of Anthemoessa, they draw us in with their delicious flavors and crunchy textures, only to leave us ruined on the rocky shores of stained papers and greasy game controllers. We have tried to overcome this using technology with cute names such as Poterapper and Potechinote, but maybe this approach has been backwards all along. Perhaps we shouldn’t be trying to change the way we eat potato chips, but change the very nature of the chip itself.
150 new jobs coming to Ross and Jackson potato chip factory
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted announced on Monday the approval of assistance for 10 projects set to create 946 new jobs and retain 2,485 jobs statewide. During its monthly meeting, the Ohio Tax Credit Authority (TCA) reviewed economic development proposals brought to the board by JobsOhio and its regional partners. Collectively, the projects are expected to result in more than $50 million in new payroll and spur more than $296 million in investments across Ohio. Among the approvals are new jobs in Ross County.
Herr Foods Incorporated, which is a potato chip company expects to create 150 full-time positions, generating $5.3 million in new annual payroll and retaining $2.2 million in existing payroll as a result of the company’s expansion project in Jackson and Chillicothe. Herr Foods is an American brand of potato chips and other snack foods. The TCA approved a 1.192 percent, seven-year Job Creation Tax Credit for this project.
Mister Bee named Best West Virginia Made Food Product
Mister Bee Potato Chips was selected as the Best West Virginia Made Food Product in the contest sponsored by “WV Living Magazine.” Mister Bee, the only maker of potato chips in West Virginia, won after nationally receiving the most customer votes.
“Our team at Mister Bee could not be happier to learn that we won this designation,” said Mary Anne Ketelsen, who since 2015 has been president of Mister Bee Potato Chips. “What we have built here is very special, and it is important that our customers appreciate our small business and our commitment to quality.”
Readers of “West Virginia Living” nominated companies and products in 75 categories from July 26 to Aug. 8. The top nominees, including Mister Bee, moved to the final round of voting in September and October.
India revokes patent for PepsiCo's Lay's potatoes
In 2019, PepsiCo sued some Indian farmers based in the western state of Gujarat for cultivating the FC5 potato variety, which has a lower moisture content required to make snacks such as potato chips.
Withdrawing the lawsuits the same year, the New York-based company said it wanted to settle the issue amicably.
Later, Kavitha Kuruganti, a farmers' rights activist, petitioned the PPVFR Authority for revocation of intellectual protection granted to PepsiCo's FC5 potato variety, saying that India's rules do not allow a patent on seed varieties.
The new 26,000-square-foot production facility and warehouse will nearly double the size of the nearly 14,000 square feet Great Lakes Potato Chip currently operates in. A second phase of construction could add another 12,000.
No Small Potatoes: Great Lakes Potato Chip Co. growing into new facility
As the Great Lakes Potato Chip Co. finishes its 12th full year of operation, the Grand Traverse County business is preparing to dig into new digs in 2022.
The current location at 6806 E. Traverse Highway (M-72) just doesn’t slice it any more as the family-run business launched in 2009 continues to bubble up and grow. Great Lakes Potato Chip Co. will move into a new facility at 51 W. Commerce Drive in the first part of the next year.
The new 26,000-square-foot production facility and warehouse will nearly double the size of the nearly 14,000 square feet Great Lakes Potato Chip currently operates in. A second phase of construction could add another 12,000.
Kettle Chips opens online shop with full range of snacks delivered to front door
Kettle is giving crisp lovers the chance to browse the snack aisle from the comfort of their home - whether they are looking to stock up for an up-coming festive party, want to spoil loved ones or just an excuse to try new bolder flavour combinations.
Stocks include the Vegan Crowd Pleasers box which includes the award-winning Sheese & Red Onion, Lightly Salted, Sea Salt & Balsamic Vinegar of Modena and Thai Sweet Chilli seasonings.
The Bold Favourites box is the perfect choice for fans wanting a flavour hit, featuring seasonings such as Mature Cheddar & Red Onion, Sweet Chilli & Sour Cream, Steakhouse Barbecue and Thai Sweet Chilli.
For anyone hosting a festive get together, the Christmas Selection Box features eight bags of Kettle’s favourite core range – with the brand's limited edition wrapping paper design.
Louise Thompson, strategic marketing lead at Kettle Chips, said: “With the festive season almost upon us, now is the perfect time to launch our new Kettle Chips delivery service.
Sweet potatoes taking on potato chips
Mark’s Mindful Munchies is introducing Pop Bitties Sweet Potato Chips. Made with sweet potatoes and brown rice, the air-popped snacks are Non-GMO Project verified, vegan, certified gluten-free, corn-free and nut-free. The sweet potato chips come in two varieties.
Campbell Soup promotes Michael Pierson to CCO for Snacks business
Mr. Pierson most recently was senior vice president of sales for US Meals and Beverages. Prior to joining Campbell Soup in 2019, he was chief customer officer at Materne North America — GoGo squeez. Earlier he was senior vice president of sales/partner at Hello Delicious! Brands. He also spent two-and-a-half years at Pepperidge Farm as vice president of sales strategy and trade marketing, and more than 10 years at PepsiCo, Inc. in a variety of roles, including general manager of PepsiCo Sales — CVS Customer Team, senior director of sales strategy — US Gatorade, and director of sales, US Gatorade — Costco.
Doritos® and Twitch Rivals North America Take This Year's Doritos Bowl to Another Level®
Sunchips® & Celebrity Design Expert Bobby Berk Launch Virtual "Sunchips Art Seen" Contest
Herr's Asks Fans To Find Philly's Next Favorite Chip Flavor
No one knows the flavors of Philly quite like the people who live there. That's why Herr's is asking their local fans to help decide what Philadelphia-inspired flavor should be made for their Flavored by Philly line of chips.
Jackson's Celebrates Everyday Superheroes
Pringles Partners With Movember To Encourage Open Conversations Around Mental Health
Thanks to fans who purchased Pringles at Kroger earlier this fall, the brand donated $150,000 to the Movember cause and will continue to drive awareness with the help of their beloved mascot, Mr. P. This month, Mr. P is shaving his iconic moustache, calling men everywhere to join him to kickstart conversation. Whether or not fans have facial hair to shave, they can join the cause by grabbing a can of Pringles, gathering their friends and encouraging open discussion about mental health.
Utz Brands Appoints Pamela Stewart to Board of Directors
Utz Brands Provides IRI Retail Sales Update
For the 4-week period ended October 31, 2021, the Company’s retail sales as measured by IRI MULO-C increased 8.7% versus the same period last year and increased 9.7% on a two-year CAGR basis versus the same period in 2019. For the 12-week period ended October 31, 2021, the Company’s retail sales as measured by IRI MULO-C increased 7.7% versus the same period last year and increased 10.2% on a two-year CAGR basis versus the same period in 2019.
For the 4-week period ended November 28, 2021, the Company’s retail sales as measured by IRI MULO-C increased 10.9% versus the same period last year and increased 10.8% on a two-year CAGR basis versus the same period in 2019. For the 12-week period ended November 28, 2021, the Company’s retail sales as measured by IRI MULO-C increased 9.7% versus the same period last year and increased 10.6% on a two-year CAGR basis versus the same period in 2019.
Utz Brands Reports Third Quarter 2021 Financial Results
“Consumer demand remains strong as our sales growth accelerated and we delivered two-year market share gains in the third quarter. Our top-line strategies are working as we drove faster growth on our Power Brands, expanded our presence in key salty snack sub-categories, improved our performance in our Core geographies and the Mass channel, and continued our geographic expansion,” said Dylan Lissette, Chief Executive Officer of Utz.
Mr. Lissette continued, “As we face rising inflation that is impacting earnings in the short-term, we continue to implement pricing actions that will have a carry-over benefit in 2022. And while we expect high inflation and transportation challenges to continue into 2022, we are actively deploying our value creation strategies, and we remain confident in our long-term growth outlook. I am incredibly proud of our dedicated team as we navigate through this dynamic operating environment.”
Utz Brands to Acquire RW Garcia
Dip Lovers Celebrate! ON THE BORDER Chips & Dips Debuts NEW Fun, Flavorful, Restaurant-inspired Dips, and Lightly Salted Café Style Tortilla Chips
Utz transforms itself into a national snack powerhouse
Founded in 1921 by William (Bill) and Salie Utz — who believed they could make better potato chips in a simple, farm-fresh way — the Hanover, Pa., snack maker expanded organically over its first 90 years, becoming a well-respected brand nationally. Since 2010, however, Utz has made 16 acquisitions, making it one of the fastest-growing snack operators with more than $1.1 billion in annual sales.
Q&A: Kellogg Exec Notes How Pandemic Has Altered Snacking
The SVP of global research and development at The Kellogg Company feared his company might struggle in the snack space amid pandemic lockdowns, since such food had, historically, been consumed on the go.
Lo and behold, Kellogg fared just fine in 2020 and 2021, since most of its customers had no issue eating the company’s snack products – like Pringles, or Pop Tarts – between Zoom meetings while working from home. In fact, many Kellogg customers began eating products like cereal more than ever, even after breakfast hours.
“When you’re working from home, it’s amazing what becomes a snack,” Hughes said.
Ballreich’s teaming up with the Buckeyes to launch new OSU-themed potato chips
The Tailgate Series is a collection of popular tailgating flavors packed into bite-size potato chips. Flavors include Ranch, Cheddar Slider, Jalapeño Popper and Classic.
Jamie Twining, Vice President of Sales at Ballreich Snack Food Company says, “We are excited about the new partnership with Ohio State University and the unique development of four new potato chip snacks that encompass popular tailgating flavors. We have something for everyone.”
Kazoo Snacks Water-Saving Tortilla Chip
The newest innovation to join the upcycled food movement, Kazoo Snacks is enabling consumers to snack with an upside. Every bag of Kazoo Tortilla Chips is made using 40% upcycled corn germ, repurposed from the corn starch industry, which produces germ as a by-product. Reclaiming and upcycling reduces Kazoo's water footprint by at least 20 gallons of water per bag.
Snack brand Spudsy announce $3.3m Series A funding
The round was led by private investment firms KarpReilly and Stage 1 Fund.
Spudsy takes millions of sweet potatoes that normally end up in landfills, due to minor flaws like shape, size and colour, and transforms them into its range of sweet potato snacks which includes sweet potato fry crisps and sweet potato puffs.
These investments will accelerate its expansion into entering new sales channels and reaching new customers. The brand also plans on “utilizing these funds to develop its sales and marketing strategies and build out its DTC channel”.
Ashley Rogers, CEO of Spudsy, said: “It was really important to our team that we find partners that share the same vision, passion and goals as we do around making snacks that taste good and do good for the environment. KarpReilly and Stage 1 Fund really understand our mission and as a result of their vast network of industry experts we have been able to scale our brand at a more rapid pace.”
The recent funding round brings Spudsy’s total amount to $6.5 million.
How Did COVID-19 Impact the Salty Snack Category at C-Stores?
For example, according to the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) state of the industry report this year, sales of Frito-Lay legacy brands are up over the past several months, with Lay’s up 32% and Tostitos up 42%.
Being shut up indoors and largely unable to go to restaurants had large numbers of consumers desperate for tasty treats. Salty snacks — chips, popcorn, pretzels, tortilla chips and more — are satisfying at all times, and the introduction of new flavors and formats has served to excite the imaginations of consumers, especially Gen Z and millennials, and even restore a sense of control over one’s life.
The numbers bear out the fact that sales of salty snacks have topped all other snack categories during the pandemic. Research firm Mintel found that the majority of salty snack consumers eat three to four types of snacks in the salty category, while one of five consume eat at least five. Most recently, many consumers seem infatuated with flavors like ghost pepper, habanero, Tabasco, Korean barbecue, wasabi, sriracha and salted caramel.
Frito-Lay Invests in U.S. Manufacturing Sites, Hiring Nearly 15,000 Frontline Associates in 2021
Kettle Brand and Pepperidge Farm maker launches programme to advance school nutrition
Indiana snack maker Seyfert’s closes its doors
In conversation with Frito-Lay’s Hispanic principal about strengthening the US-Latino connection and lessons learned during the pandemic
Julius Pringles gets a makeover to celebrate brands’ 30th birthday in the UK
Pepsi earnings top estimates despite higher supply chain costs, company raises revenue forecast
- PepsiCo raised its full-year forecast after its latest quarterly earnings and revenue topped analysts’ expectations.
- The company’s organic revenue climbed 9% in the quarter.
- But growth of Pepsi’s North American beverage unit moderated during the quarter.
PepsiCo targets early 2022 to roll out products from joint venture with Beyond Meat
- PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta said the company is hoping to release new plant-based snacks and drinks made through its joint venture with Beyond Meat by early 2022.
- Pepsi and Beyond announced the joint venture, called The PLANeT Partnership, in January.
- Pepsi announced earlier Wednesday a new initiative called “Pep+” that is meant to change the company’s operations, with sustainability as the focal point.
Gov. Wolf Announces Ohio-Based Food Manufacturer Selects Pennsylvania for Business Expansion, Creating Dozens of New Jobs
“We in Pennsylvania know that our commonwealth is the best place to live and do business, and Shearer’s decision to grow here in Erie is a testament to our great quality of life and friendly business climate,” said Gov. Wolf. “We look forward to seeing the new opportunities presented to northwest Pennsylvania as Shearer’s expands, creates jobs, and better serves its growing customer base.”
Frito-Lay® Launches Industrially Compostable Bags with Off The Eaten Path® Brand; Advances in Goal to Design 100% of Packaging to be Recyclable, Compostable, Biodegradable or Reusable across Portfolio by 2025
The bags are currently available at Whole Foods Market and select retailers starting this month and are an example of PepsiCo's investments in breakthrough food packaging technology and the overall pep+ transformation. Producing the materials used for these bags creates approximately 60 percent lower GHG emissions than traditional packaging and the technology may be licensed to other companies at no cost to further the use across the consumer-packaged goods industry.
"Frito-Lay recognizes the important role we play in driving towards a circular economy and reducing packaging waste," said David Allen, vice president of sustainability, Frito-Lay North America. "We are investing in plans to scale circular food packaging that is recyclable, compostable, biodegradable or reusable and sharing that technology to build a more sustainable food system for us all."
Time To Rise™: Stacy's® Pita Chips Partners With Hello Sunshine To Amplify Female Founders
Jackson's Dares Snackers to Trade Up Their Chips
25 Best Packaged Snacks for School
