Foundation of Lay's
Lay's was founded by Herman W. Lay in Nashville, Tennessee. He began selling potato chips from the trunk of his car, marking the humble beginnings of what would become a global snack food giant.
1932
1938
H.W. Lay & Company Established
Herman Lay officially established H.W. Lay & Company, setting up the first manufacturing plant and beginning large-scale production of Lay's potato chips.
1944
Lay's Brand Name Introduced
The company adopted the brand name "Lay's" for its potato chips, creating a recognizable identity that would become synonymous with quality and taste.
1961
Merger with Frito Company
Lay's merged with the Frito Company, forming Frito-Lay, Inc. This merger expanded the product line and distribution network, solidifying Lay's position in the snack food industry.
1965
PepsiCo Acquisition
Frito-Lay merged with Pepsi-Cola to form PepsiCo, Inc. This acquisition provided Lay's with additional resources and global reach, facilitating further growth and innovation.
1978
Introduction of Lay's Sour Cream & Onion
Lay's introduced its Sour Cream & Onion flavor, which quickly became a popular choice among consumers and remains a staple in the product lineup.
1980
National Distribution Achieved
Lay's achieved national distribution across the United States, making its products available to a wider audience and significantly increasing its market share.
1991
Launch of Lay's Wavy
Lay's launched its Wavy line of potato chips, featuring a unique texture and thicker cut, catering to consumers seeking a different snacking experience.
1994
Global Expansion
Lay's began its global expansion, entering markets in Europe, Asia, and Latin America, establishing itself as a leading international snack brand.
2003
Introduction of Lay's Stax
Lay's introduced Lay's Stax, a line of stacked potato chips packaged in a resealable container, offering a convenient and innovative snacking option.
2007
Launch of Lay's Kettle Cooked
Lay's launched its Kettle Cooked line, offering a crunchier texture and artisanal flavors, appealing to consumers looking for premium snack options.
2012
Do Us a Flavor Campaign
Lay's introduced the "Do Us a Flavor" campaign, inviting consumers to submit and vote on new flavor ideas, fostering engagement and innovation in the product lineup.
2016
Launch of Lay's Poppables
Lay's launched Lay's Poppables, a new snack format featuring bite-sized, airy, and crispy potato snacks, expanding its product offerings.
2019
Introduction of Lay's Flavor Icons
Lay's introduced the Flavor Icons line, featuring flavors inspired by iconic dishes from famous restaurants across the United States, enhancing its flavor diversity.
2021
Lay's Sustainability Initiatives
Lay's announced new sustainability initiatives, including efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and use more sustainable packaging, aligning with global environmental goals.
2023
Launch of Lay's Layers
Lay's introduced Lay's Layers, a new product featuring multi-layered, crispy potato snacks, offering a unique texture and flavor experience.
