Smiths

Smith’s is one of the most iconic names in the world of snack foods, renowned for its classic potato crisps and rich heritage. Now part of the PepsiCo family, the Smith’s brand lives on through two dedicated subsidiaries: Walkers Snack Foods in the United Kingdom and The Smith’s Snackfood Company in Australia, each continuing the tradition of crafting crisp, flavour-packed snacks enjoyed by millions.

The story of Smith’s began in London in 1920, when founders Frank Smith and Jim Viney introduced a simple but revolutionary idea—hand-making potato crisps and packaging them with a small twist of salt inside greaseproof paper bags. This humble innovation quickly captured the attention of snack lovers and helped Smith’s grow into one of Britain’s most recognisable crisp brands.

By 1930, the company had incorporated as a private limited business and soon dominated the UK crisp market. Through the mid-20th century, Smith’s became known not just for quality, but for shaping flavour trends. When new competitors emerged in the 1960s, Smith’s responded creatively, introducing Salt & Vinegar—a flavour initially developed by its Tudor subsidiary in north-east England and later launched nationwide in 1967, becoming a staple of British snacking culture.

In 1982, Smith’s joined Walkers under common ownership, helping to expand the brand’s reach while preserving the craftsmanship and flavour heritage that made Smith’s a household name. Today, the Smith’s legacy continues across generations, offering the same satisfying crunch and bold tastes that first made the brand famous over a century ago.