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Prior to the 1950s, crisps were sold without flavour; [[The Smith's Snackfood Company|Smith's]] of London sold plain potato crisps which came with a small blue sachet of salt that could be sprinkled over them.<ref name="flavours"/> The first crisps manufactured by Walkers in 1948 were sprinkled with salt and sold for [[Threepence (British coin)|threepence]] a bag.<ref name="Leicester"/> After [[Archer Martin]] and [[Richard Laurence Millington Synge|Richard Synge]] (while working in Leeds) received a Nobel Prize for the invention of [[partition chromatography]] in 1952, food scientists began to develop flavours via a [[gas chromatograph]], a device that allowed scientists to understand chemical compounds behind complex flavours such as cheese.<ref>{{cite news |title=100 years of food and flavour innovation |url=https://www.ukflavourassociation.org/about-us/history-flavourings |access-date=10 July 2021 |agency=UK Flavour Association |quote=1952. The Nobel Prize for Chemistry was awarded to British scientists, Richard Synge and Archer Martin, for the invention of partition chromatogrphy, which laid the foundations of gas chromatography. |archive-date=4 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104132200/https://www.ukflavourassociation.org/about-us/history-flavourings |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1954, the first flavoured crisps were invented by Joe “Spud” Murphy (owner of the Irish company [[Tayto (Republic of Ireland)|Tayto]]) who developed a technique to add cheese and onion seasoning during production.<ref>{{cite news|title=Did Tayto really invent cheese and onion crisps?|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/food-and-drink/did-tayto-really-invent-cheese-and-onion-crisps-1.3915726|author=McElwain, Aoife|date=17 June 2019|work=The Irish News|access-date=16 September 2020|archive-date=25 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725143450/https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/food-and-drink/did-tayto-really-invent-cheese-and-onion-crisps-1.3915726?mode=sample&auth-failed=1&pw-origin=https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/food-and-drink/did-tayto-really-invent-cheese-and-onion-crisps-1.3915726|url-status=live}}</ref> Later that year, Walkers introduced Cheese and Onion (inspired by the [[Ploughman's lunch]]), and Salt and Vinegar was launched in 1967 (inspired by the nation's love of [[fish and chips]]).<ref name="Leicester"/><ref name="flavours">{{cite news |title=So long, salt and vinegar: how crisp flavours went from simple to sensational |url=https://www.theguardian.com/food/2020/jan/14/so-long-salt-and-vinegar-how-crisp-flavours-went-from-simple-to-sensational |access-date=15 September 2020 |newspaper=The Guardian |archive-date=17 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200917032044/https://www.theguardian.com/food/2020/jan/14/so-long-salt-and-vinegar-how-crisp-flavours-went-from-simple-to-sensational |url-status=live }}</ref> The Walkers family sold the company in 1970 to the American food producer [[Standard Brands]],<ref name=glenn/> who in turn merged with another American food company [[Nabisco]] to form Nabisco Brands in 1981.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CdGjEAAAQBAJ&dq=%22standard+brands%22+Nabisco+merger&pg=PA486|title=MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS, SECOND EDITION: STRATEGY, VALUATION AND INTEGRATION|author=RAY. KAMAL GHOSH|isbn=9789391818562|date=2022|page=486|publisher=PHI Learning Pvt. }}</ref> Prawn Cocktail flavour was introduced in the 1970s (inspired by the 1970s popular starter of [[prawn cocktail]]) and Roast Chicken (inspired by the nation's [[roast dinner]]).<ref name="Leicester">{{cite news |title=The history of Walkers Crisps and some amazing statistics |url=https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/leicester-news/history-walkers-crisps-amazing-statistics-2055961 |access-date=15 September 2020 |newspaper=Leicester Mercury |archive-date=13 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220313183856/https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/leicester-news/history-walkers-crisps-amazing-statistics-2055961 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1982, Nabisco purchased [[Huntley & Palmer|Associated Biscuits]], owners of rival [[The Smith's Snackfood Company|Smith's]]. In 1988, [[RJR Nabisco]] was purchased in a leverage buyout by [[Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co]], and to reduce debt several business were sold to French conglomerate [[Danone|BSN]], who quickly sold on Smith's and Walkers to [[PepsiCo]] in 1989.<ref>{{Cite web|title=PepsiCo buys former RJR Nabisco divisions|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1989/07/03/PepsiCo-buys-former-RJR-Nabisco-divisions/3685615441600/|access-date=8 September 2020|website=UPI|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/07/04/business/pepsico-to-aid-europe-sales-buys-2-british-snack-units.html|title=Pepsico, to Aid Europe Sales, Buys 2 British Snack Units|newspaper=The New York Times|date=1989}}</ref> At the time Walkers had a third of the crisp market in the United Kingdom, while Smith's had a third of the extruded snacks market, making them the market leader.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/07/04/business/pepsico-to-aid-europe-sales-buys-2-british-snack-units.html|title=Pepsico, to Aid Europe Sales, Buys 2 British Snack Units|newspaper=The New York Times|date=4 July 1989}}</ref>
The Walkers logo, featuring a red ribbon around a yellow sun, is noticeably similar to [[Lay's]]
[[File:Walkers crisp factory, Lincoln, England - DSCF1412.JPG|thumb|left|upright=0.9|Front entrance to Walkers factory in Lincoln, England]]
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[[File:Quavers packet.jpg|thumb|170px|[[Quavers]] cheese flavour. Introduced by [[The Smith's Snackfood Company|Smith's]] in 1968, they have been produced by Walkers since 1997]]
In 1997, Walkers became the brand name of [[Quavers]] and [[Monster Munch]] snacks. In January 1999, Walkers launched Max, a brand with a range of crisps and then a new-look Quavers in March 1999. In April 2000, another of the Max flavours called Red Hot Max was launched and then Naked Max in June 2000. In February 2000, a new-look [[Cheetos]] was relaunched, serving as the only cheesy snack in the UK. In July 2000, the Quavers packaging was updated. In March 2001,
In May 2002, Walkers launched Sensations. Sensations flavours include Thai Sweet Chilli, Roast Chicken & Thyme, Balsamic Vinegar & Caramelised Onion.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sensations range |url=https://sensationssnacks.co.uk/ |access-date=12 July 2019 |work=Sensationssnacks.co.uk |archive-date=12 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190712163238/https://sensationssnacks.co.uk/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Walkers introduced the streaky bacon Quavers flavour to salt & vinegar and prawn cocktail in August 2002.
[[file:Wotsits.JPG|thumb|upright|left|After buying the brand from [[Golden Wonder]], Walkers has produced [[Wotsits]] since 2003]]
In January 2003, Smiths
In July 2008, Walkers launched its "Do Us a Flavour" campaign, challenging the public to think up unique flavours for its crisps. In January 2009 six flavours were chosen from among the entries and released as special editions, available until May 2009. During this period, consumers could vote on their favourite, and the winner would become a permanent flavour.<ref name=metro>{{cite web | url=https://www.metro.co.uk/weird/article.html?Squirrel-flavoured_crisps_go_on_sale_in_UK&in_article_id=468192&in_page_id=2 | title=Squirrel-flavoured crisps go on sale in UK | publisher=Metro.co.uk | date=9 January 2008 | access-date=26 January 2009 | archive-date=30 September 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090930124017/http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/article.html?Squirrel-flavoured_crisps_go_on_sale_in_UK&in_article_id=468192&in_page_id=2 | url-status=live }}</ref> The winner was Builder's Breakfast by Emma Rushin from [[Belper]] in Derbyshire. This flavour was discontinued a year later, in May 2010, in order for Walkers to focus on the upcoming 'Flavour Cup'.
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On 10 April 2016, Walkers launched the Spell and Go promotion, again fronted by Gary Lineker. This competition caused some controversy as customers complained that it was impossible to win. The fairness of the competition was discussed on ''[[You and Yours]]'', the consumer show on [[BBC Radio 4]]. Over 100 entrants complained to the [[Advertising Standards Authority (United Kingdom)|Advertising Standards Authority]], who after completing an investigation, decided that elements were misleading, and the competition was banned.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/walkers-crisps-holiday-competition-banned-after-claims-it-was-impossible-to-win-a3322166.html |title= Walkers Crisps holiday competition banned after claims it was impossible to win |work= standard.co.uk |date= 17 August 2014 |access-date= 17 August 2014 |archive-date= 17 August 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160817095953/http://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/walkers-crisps-holiday-competition-banned-after-claims-it-was-impossible-to-win-a3322166.html |url-status= live }}</ref>
[[File:Inside Stadium - geograph.org.uk - 1296759.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Walkers appeared as the shirt sponsor of [[Leicester City F.C.|Leicester City]], the brand's home-town football club,
As of 2018, Walkers came under pressure from campaigners to change its packaging due to its contribution to litter and [[plastic pollution]].<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/aug/05/walkers-plastic-crisp-packet-non-recyclable |title= Crunch time for Walkers over non-recyclable crisp packets |work= The Guardian |date= 8 May 2018 |access-date= 9 September 2018 |archive-date= 9 September 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180909053635/https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/aug/05/walkers-plastic-crisp-packet-non-recyclable |url-status= live }}</ref> As part of the protest a marine biology student wore a crisp packet dress to her graduation. She claimed the dress was inspired by litter she had seen on a beach.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-45558074|title=Crisp packet graduation gown worn in Walkers recycling protest|work=BBC News|date=18 September 2018|access-date=22 September 2018|archive-date=22 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180922004123/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-45558074|url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2018, the [[Royal Mail]] appealed to customers to stop posting empty crisp packets to Walkers, which campaigners had asked people to do and "flood Walkers social media with pictures of us popping them in the post". Royal Mail was obliged by law to deliver the bags to Walkers' freepost address, but without envelopes they could not go through machines and had to be sorted by hand, causing delays.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leicestershire-45638416 |title=Royal Mail: Stop posting crisp packets without envelopes |work=BBC News |access-date=12 October 2018 |archive-date=7 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181007052857/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leicestershire-45638416 |url-status=live }}</ref>
In December 2022, Walkers launched a UK-wide search for the best heart-shaped crisp with a £100,000 reward for one winner.<ref>{{cite news |title=Walkers crisps heart shaped challenge: The best UK entries |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/national/uk-today/23360201.walkers-crisps-heart-shaped-challenge-best-uk-entries/ |access-date=14 April 2023 |work=Herald |archive-date=14 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414130526/https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/national/uk-today/23360201.walkers-crisps-heart-shaped-challenge-best-uk-entries/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In January 2024, Walkers launched three limited edition vegan flavours for [[Veganuary]]. BBQ Pork Ribs, Grilled Cheese Toastie and Flame Grilled Steak.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Leonard-Bedwell2024-01-04T12:14:00+00:00 |first=Niamh |title=Walkers adds trio of vegan crisp flavours for Veganuary |url=https://www.thegrocer.co.uk/new-product-development/walkers-adds-trio-of-vegan-crisp-flavours-for-veganuary/686763.article |access-date=2024-01-18 |website=The Grocer |language=en}}</ref>
In March 2024, Walkers reintroduced their 1990s range of football themed crisps. Salt & Lineker was joined by [[chicken tikka|Chicken Tackle Masala]], [[Steak & Ale Pie]]-nalty, and [[Sweet Chili]] Kicker.<ref>[https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/shopping-deals/walkers-football-crisps-gary-lineker-24094684 "Lineker crisps"]. ''Daily Mirror''. </ref> However, Walkers discontinued Worcestershire Sauce flavoured crisps at the same time.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://metro.co.uk/2024/04/11/martin-lewis-might-found-best-alternative-axed-walkers-crisps-20627800/|title=Martin Lewis has best tip for fans of Walkers discontinued Worcester Sauce crisps|newspaper=Metro|date=11 April 2024}}</ref>
==Product range==
=== Core crisps ===
[[File:Packet of walkers crisps.jpg|thumb|A packet of Walkers Cheese & Onion crisps. Uniquely for British crisps they are in a blue wrapper, while Walkers Salt & Vinegar are in a green wrapper; the opposite colour scheme for other brands of British crisps.<ref>{{cite news |title=Showing their true colours: Apple, Pepsi, Nokia, but NOT Walkers - the brands that underwent major makeovers |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/brands-that-underwent-major-makeovers-apple-825369 |access-date=4 July 2019 |work=The Mirror |archive-date=4 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190704221538/https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/brands-that-underwent-major-makeovers-apple-825369 |url-status=live }}</ref>]]
Walkers' most common flavours of regular crisp are Ready Salted (sold in a red packet), Salt & Vinegar (green), Cheese & Onion (blue), Smoky Bacon (maroon) and Prawn Cocktail (pink). Other flavours are sold in other coloured packets, such as Beef & Onion (brown)
Some flavours were made available for a short time either because they tied in with special promotions, or failed to meet sales expectations. Walkers' "Great British Dinner" range included baked ham & mustard and [[Chicken Tikka|chicken tikka]]. A series of "mystery flavours" were launched in 2012, and later revealed to be sour cream & spring onion, Lincolnshire sausage & brown sauce, and Birmingham chicken balti.<ref>{{Citation|url=https://www.thegrocer.co.uk/fmcg/ambient/crisps-nuts-and-snacks/walkers-reveals-its-three-mystery-flavours/227165.article|title=Walkers reveals its three mystery flavours|first=Vince|last=Bamford|journal=The Grocer|publisher=William Reed Business Media|date=14 March 2012|access-date=25 April 2012|archive-date=1 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120501211305/http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/fmcg/ambient/crisps-nuts-and-snacks/walkers-reveals-its-three-mystery-flavours/227165.article|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2016, Walkers produced a limited edition 'Winners - Salt and Victory' crisps to commemorate its home-town football team, [[Leicester City]], winning the [[Premier League]] for the first time.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/walkers-unveils-leicester-salt--7886827|title=Walkers is handing out Leicester victory crisps - how to get a free packet|last=Sayid|first=Ruki|date=3 May 2016|work=Daily Mirror|access-date=4 April 2018|archive-date=12 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181012054211/https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/walkers-unveils-leicester-salt--7886827|url-status=live}}</ref> Earlier that season, Walkers had given Leicester fans in attendance at a match versus [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]] bags of "[[Jamie Vardy|Vardy]] salted" crisps, bearing the image of the Foxes' striker.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/leicester-city/12046867/Jamie-Vardy-gets-his-own-limited-edition-Walkers-crisp-flavour.html|title=Jamie Vardy gets his own limited edition Walkers crisp flavour|last=Gibson|first=Sean|date=11 December 2015|newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|access-date=12 October 2018|archive-date=12 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181012054114/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/leicester-city/12046867/Jamie-Vardy-gets-his-own-limited-edition-Walkers-crisp-flavour.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
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