Lays

Lay’s snacks, a globally recognized brand of crispy potato chips, has a rich history rooted in the entrepreneurial spirit of its founder, Herman W. Lay. Born in 1920 in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, Lay embarked on a remarkable journey that began with a mere $100 investment and transformed into an iconic snack empire.

Herman W. Lay’s early life was marked by determination and hard work. Despite receiving a scholarship to pursue university education, he chose a different path after two years, opting to work and earn extra income. His journey began as a biscuit salesman, eventually leading him to the world of potato chips with the Barrett Food Company. The life of a traveling salesman was challenging, involving journeys to various states to promote products to different stores.

With a dream of becoming a business owner, Lay founded the HW Lay Distributing Company in 1932, initially serving as a distributor for Barrett Food Company’s potato chips. In 1938, he acquired the Barrett Food Company, renaming it HW Lay & Company, and introduced the Lay’s brand of crispy potato chips. The inaugural flavor was the classic salted version, which quickly gained popularity. Subsequent innovations saw the introduction of flavors like barbecue and sour cream.

Herman W. Lay’s journey epitomizes the spirit of starting from scratch and building success through experience, opportunities, determination, and patience. In 1961, a significant turning point occurred when Lay’s joined forces with Fritos corn crisps, owned by Charles Elmer Doolin, forming the Frito-Lays company. This strategic partnership expanded sales channels and intensified competition in the market, with Lay’s promoting Frito snacks in Georgia, and Frito reciprocating in Texas.

The company continued to grow, reaching Canadian markets in 1962. The turning point came in 1966 when Lay’s, now a leader in the potato snacks industry, partnered with the Pepsi Cola Company to form Frito-Lays and Pepsi. This collaboration marked Lay’s television advertising debut, bringing the brand to a broader audience and solidifying its status as the world’s favorite crispy potato snack. Today, Lay’s offers a diverse array of flavors, making it the number one choice for potato snack enthusiasts worldwide.