Phileas Fogg snacks

Entrance to the Phileas Fogg Factory - geograph.org.uk - 1419478

Phileas Fogg snacks are a brand of snack products in the United Kingdom. The factory is based in Consett, County Durham. based on Phileas Fogg (hero of Jules Verne's Around the World in Eighty Days) They were created in 1982 and took off at a time when this type of snack was unique, with Doritos not having yet been introduced to the UK. When the Phileas Fogg company was sold, the re-branded products were a failure and almost disappeared from the snack world, but resurfaced later after making a comeback.

Early life

Phileas Fogg Snacks was invented back in 1982 by Roger McKechnie,^[1] Keith Gill, Ray McGhee and John Pike. They launched the idea with £67,000 of their own money combined. The idea was to create an adult snack with a brand character behind it which was Phileas Fogg, inspired by the character in the novel Around The World In 80 Days. Customers enjoyed the creative theme behind the products and the original flavors that went along with it and soon the company was prospering. Over the years they came up with different exotic flavours "from around the world".

Brand Death (1993-2003)

Between the late 1980s and early 1990s, Phileas Fogg Snacks achieved over £30 million and attracted attention of multinational snack company UB, (United Biscuits) who purchased it for £24 million.^[1] Unfortunately, it was the beginning of the end of the franchise. The four owners left after the sale of the business.^[1] UB changed the packaging and identity, completely changing the original themes of the products. They also failed to invest in the new products and flavours which ultimately made the brand somewhat "invisible" to customers and the brand started to fail.

Brand Re-birth (2009)

In a conference years ago, Phileas Fogg Snacks showed to have had a startling 83% prompt brand awareness. Around this time, it seemed the once cherished brand was coming back into favour.^[2] They changed the packaging and identity to comply with Phileas Fogg in the film to help illustrate "exotic tastes from around the world". With a brand closer to the originals and a new line of products, Phileas Fogg is making another appearance on the United Kingdom's snack shelves.

Flavours

^[3]

• Spikin Lime Tortillas
• Cool Casa Tortillas
• Chili con Queso Tortillas
• Kalonji Seed Poppadoms
• Teriyaki Crackers
• Brie and Onion Toasts
• Black Olive & Pesto Crostini

Current Range

American Bubble Chips

• Louisiana Sweet & Smokey Barbecue
• Cheese & New York Deli Relish

Mexican Taco Rolls

• Cool Sour Cream & Onion
• Nacho Cheese & Jalepeno
• Fiesta Salsa Tomato & Onion
• Fire Roasted Chilli

Indonesian Crackers

• Aromatic Spices & Sweet Chilli

American Popcorn

• Californian Tangy & Tasty Cheese
• New Orleans Cajun Spice & Smoked Salt
• Texas Wild & Tangy Buffalo Wings
• Arizona Sweet & Spicy Chilli

References