PURCHASE, N.Y. — PepsiCo, Inc. plans to acquire premium snack brand Pipers, pending approval from the U.K.’s Competition and Markets Authority. Financial terms of the transaction, which is expected to close in early 2019, were not disclosed.
Launched in 2004, Pipers is based in Lincolnshire, England, and creates chips and pea snacks that are distributed across the U.K., Europe and the Americas. PepsiCo said it hopes to bolster the company’s growth regionally and increase its international exports.
Pipers offers a range of kettle-cooked chips made with regional ingredients and flavors. Varieties include Delicias Jalapeño & Dill, Lye Cross Cheddar & Onion, Anglesey Sea Salt, Burrow Hill Cider Vinegar & Sea Salt, Kirkby Malham Chorizo, Atlas Mountains Wild Thyme & Rosemary, Biggleswade Sweet Chili, Wissington Tomato and Karnataka Black Pepper & Sea Salt. Pipers' portfolio also includes a line of extruded pea snacks called Crispeas, which the company debuted in May. Crispeas contain fewer than 100 calories per serving and come in three varieties: Matar Paneer, Salsa Verde and English Mint.
“We’ve developed innovative products to suit evolving tastes while establishing a strong foothold in the market,” said James McKinney, managing director of Pipers Crisps. “PepsiCo’s commitment to accelerating the growth of the Pipers brand means more people will be able to enjoy the unique, award-winning flavor of Pipers crisps.”