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Intersnack
Intersnack
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Intersnack Group GmbH & Co. KG is a German snack food company that annually produces around 600,000 tonnes of snacks including potato chips, nuts, baked products and specialty snacks.[3] The company made its first potato chips in 1968[4] and is currently based in Düsseldorf.

Key Information

Notable brands and companies under Intersnack include funny-frisch, Hula Hoops, McCoy's, Pom-Bear, Chio Chips, Vico, ültje, Penn State, Bohemia, and Tayto Crisps.[5][6]

Company history

[edit]

The company's history dates back to 1962 in when Irmgard von Opel , together with her two sons, Carlo and Heinz, started producing potato chips under the brand name Chio (an anagram of Carlo Irmgard Heinz Opel).[7]

In 1968 in Cologne, the company Pfeifer & Langen also began producing potato chips under the brand name Chipsfrisch . The merger of Chipsfrisch with parts of the company Pfanni led in 1972 to the creation of the company funny-frisch , which was merged in 1977 with Chio-Chips into the Conventgruppe group.[citation needed]

In 1998, Intersnack acquired the Vico company, and its Vico and Monster Munch brands. Since then it is run as subsidiary Intersnack France.[8]

In 2012, Intersnack acquired KP Snacks from United Biscuits.[9]

In December 2019, Intersnack and Philippine company Universal Robina formed Unisnack ANZ, a joint venture comprising Griffin's Foods and Snack Brands Australia. Intersnack held a 40% stake in the consolidated business.[10][11] In August 2021, Universal Robina exited the Australian and New Zealand market by selling its remaining 60% stake in Unisnack ANZ to the company.[12]

References

[edit]
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Intersnack

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Intersnack Group GmbH & Co. KG is a privately owned snack food manufacturer specializing in savory snacks, recognized as a leading producer in Europe and Oceania with nearly 60 years of experience. The company produces a diverse portfolio of products, including potato chips, nuts, baked goods, and specialty snacks, sold under more than 30 consumer-driven brands such as Chio, POM-BÄR, Tyrrells, Estrella, and ültje. In 2024, Intersnack reported sales exceeding 4.5 billion euros and produced 724,000 tonnes of snacks, reflecting its continuous growth through organic expansion and strategic acquisitions. Headquartered in , , Intersnack operates 45 production sites across 15 European countries, as well as in , , , and , enabling its presence in 31 countries worldwide as of 2024. Employing over 15,000 people as of 2024, the company emphasizes an inclusive culture focused on teamwork, long-term goals, and , aiming to deliver responsibly made products that support balanced lifestyles without compromising on taste. Intersnack's commitment to excellence has positioned it as a market leader in the savory snacks sector, with a history of fostering innovation and regional brand development to meet diverse consumer preferences.

History

Founding and early years

The origins of Intersnack trace back to 1968, when potato chip production began under the group in as a family-owned business, specializing in the production of savory snacks such as potato chips and nuts. In 2008, the Intersnack Group was formed through the merger of the snack divisions of and other entities. The company began operations in , initially concentrating on the local German market with simple potato-based products and nut offerings that catered to everyday consumers. That same year, Intersnack produced its first potato chips under the Chipsfrisch brand, signifying its formal entry into the savory snacks sector amid a burgeoning interest in convenient foods. This early expansion was fueled by West Germany's post-World War II economic recovery, the , which boosted disposable incomes and heightened demand for affordable, ready-to-eat snacks during the late 1960s.

Expansion through acquisitions

Intersnack's expansion strategy has relied heavily on acquisitions since the late 1990s to achieve inorganic growth and broaden its market footprint across and beyond. This approach allowed the company to integrate established brands and production capabilities, accelerating its scale in the savory snacks sector. By the , acquisition activity intensified, with peak efforts in 2014 involving two major deals that enhanced its presence in and other regions. A pivotal early acquisition occurred in 1998 when Intersnack purchased the Vico cooperative, incorporating the and brands and solidifying its position in the French savory snacks market. This move marked Intersnack's entry into as a key operational hub, later rebranded as Intersnack France in 2007. In 2012, Intersnack acquired from , owned by Blackstone at the time, for an undisclosed sum estimated around £500 million. The deal added prominent UK brands such as and McCoy's to its portfolio, boosting annual turnover by approximately €330 million and strengthening Intersnack's dominance in the British market. The 2018 acquisition of Tyrrells from The Hershey Company further diversified Intersnack's offerings into premium hand-cooked crisps. Conducted through its KP Snacks subsidiary for an undisclosed amount, the transaction expanded global distribution of Tyrrells' better-for-you snack lines and integrated two manufacturing sites in the UK. In 2024, Intersnack acquired Whole Earth Foods from the Ecotone Group, marking its entry into organic and plant-based nut butters. This deal, announced in June and completed later that year, aligned with growing demand for healthier snack options and added a leading European supplier to its holdings. Other significant deals include the progressive acquisition of and , facilitating Intersnack's entry into . Initially forming a in 2019 with Corporation for 40% ownership, Intersnack secured full control of Unisnack ANZ—including these brands—in 2021 for an undisclosed amount. These acquisitions have collectively driven substantial operational scale, with Intersnack's annual sales surpassing 700,000 tonnes by the mid-2020s through integrated and supply chains.

Corporate affairs

Ownership and leadership

Intersnack Group GmbH & Co. KG operates as a privately held partnership, structured under German as a with a as the general partner, a form it has maintained since its formation in 2008. The company is 100% owned by Industrie- und Handels-KG, a family-controlled entity with historical ties to the , ensuring its independence without any public listing or external shareholders. This ownership model allows for long-term strategic decision-making focused on sustained growth in the sector. Maarten Leerdam serves as Executive Chairman and (CEO), having joined the group in 2000 as CEO of The Nut Company, a key early acquisition, and assuming his current roles in 2008 to oversee overall strategic direction, including international expansion and . The executive team comprises seasoned professionals with deep expertise in the snack industry, including Henrik Bauwens as Managing Director and (), responsible for financial strategy and operations; Johan van Winkel as Managing Director and (COO), focusing on and efficiency; and Fabien Duvilla as (CCO), driving and initiatives across regions. Regional leadership, such as Kurt Preshaw as CEO of Intersnack ANZ for operations, complements the group-level team by tailoring strategies to local markets in and beyond, emphasizing agile adaptation to consumer trends. Governance at Intersnack adheres to German corporate standards, with the Executive Board at the core of oversight and decision-making to ensure compliance, ethical practices, and throughout the group. The Board applies best practices in , supported by a dedicated Group Compliance team that monitors adherence to legal and internal policies, fostering transparency and accountability in a privately held structure.

Headquarters and organization

Intersnack Group GmbH & Co. KG maintains its headquarters in , , at Klaus-Bungert-Str. 8/8a, where it has served as the central hub for strategic planning, administration, and group-level functions since the company's founding in 1968. This location coordinates overarching operations across Europe and beyond, supporting the group's expansion from its origins in producing potato chips to a multinational manufacturer. The organizational structure of Intersnack is designed around regional management units that handle day-to-day operations in key areas, including , , , , , , and . These units integrate specialized product focuses, such as nuts through The Nut Company and potato snacks via dedicated subsidiaries and facilities, while group functions at the holding level oversee shared resources like finance, IT, and procurement. Notable regional entities include in the , which manages local savory snack production, and Intersnack France, responsible for operations in the . This framework enables localized decision-making while ensuring alignment with global standards. Intersnack employs over 15,000 staff across its operations in 31 countries, with significant emphasis on cross-functional teams in , marketing, and to drive and efficiency in its European-focused activities. The company enforces a comprehensive applicable group-wide, which establishes principles for ethical conduct, legal compliance, and fostering diversity and inclusion among employees and partners.

Products and brands

Product portfolio

Intersnack's product portfolio centers on savory snacks, divided into core categories that highlight its emphasis on variety and taste. Potato chips, or crisps, represent the largest segment, encompassing classic and flavored varieties made from sliced potatoes fried or baked to achieve a crispy texture. Nuts form another foundational category, including roasted and salted , coated nuts, and seed mixes designed for on-the-go snacking. Extruded snacks, such as ring-shaped corn puffs and stick-like peanut flips, provide lightweight, airy options often seasoned with bold flavors. Baked products include pretzels, crackers, and oven-baked alternatives that offer a crunch without . Specialty items round out the range with innovative formats like , vegetable crisps, lentil chips, and tortilla chips, appealing to diverse dietary preferences. The company manufactures approximately 724,000 tonnes of snacks annually, with potato-based products comprising the majority of this volume due to their popularity across markets. Since the , Intersnack has driven innovation by introducing healthier options, including baked and low-salt variants, while expanding premium and flavored ranges to meet evolving consumer demands. Notable examples include oven chips and , which reduce fat content through air-popping or baking techniques, alongside lentil-based crisps for plant-focused nutrition. Quality standards prioritize natural ingredients and , with 100% of products free from artificial colors and sweeteners, 88% avoiding artificial flavors, and 97% excluding taste enhancers. Many lines incorporate only clean-label components, such as sunflower or oils low in saturated fats (used in 99% of products), and all production sites adhere to GFSI-recognized benchmarks. To suit regional tastes, Intersnack adapts its offerings, such as producing thicker-cut potato crisps for the UK market to deliver enhanced crunch and texture.

Major brands

Intersnack's portfolio features a diverse array of major brands that span international markets, regional favorites, and specialty snacks, emphasizing quality and innovation in savory products. Among its flagship international brands, Chio Chips stands out as a pioneer in the potato crisp category, originating in Germany in 1962 as the country's first branded potato chips and now available in over 15 European countries with a range of crisps, tortilla chips, popcorn, and nuts. POM-BÄR, launched in 1987, has become a beloved family-oriented snack known for its fun, bear-shaped potato sticks targeted at children, distributed in more than 30 countries and prized for its absence of artificial additives. Tyrrells, established in 2002 as a premium hand-cooked crisp brand using select potatoes and natural seasonings, was acquired by Intersnack in 2018 through its KP Snacks subsidiary, expanding its reach to over 30 countries and reinforcing Intersnack's position in the better-for-you snack segment. Estrella, introduced in Sweden in 1957, is a leading brand for chips, popcorn, and nuts, particularly popular in Sweden, Finland, and the Baltic states with flavors like Sourcream & Onion. In the UK and Ireland, Intersnack maintains strong market leadership through iconic local brands. , introduced in 1973, offers distinctive extruded ring-shaped snacks in various flavors and is produced under the KP Snacks umbrella, which Intersnack acquired as part of its broader UK expansion. McCoy's, debuting in 1985, dominates as the UK's top ridged crisp brand, with consumption in approximately 25% of households (as of 2024) due to its bold textures and flavors. Tayto, founded in 1954 as the originator of flavored potato chips in Ireland—famously innovating the cheese and onion variety—remains the market leader there, embodying national snacking heritage. For nuts and specialty snacks, Intersnack leverages established German and French brands with deep roots. ültje, dating back to 1949, leads the German peanut market with offerings of roasted, coated, and mixed nuts, appealing to consumers seeking natural indulgence. Funny-frisch, which began in 1968 as Chipsfrisch before evolving into a broader flavored snack line, has been a staple in Germany for its innovative twists on potato-based products. Vico, a classic French potato chip brand, was acquired by Intersnack in 1998, enhancing its European footprint with traditional and flavored crisp varieties that hold significant nostalgic value in France. In , Intersnack's brands focus on savory snacks tailored to local tastes. Griffin's, a New Zealand-based company producing a wide range of savory biscuits and snacks since 1864, became fully owned by Intersnack in 2021 following a acquisition, solidifying its role as a heritage leader in the region. , which includes popular chip lines like (established 1967) and Samboy, was integrated into Intersnack's portfolio through the same 2021 deal, supporting diverse chip offerings across . Intersnack's brand strategy balances global icons with cherished local favorites, managing over 20 brands through targeted investments estimated at around €150 million annually to drive and across its markets.

Operations

Manufacturing and production

Intersnack operates 45 production facilities across , , , and as of 2024, enabling a total annual production capacity exceeding 700,000 tonnes of savory snacks. Key facilities include multiple plants in , such as those in Alsbach (where a €85 million expansion is planned with construction starting in 2026 for increased output), , , and , which handle production for brands like Chio potato chips. In the UK, subsidiary manages seven manufacturing sites, including locations in , , and , focusing on crisps and nuts. France's operations center on the Vic-sur-Aisne site for snacks, supported by a second plant, while in , utilizes advanced facilities in Orchard Hills and Smithfield for regional brands. These sites emphasize localized production to minimize transport distances and support efficient scaling. Production methods at Intersnack facilities rely on highly automated lines tailored to snack types, including continuous for potato chips using primarily sunflower and oils to achieve crisp textures without , roasting for nuts to preserve natural flavors, and for baked or puffed products like pretzels and . These processes incorporate advanced machinery for slicing, , and , with an emphasis on energy-efficient operations across the network to support the group's overall output of over 724,000 tonnes sold in 2024. enhances control, particularly in nut handling through legacy operations from The Nut Company, merged into Intersnack in 2008. The prioritizes regional sourcing for potatoes from contract farmers within approximately 150 km of European to ensure freshness and reduce emissions, while nuts and other ingredients are procured globally from vetted suppliers, with processing vertically integrated via the Intersnack Cashew Company in and for enhanced oversight. is maintained through GFSI-accredited schemes at all sites, annual AIB audits for manufacturing practices, and 94% certification for occupational health and safety across owned facilities as of 2024. systems, implemented progressively since the early , enable end-to-end tracking from to finished product, including third-party assessments for 80% of nut volumes to verify compliance and safety.

Global markets

Intersnack maintains a robust international footprint centered on and , operating in over 30 countries across these regions, with additional presence in select Asian markets including and . In , the company's core operations span Western and Eastern markets, including , the , , the , , , the , , , , , , , and the , supported by regional management units that facilitate localized strategies while leveraging group-wide expertise. This structure enables Intersnack to achieve significant in savory snacks, where it ranks as one of the leading manufacturers continent-wide, serving approximately 15 million daily customers through a diverse portfolio of potato chips, nuts, and baked products. In , Intersnack has established a notable position through strategic acquisitions and joint ventures, particularly in and , where it gained entry via a 40% stake in Corporation's local operations in 2019 and subsequent integrations like the acquisition of . These moves have bolstered its share in the regional savory snacks sector, contributing to an estimated revenue of around AUD 465 million for its ANZ subsidiary in 2024. The 's overall net sales exceeded €4.5 billion in 2024, with accounting for the majority of —reflecting its status as a top-three player in the European savory snacks market—while represents a growing secondary hub driven by tailored product innovations and expanded distribution. In November 2024, acquired Whole Earth Foods, enhancing plant-based nut butter offerings in the portfolio. Intersnack's market strategies emphasize adaptation to regional consumer preferences and competition dynamics, including rivalry from multinational players like in both and . In , its largest single market, the company holds the leading position in savory snacks, capitalizing on strong retail partnerships and a volume of over 724,000 tonnes sold group-wide in 2024. Emerging segments, such as plant-based snacks through the acquired Whole Earth Foods brand, further support growth in health-conscious European and Oceanic markets. Distribution occurs primarily through direct supply to retail warehouses or local partners, ensuring broad availability without reliance on specific named retailers.

Sustainability efforts

Environmental commitments

Intersnack has aligned its climate strategy with the (SBTi), receiving approval for its emissions reduction goals in December 2023. These targets include a 50% absolute reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 2032 from a 2021 baseline, alongside a 30% absolute reduction in Scope 3 emissions over the same period. To support these ambitions, the company committed to sourcing 100% renewable electricity across its operations by 2032, achieving 40% progress by 2024 through measures such as a 15-year virtual with a solar farm in ; the solar park, operational since April 2025, reduces emissions by approximately 30,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent annually and generates 90,000 MWh per year. The company's packaging initiatives emphasize transitioning to recyclable and resource-efficient materials as part of its Pledge. By 2025, Intersnack aims to make nine out of 11 plastic packaging types recyclable, while reducing overall packaging material use by 15% compared to a 2014 baseline; this includes a 12.4% reduction in flexible packaging achieved by 2024. Although specific timelines for eliminating single-use plastics in factories are not publicly detailed, broader efforts focus on principles to minimize plastic waste through redesign and supplier collaboration. Resource efficiency programs target significant reductions in and across . Intersnack has committed to a 20% decrease in usage per of product by 2025 relative to a 2018 baseline, with an 8.6% reduction recorded in 2024 through optimized processes in factories. For minimization, the company pursues a zero-loss approach, having achieved 0% food in its factories by 2020 via recovery of all edible residuals primarily for ; further targets include a 50% reduction in total food by 2032 from 2021 and a 10% cut in non-edible by 2025 from 2018, contributing to near-zero diversion. Sustainable sourcing forms a core element of Intersnack's environmental strategy, particularly for and nuts, which are key ingredients. The company runs sustainable potato farming projects in , including programs in , the , , and that promote reduced water and use through farmer partnerships. For nuts, is ensured via field audits and certifications; all suppliers in are verified under the Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA) by the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI) Platform, covering 150,000 hectares and 670 farms. Additionally, Intersnack pledges no in primary deforestation-linked commodities as part of its SBTi commitments.

Social and ethical practices

Intersnack maintains a Responsible Sourcing Policy that requires all priority-1 suppliers to adhere to fair labor standards, including compliance with the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Base Code and Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA) criteria. By the end of 2024, 99% of these suppliers had signed the policy, and 93% of the priority-1 sourcing volume came from processors assessed against these standards. The company also conducts ethical audits across its , with 91% of manufacturing plants completing valid ETI/SMETA assessments in 2024. To support nut farmers in developing regions, Intersnack engages in capacity-building initiatives, such as the Sustainable Nut Initiative (SNI) and partnerships with organizations like the Rainforest Alliance and the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI) Platform. These efforts include field projects in countries like Malawi, where the company has helped smallholder farmers establish sustainable macadamia nut value chains, and collaborations with the Fair Labor Association (FLA) to prevent child labor in Turkey's hazelnut supply. Additionally, the Honest Cashew program promotes transparency and ethical practices in cashew sourcing from Vietnam and Africa. Intersnack prioritizes employee welfare through diversity and programs. The company has set a goal to achieve 25% women in positions by 2025 and launched a Women's Network to support this objective. initiatives include a 70% completion rate for compliance training across 29 countries in 2024. Intersnack has earned an EcoVadis Gold rating for performance for the second consecutive year in 2024, reflecting strong practices in labor and . For community impact, Intersnack supports donations and partnerships, such as sponsorships from its Estrella brand of women's football programs in to promote . These efforts align with broader ethical commitments, including verifiable sourcing for in , where all suppliers covering 150,000 hectares and 670 farms received Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA) . Intersnack integrates social metrics into its Annual Sustainability Progress Report, with the 2024 edition tracking progress through a double materiality assessment aligned with the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) and Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), combining social data on labor, , and with environmental indicators.

References

  1. https://www.intersnackgroup.com/about-us/overview
  2. https://www.intersnackgroup.com/fileadmin/intersnackgroup.com/sustainability/Sustainability_Report/Intersnack_Sustainability_Progress_Report_2024.pdf
  3. https://www.globaldata.com/company-profile/intersnack-group-gmbh-co-kg/
  4. https://www.intersnack.de/en/about-us/overview
  5. https://www.blackstone.com/news/press/kp-snacks-to-become-part-of-european-intersnack-group/
  6. https://matrixbcg.com/blogs/owners/intersnack
  7. https://swotanalysisexample.com/blogs/brief-history/intersnack-brief-history
  8. https://www.investopedia.com/articles/economics/09/german-economic-miracle.asp
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  10. https://www.intersnack.fr/en/about-us/our-history
  11. https://www.bakeryandsnacks.com/Article/2012/12/05/Intersnack-strengthens-UK-hold-through-KP-Snacks/
  12. https://www.foodbusinessnews.net/articles/11846-intersnack-group-snags-tyrrells-from-hershey
  13. https://www.kpsnacks.com/news/show/the-intersnack-group-to-acquire-tyrrells-international-portfolio-of-better-for-you-premium-snack-brands
  14. https://www.intersnackgroup.com/news/show/intersnack-group-acquires-whole-earth-foods
  15. https://www.ecotone.bio/whole-earth-foods-joins-kp-snacks
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  18. https://www.intersnackgroup.com/about-us/our-leadership
  19. https://au.linkedin.com/in/kurtpreshaw
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  25. https://www.intersnackgroup.com/brands/overview
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  27. https://www.tyrrellscrisps.co.uk/range/potato-crisps/
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  29. https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/retail/biscuit-brand-griffins-new-owner
  30. https://www.snackbrands.com.au/
  31. https://canvasbusinessmodel.com/products/intersnack-marketing-mix
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  33. https://www.kpsnacks.com/about-us/locations
  34. https://www.intersnack.fr/en/our-commitments/to-the-community
  35. https://www.potatopro.com/companies/snack-brands-australia-factory
  36. https://matrixbcg.com/blogs/growth-strategy/intersnack
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  38. https://www.intersnack.de/en/sustainability/supply-chain-and-society
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  42. https://www.intersnackgroup.com/news
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  44. https://www.intersnackgroup.com/sustainability/stories
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  46. https://www.intersnackgroup.com/sustainability/partnerships
  47. https://www.intersnackgroup.com/sustainability/stories/malawian-smallholders-first-macadamia-nut-harvest
  48. https://www.intersnackgroup.com/sustainability/stories/intersnack-awarded-gold-for-sustainability
  49. https://www.intersnackgroup.com/sustainability/sustainability-report
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