Tayto marks 70 years with ‘I Heart Tayto’ launch and special anniversary branding

Pictured celebrating Tayto’s 70th anniversary at Tayto Castle in Tandragee, Co Armagh, are (L-R) Stephen Hutchinson, Anne Hutchinson-Kane and Raymond Hutchinson

Northern Ireland’s iconic crisp manufacturer Tayto has kicked off a year-long programme of celebrations to mark its 70th anniversary, unveiling new products, limited-edition packaging and special anniversary branding.

Founded in 1956 by Thomas Hutchinson at Tayto Castle in Tandragee, Co Armagh, the family-owned business has grown from a small local operation into the UK’s largest locally owned crisp and snack manufacturer.

Still proudly run by the Hutchinson family, Tayto Group today produces more than 5.7 million packs of crisps and snacks every day across five UK sites, employing almost 1,500 people and generating annual revenues of around £275 million.

From its historic base in the rolling hills of County Armagh, Tayto has become Northern Ireland’s number one crisp brand and built a portfolio of well-known household names, including Golden Wonder, Mr Porky and REAL Handcooked Crisps.

Platinum packaging and ‘TAY7O’ logo

Limited-edition platinum packs of Tayto Cheese & Onion crisps feature a bespoke ‘TAY7O’ anniversary logo

The anniversary celebrations begin this month with the launch of special platinum packaging on Tayto’s iconic Cheese & Onion crisps. The limited-edition packs feature a bespoke ‘TAY7O’ anniversary logo, marking seven decades since the first crisps were produced at Tayto Castle.

Alongside the commemorative packaging, the company is introducing new heart-shaped snacks under its “I Heart Tayto” branding. The new products will be available in Prawn Cocktail and Pickled Onion flavours, offering a playful nod to some of Tayto’s most popular tastes.

Shoppers will also see celebratory “I Heart Tayto” 20-pack boxes arriving in stores this week, while a special anniversary logo will be rolled out across Tayto’s new fleet of delivery vans and lorries, bringing the milestone to roads across Northern Ireland and beyond.

A year of celebrations

Tayto’s new heart-shaped Pickled Onion snacks under its “I Heart Tayto” branding

Tayto says the 70th anniversary year will be filled with new product launches, brand activations and community-focused initiatives, with the much-loved company mascot Mr Tayto expected to make appearances across Northern Ireland.

Stephen Hutchinson, Chairman of Tayto Group, said:

“We are proud to be marking the 70th anniversary of Tayto and the first crisps produced here at Tayto Castle in Tandragee. From small beginnings Tayto has grown to become a £275m business producing over 5.7 million packs a day and employing almost 1,500 people.

“As a family-owned business we remain as committed as ever to looking after our colleagues, our communities and our customers and we are grateful for the support and loyalty that they continue to show the Tayto brand.

“Since my father started the company, Tayto has been a forward-looking business and innovation remains at the heart of the business as we invest in developing the snacks of the future.

“We have ambitious plans to keep growing and I have no doubt that Tayto will remain one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic brands for another 70 years.”

A brand rooted in Northern Ireland

For many consumers, Tayto is more than just a crisp brand, with generations having grown up with its distinctive Cheese & Onion flavour and instantly recognisable mascot.

The anniversary celebrations are expected to tap into that shared sense of nostalgia, while also showcasing how the company continues to innovate and expand.

As Tayto embarks on its eighth decade, the company says it remains focused on balancing its heritage with future growth, ensuring its place at the heart of Northern Ireland’s food manufacturing industry for years to come.