History of Sabritas

THE UNKNOWN HISTORY OF SABRITAS

© History Oasis

Amidst the global upheaval of World War II, a humble yet ambitious enterprise emerged in Mexico City, forever altering the course of the nation's snack industry.

The year was 1943, and as the world grappled with the challenges of a devastating conflict, Pedro Antonio Marcos Noriega laid the foundation for what would become one of Mexico's most iconic brands: Sabritas.

Over the decades that followed, through the transformative acquisition by PepsiCo in the 1960s and the company's remarkable growth and expansion, the history of Sabritas has become inextricably woven into the fabric of Mexican culture, a testament to the enduring power of innovation, resilience, and the universal love of delicious snacks.

ORIGINS OF SABRITAS

portrait of the founder of Sabritas, Pedro Noriega
© History Oasis

In 1943, a visionary entrepreneur named Pedro Antonio Marcos Noriega embarked on a journey that would forever change the Mexican snack industry.

With unwavering determination, he established Golosinas y Productos Selectos in the heart of Mexico City, laying the foundation for what would later become the iconic brand, Sabritas.

This humble beginning, marked by Noriega's passion for creating delectable snacks, set the stage for a company that would not only endure but thrive in the decades to come, ultimately becoming a beloved household name throughout Mexico.

SABRITAS, IS A PLAY ON WORDS THAT MEANS "TASTY AND FRIED"

Sabritas vintage ad
Source: Sabritas

The cleverly crafted name "Sabritas" is more than just a brand—it is a testament to the ingenuity and linguistic prowess of its creators.

By combining the Spanish words "Sabrosas" (tasty) and "Fritas" (fried), they birthed a portmanteau that perfectly encapsulates the essence of their products—delightful, crispy snacks that tantalize the taste buds.

INITIALLY, SABRITAS RELIED MOSTLY ON A BICYCLE-BASED DISTRIBUTION NETWORK

Sabritas delivery network
© History Oasis

In the early days of Sabritas, the company's distribution network was a far cry from the expansive, modern logistics we know today.

Relying primarily on a fleet of bicycles, the intrepid salesforce pedaled their way through the bustling streets of Mexico City, carrying the fledgling brand's potato chips, corn chips, and other snacks to eager customers.

This humble, yet determined approach to distribution laid the groundwork for Sabritas' future success.

IN 1966, SABRITAS WAS ACQUIRED BY PEPSICO

pepsico vintage ad
Source: PepsiCo

In a pivotal moment for the Mexican snack industry, the year 1966 saw the acquisition of Sabritas by PepsiCo, a move that occurred just one year after the momentous merger of Frito-Lay and Pepsi-Cola Company.

This strategic maneuver by PepsiCo marked the beginning of a new era for Sabritas, as the company began to modernize its processes and expand its retail channels, setting the stage for unprecedented growth and market dominance.

Under the guidance of PepsiCo, Sabritas transformed—leveraging the resources and expertise of its new parent company to streamline operations, enhance product quality, and broaden its reach, ultimately solidifying its position as a leader in the Mexican snack market.

IN 2000, SABRITAS GENETICALLY MODIFIED CORN WERE RECALLED

corn
© History Oasis

In a startling turn of events that shook the food industry, Sabritas found itself at the center of a controversy in 2000 when it was discovered that the company had inadvertently used a genetically modified corn variety called Starlink in their taco shells.

The revelation was particularly alarming as Starlink had not been approved for human consumption, raising concerns about potential health risks and prompting a swift recall of the affected products by Kraft, which had distributed the Sabritas-made taco shells under the Taco Bell brand.

This incident served as a wake-up call for the food industry, highlighting the need for stricter monitoring and regulation of genetically modified ingredients.

TODAY, SABRITAS IS THE BRAND UNDER WHICH PEPSICO MARKETS FRITO-LAY PRODUCTS IN MEXICO

sabritas anniversary ad
Source: Sabritas

In the present day, Sabritas has become the flagship brand through which PepsiCo showcases its iconic Frito-Lay products in the Mexican market.

Under the Sabritas umbrella, consumers can find a wide array of beloved snacks, including the ever-popular Cheetos, with their signature cheesy flavor and crunchy texture.

The classic Fritos, known for their satisfying corn taste.

The bold and zesty Doritos, which have become a staple at gatherings and parties and the irresistible Ruffles, with their rigid design and variety of flavors.

By leveraging the strength and recognition of the Sabritas brand, PepsiCo has successfully introduced and promoted these globally renowned products to Mexican consumers, solidifying their position as household favorites and further cementing Sabritas' dominance in the Mexican snack market.

SABRITAS ALSO HAS ITS OWN LINE OF POTATO CHIPS & SEVERAL LOCAL PRODUCTS

Rancheritos ad
Source: Sabritas

In addition to being the conduit for PepsiCo's international snack brands, Sabritas has also developed its own unique line of products that cater specifically to the tastes and preferences of the Mexican market.

The company's signature potato chips have become a beloved staple, offering a satisfying crunch and a range of flavors that appeal to local palates.

Moreover, Sabritas has introduced several local products that have garnered a loyal following, such as the delightful Crujitos, with their light and crispy texture.

The airy and melt-in-your-mouth Poffets.

The boldly seasoned Rancheritos, which evoke the flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine and the bite-sized Sabritones—perfect for snacking on the go.

These homegrown creations showcase Sabritas' deep understanding of its target market.

THE COMPANY CONTROLS AROUND 80% OF THE MEXICAN SNACKS MARKET

Sabritas vintage ad
Source: Sabritas

Sabritas' dominance in the Mexican snack market is a testament to the company's successful strategies, innovative products, and strong brand loyalty.

With an impressive market share of approximately 80%, Sabritas has firmly established itself as the leading player in the industry, leaving its competitors trailing far behind.

The company's main rival, Grupo Bimbo's Barcel, holds a mere 12% of the market, highlighting the significant gap between the two brands and emphasizing Sabritas' unrivaled position.

This remarkable market share not only reflects Sabritas' ability to consistently satisfy consumer demands but also underscores the trust and loyalty that Mexican consumers have placed in the brand over the years, making it a true icon in the nation's snack culture.

Collection

Tags

Next