PepsiCo-owned Walkers has announced plans to generate 50% of its sales from healthier products by 2025 as works to redevelop its entire snacks portfolio amid the introduction of restrictions on the sale of products high in fat, salt, or sugar (HFSS).
With an initial investment of £35m over the next three years, the company will reformulate or launch new products that do not classify as HFSS, hoping to generate 30% of sales with these snacks. It is also aiming for an additional 20% of sales to come from snacks with 100 calories or less per packet.
Earlier this month, the company launched its first non-HFSS crisp range, Walkers 45% Less Salt, with plans for more reformulated snacks to feature on supermarket shelves in the near future. These include Doritos Dippers, Popworks and Walkers Baked – a brand already worth £64m in retail sales value (RSV) which contains 50% less fat than regular crisps.
Walkers plans to launch a new healthier non-HFSS crisp range in the future. The brand is developing methods to reduce saturated fat and salt without changing the taste and flavour of its products.
Jason Richards, PepsiCo’s general manager of UK & Ireland, said: “This is a significant milestone in our long-term commitment to provide smart, snacking choices, without compromising the taste. We’ve been making changes to our portfolio over many years, but now is the time for even bolder action.
“We have set ourselves the ambitious goal of a 50% sales target for non-HFSS or low calorie snacks. We’ve got a long way to go from where we are now, but we’re determined to make this happen.”
The move is part of PepsiCo’s strategic health and sustainability plan, PepsiCo Positive.
The incoming government restrictions will limit the placement and promotion of HFSS food & drink in supermarkets and larger convenience stores as part of wider moves to improve the nation’s health. This has led to other snack brands reformulating products ahead of the clampdown.
