Tayto Group has this week kicked off a year of celebrations to mark the 70th anniversary since the company was founded in Tandragee, Co Armagh.
Founded by Thomas Hutchinson in 1956, Tayto Group is still proudly run by the Hutchinson family and today is the largest locally-owned crisp and snack manufacturer, producing over five million bags a day across its five UK sites.
From its home in Tayto Castle in the rolling hills of Co Armagh, Northern Ireland’s number one crisp brand has grown to become a £275m business, with a portfolio of much-loved brands including Golden Wonder, Mr Porky and REAL Handcooked Crisps.
Tayto will begin its 70th anniversary activities this month with the launch of a special platinum packaging on its iconic Cheese & Onion crisp packets, also featuring a special anniversary TAY7O logo.
The company will also be launching new heart shaped snacks to go alongside “I Heart Tayto” branding, available in Prawn Cocktail and Pickled Onion Flavours.
In addition they have celebratory ‘I Heart Tayto’ 20 pack boxes, available in stores this week.
A special anniversary logo will also adorn Tayto’s new fleet of delivery vans and lorries.
Tayto plans to fill the year with fun initiatives, innovative new products and fun activations of its brand, with much-loved company mascot Mr Tayto expected to be out and about in communities across Northern Ireland.
Stephen Hutchinson, Chairman of Tayto Group, said: “We are proud to be marking the 70th anniversary of Tayto and the first crisps produced here at Tayto Castle in Tandragee. From small beginnings Tayto has grown to become a £275m business producing over 5.7 million packs a day and employing almost 1,500 people.
“As a family-owned business we remain as committed as ever to looking after our colleagues, our communities and our customers and we are grateful for the support and loyalty that they continue to show the Tayto brand.
“Since my father started the company, Tayto has been a forward-looking business and innovation remains at the heart of the business as we invest in developing the snacks of the future.
“We have ambitious plans to keep growing and I have no doubt that Tayto will remain one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic brands for another 70 years.”