Market News

Frito Lay Works to Capture Ethnic Market

Frito Lay is introducing a new line of Asian-inspired potato chips and snacks in an attempt to capture Canada \'s largest ethnic group. Wasabi- and spicy-curry-flavoured potato chips hit the Toronto and Vancouver markets in February. Their launch is being supported by a targeted marketing campaign in Chinese-language newspapers and television stations. Chips account for more than 50% of Canada \'s $1.1-billion salty snack-food market. According to NPD Canada, 32% of Canadians eat chips at least once a week. Research suggests that Canadians are starting to seek out more intense and exotic flavours. Frito Lay created and tested roughly 40 different chip flavours, including seaweed, cucumber and green tea, before choosing wasabi and spicy curry. Source: Canadian Grocer E-Newsletter, March 3rd. 2006.