Tyrrell Potato Chips

Tyrrells Potato Crisps, a premium snack food company, was established in 2002 by farmer and entrepreneur William Chase. Operating from his farm in Herefordshire, England, Chase leveraged his two decades of experience in potato farming, including a period of supplying potatoes to supermarket McCain, to venture into crisp production. This move was born out of a desire to retain more value from his produce and create a finished product on-site. The company distinguished itself by hand-cooking crisps in small batches, leaving the skins on the potatoes to enhance flavor and texture. This method, combined with the use of locally sourced potato varieties like Lady Rosetta and Lady Claire, became a signature of the brand.

The product line centers on gourmet potato and vegetable crisps, offered in a variety of distinctive flavors such as 'Sea Salt & Cider Vinegar' and 'Mature Cheddar & Chive'. The brand's unique selling proposition lies in its farm-to-chip ethos, quality ingredients, and quirky, English-themed branding. Tyrrells markets its products to consumers seeking a higher-quality snack alternative, distributing through major supermarkets and independent retailers. Its business model revolves around the manufacturing and sale of these premium packaged goods to a broad consumer base.

A significant milestone in the company's history occurred in 2008 when William Chase sold a majority stake for nearly £40 million to Langholm Capital, a private equity firm. This transaction provided the capital for further expansion. The company has since undergone several changes in ownership. In 2013, it was acquired by Investcorp for £100 million, and later, in 2015, by Amplify Snack Brands of Austin, Texas, for £300 million. The Hershey Company subsequently acquired Amplify Snack Brands, including Tyrrells, in 2017 for $1.6 billion. Following his exit from the crisp business, founder William Chase went on to establish the successful Chase Distillery, producing gin and vodka, further demonstrating his entrepreneurial acumen in the food and beverage sector.

Keywords: premium snacks, potato crisps, hand-cooked, farm-to-chip, gourmet flavors, Herefordshire, consumer packaged goods, food manufacturing, William Chase, snack food