PRINGLE’S
Pringles were invented in 1968 for Procter and Gamble by chemist Fredric J. Baur. P&G sought out to create Pringles because of the various customer complaints about stale, broken chips. Baur spent two years experimenting with the Pringle shape, formula, and packaging. The saddle shape made the chip stronger and more stable, and it distributed pressure evenly, preventing breakage. The shape, package, and unique taste made Pringles stand out from other chips.
Reinventing the Potato Chip
The Rise of Pringles
Though Pringles were created to solve customer complaints they were not very popular at the time of their release. Pringle sales were moderate until the 1980s when Pringle reformulated the taste and improved their marketing. In 1984 Pringle released the Sour Cream & Onion favor which became a massive hit and their second-highest-selling flavor. Popularity surged in the 90s following the introduction of the iconic slogan “Once you pop, you can’t stop,” as Pringles expanded widely into international markets across Europe, Latin America, and Asia, becoming a widely recognized snack. Pringles have since then been sold in over 140 countries earning over 1 billion dollars in annual sales. Kellogg’s acquired the brand for $2.7 billion in 2012, and still produces Pringles today.
