Crisps Burn, Pringles Melt, Discuss....

The results of the Final were discussed on KLFM's breakfast show on Tuesday morning. The dizzy girlie newsreader who is rubbish at spotting song intros told the world that Pringles were only popular due to their high fat content....

....a little later another KLFM DJ, known only as "Bob", claimed that he enjoyed burning crisps when he visited the pub - apparently "proper" crisps would burn in the expected way, but Pringles (again, due to the high fat content) simply melted.

Was this true? I decided to conduct an experiment. I assembled the kit as below, with a jug of water as an improvised fire extinguisher, just in case....

First up were some "normal" crisps, in this case Pipers S&V. They took a flame rather well (you can see some fat leeching from the crisp, close to the flame)....

But they soon fizzled out and just blackened, smouldering edges remained.

And so it was the turn of the Pringles. Like the crisp, the Pringle started burning quite well....

....and kept on burning (with no sign of melting)....

....and burning, and burning, and burning....

....resulting in a thoroughly charred, Pringle-shaped disk of carbon.

Impressed yet confused by the Pringles inferno I decided to re-test the crisps. Once again they lit up OK, but failed to really burn well for a second time.

For the second time the crisps petered out, with singed edges, glowing ash, but no real burning.

I can only conclude, viewing the evidence of this spectacularly unscientific experiment, that KLFM's Bob is either fibbing, or passing on an urban myth. Far from the higher fat content of the Pringles (34% as opposed to 27%, so not a great deal of difference) leading to snack-meltage (as we in the biz call it), it appears that the extra fat content actually facilitates increased combustion!

Myth busted!

The Final - Herr’s Kettle Cooked Boardwalk Salt & Vinegar v Pringles Salt & Vinegar

Testers for this match: Rachel, Toni, Darren

After three months and 31 matches, the title of World Champion Salt & Vinegar Snack 2009 would be decided in this crunch-off. The consistent (and recently deemed to be a cake, not a crisp) Pringles had gone one round further than in 2007, when they fell victim to that year’s eventual champions, Seabrooks. Their opponents were Herr’s, all the way from Pennsylvania, and taking part in their first ever SVWC.

A crack team of testers was assembled, given the regular pre-match instructions and pep-talk, and then the lids were off! And, in the same way that major football tournament finals are often disappointing, the SVWC09 Final was one-way traffic. Herr’s absolutely blitzed poor old Pringles, out-scoring them in every single category. An awesome victory for the American newcomers. Good job, chip dudes!

Herr’s Kettle Cooked Boardwalk Salt & Vinegar
Crispness 13
Flavour 13
Size & Appearance 12
Aroma 12
More-ish-ness 13

Pringles Salt & Vinegar
Crispness 11
Flavour 10
Size & Appearance 11
Aroma 10
More-ish-ness 10

Result

Herr’s Kettle Cooked Boardwalk Salt & Vinegar 63 : 52 Pringles Salt & Vinegar

Third And Fourth Place Play-Off - Walkers Squares Salt & Vinegar v The Real McCoy’s Ridge Cut Salt & Malt Vinegar

Testers for this match (left to right): Rachel, Toni, Darren (Scottish George behind)

The match to decide the minor placings of SVWC09. Two S&V snacks with different aspirations….The Squares will feel very happy to have reached this stage, whereas Real McCoys will be very disappointed not to reach the Final again, as they did in 2007. McCoys saw off Kettle Chips in the semi-finals of 2007, but with Kettle Chips having departed the contest ignominiously to Co-op’s own brand in Round Two would they have an easier passage to the Final?

In the end, no. They were pipped by Pringles. As for Walkers Squares, what an achievement. Of the three Walkers runners, Squares went the furthest. OK, they lost a semi-final against Herr’s, but in 2007 they fell at the first hurdle (ironically, to Pringles). So, who would take the consolation third spot? It was Real McCoys, adding a third place to their second in 2007.…always the bridesmaid? Congratulations to both snacks, see you again in 2011.

Walkers Squares Salt & Vinegar
Crispness 13
Flavour 9
Size & Appearance 10
Aroma 10
More-ish-ness 12

The Real McCoy’s Ridge Cut Salt & Malt Vinegar
Crispness 13
Flavour 11
Size & Appearance 11
Aroma 11
More-ish-ness 11

Result

Walkers Squares Salt & Vinegar 54 : 57 The Real McCoy’s Ridge Cut Salt & Malt Vinegar

Poll Result - Who Will Win The Final?

The unwashed have spoken:


Herr's - 66%


Pringles - 33%



Are they right?

Final Postponed!

The Final of SVWC09 has been postponed by one week.

It will now take place on Monday 8th June, starting at 6pm.


This is due to circumstances beyond our control….

….OK, it’s because the Organiser’s five-year-old son is receiving his first martial arts white belt at 6pm tonight, Monday the 1st. Some things are more important than S&V snacks….

Semi Final Two - Pringles Salt & Vinegar v The Real McCoy’s Ridge Cut Salt & Malt Vinegar

Tasters for this match: Jemma, Steve, Emma

Could the Real McCoys reach a second consecutive SVWC Final? Or would Pringles finally win a Semi after falling at the same stage in 2007 to eventual champions, Seabrooks? In a close encounter McCoys outscored their opponent on crispness only, so the writing was on the wall. Pringles progress, to meet Herr’s In the Final.

Pringles Salt & Vinegar
Crispness 9
Flavour 14
Size & Appearance 14
Aroma 12
More-ish-ness 13

The Real McCoy’s Ridge Cut Salt & Malt Vinegar
Crispness 14
Flavour 11
Size & Appearance 10
Aroma 11
More-ish-ness 12

Result

Pringles Salt & Vinegar 62 : 58 The Real McCoy’s Ridge Cut Salt & Malt Vinegar


Semi-Finals (25 May)

Herr’s Kettle Cooked Boardwalk Salt & Vinegar 51 : 43 Walkers Squares Salt & Vinegar

Pringles Salt & Vinegar 62 : 58 The Real McCoy’s Ridge Cut Salt & Malt Vinegar

Third & Fourth Place Play-Off (1 June)

Walkers Squares Salt & Vinegar v The Real McCoy’s Ridge Cut Salt & Malt Vinegar

Final (1 June)

Herr’s Kettle Cooked Boardwalk Salt & Vinegar v Pringles Salt & Vinegar

Semi Final One - Herr’s Kettle Cooked Boardwalk Salt & Vinegar v Walkers Squares Salt & Vinegar

Tasters for this match (left to right): Jemma, Steve, Emma

The first of the Semi-Finals, and possibly the first ever overseas finalist. Nobody can fault the Squares for their crispness, they’ve scored heavily through the competition on this category, but they need more than a good crunch to become one of the top two salt & vinegar snack products in the world. The American Herr’s progressed serenely, by a comfortable eight point margin, and will represent our friends from across the ocean in next Monday’s Final.

Herr’s Kettle Cooked Boardwalk Salt & Vinegar
Crispness 13
Flavour 13
Size & Appearance 8
Aroma 10
More-ish-ness 7

Walkers Squares Salt & Vinegar
Crispness 15
Flavour 8
Size & Appearance 6
Aroma 7
More-ish-ness 7

Result

Herr’s Kettle Cooked Boardwalk Salt & Vinegar 51 : 43 Walkers Squares Salt & Vinegar

SVWC09 Winner - Poll Result

The votes are in, and ahead of the Semi-Finals tomorrow, the feeling among the general public is:


Who will win SVWC09?


Herr's - 41%

Real McCoys - 32%

Pringles - 17%

Walkers Squares - 10%

Semi-Final Draw!

The Semi-Final draw has been made....

The following matches will take place on Monday, 25th May:



Herr’s Kettle Cooked Boardwalk Salt & Vinegar v Walkers Squares Salt & Vinegar


Pringles Salt & Vinegar v The Real McCoy’s Ridge Cut Salt & Malt Vinegar

Poll Result - Who Will Win SVWC09

This pre-quarter-final poll saw a clear favourite emerge....sadly that clear favourite was beaten by a S&V snack that nobody voted for!

Full results of the "Who Will Win SVWC09" poll (taken before the quarter-finals):

Walkers - 40%

Real McCoys - 20%

Pipers - 10%
Pringles - 10%
Golden Sun - 10%
Herr's - 10%

Walkers Squares - 0%
Co-op - 0%

Quarter Final 4 - Golden Sun Extra Thick Salt & Malt Vinegar Crinkle Cut v Herr’s Kettle Cooked Boardwalk Salt & Vinegar

Tasters for this match: Andy Fish, Jemma, Amy

The Quarter-Finals closed with another close contest. Surprise package Golden Sun (actually Lidl’s own brand) have made a terrific challenge in SVWC09, would they be able to take it one step further? Their opponent’s - Herr’s of Pennsylvania - are the sole remaining American contenders, and progress to the Semi-Finals would mean they were the best American entry of 2009. Both crisps were extremely crisp - sounds ridiculous but we’ve seen some horribly soggy efforts in the earlier rounds - Golden Sun won on the Size & Appearance, but Herr’s incredible Aroma (described as the perfect S&V smell) won the day. Very close, but Herr’s go through. One in four of the World’s Best Salt & Vinegar Snacks are now officially from the other side of the Atlantic.

Golden Sun Extra Thick Salt & Malt Vinegar Crinkle Cut
Crispness 14
Flavour 8
Size & Appearance 13
Aroma 8
More-ish-ness 10

Herr’s Kettle Cooked Boardwalk Salt & Vinegar
Crispness 14
Flavour 9
Size & Appearance 10
Aroma 13
More-ish-ness 9

Result

Golden Sun Extra Thick Salt & Malt Vinegar Crinkle Cut 53 : 55 Herr’s Kettle Cooked Boardwalk Salt & Vinegar

Fixtures

Round Three - Quarter-Finals

4 May

Pipers Sea Salt & Somerset Cider Vinegar 42 : 51 The Real McCoy’s Ridge Cut Salt & Malt Vinegar

Walkers Salt & Vinegar 50 : 56 Walkers Squares Salt & Vinegar

11 May

Co-op Salt & Vinegar 46 : 51 Pringles Salt & Vinegar

Golden Sun Extra Thick Salt & Malt Vinegar Crinkle Cut 53 : 55 Herr’s Kettle Cooked Boardwalk Salt & Vinegar

Semi-Final Draw (18 May)


Semi-Finals (25 May)

TBN


Third & Fourth Place Play-Off (1 June)

TBN


Final (1 June)

TBN

Quarter Final 3 - Co-op Salt & Vinegar v Pringles Salt & Vinegar

Tasters for this match (left to right): Andy Fish, Jemma, Amy

Pringles march into the Semi-Finals for the second World Cup running. This victory over Co-op’s own brand was a close-run thing, with the supermarket crisp outscoring the Pringles for Crispness and Flavour. It would have been plain sailing had the Co-op crisps not been generally smaller, broken, and less appealing to the eye. Pringles outscored them by a massive 8 points in this category, ensuring the win. Pringles lost in the Semis in 2007 to eventual winners, Seabrooks - who will they meet this time?

Co-op Salt & Vinegar
Crispness 13
Flavour 11
Size & Appearance 5
Aroma 8
More-ish-ness 9

Pringles Salt & Vinegar
Crispness 11
Flavour 8
Size & Appearance 13
Aroma 8
More-ish-ness 11

Result

Co-op Salt & Vinegar 46 : 51 Pringles Salt & Vinegar

Our President - Another Apology

We regret to admit that we have got it wrong - again. Big Paul in the Graphics Department has been sacked with immediate effect.

I have repeatedly tried to furnish you with a photograph of the SVWC09 President, top DJ Simon Rowe.

We tried HERE

And again HERE


And most recently HERE


All three links contained photographs that were obviously NOT Mister Rowe - one was female! - so I can only apologise unreservedly, yet again.

At last, for your viewing delight, HERE is El Presidente:

SVWC09 Hits The Financial Times

Who's have thought it? Our crazy tournament has hit the press again, this time featuring in the Financial Times.

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/dc94d09a-39d7-11de-b82d-00144feabdc0.html?nclick_check=1



Amazing....

Popchips Bow Out Gracefully

Our American friends at Popchips have sent a lovely message to SVWC09 HQ following their exit from the tournament in an exciting replay against Pringles:

"hi

first of all, thanks so much for inviting popchips to participate in the 2009 world cup tasting. we were thrilled to be considered let alone get a chance to beat the waitrose crisp and come to a draw with pringles.

heck, who'd have thought a popped chip (err crisp) with less than half the fat and a lot fewer calories (not to mention no saturated fat) could compete head-to-head on taste, crispiness and aroma with crisps that have all that extra fat & calories. but that’s the magic of popping . . . flavorful, crispy and better-for-you.

and if that “moreishness” category only had even a bit to do with "better-for-you'ishness", we’d have really surprised a few people.

thanks again for inviting an American upstart along (and appreciated your sentiment that you actually preferred popchips!). we look forward to joining in again next year.

until then …. happy snacking!

keith"

What nice people! Of course it should be us saying thanks to Popchips for taking part and being such good sports about the whole daft competition, so "THANKS POPCHIP DUDES!"

See you in 2010 for the cheese & onion cup!

Quarter Final - Walkers Salt & Vinegar v Walkers Squares Salt & Vinegar

Tasters for this match: Andy Fish, Emma Lowesey, Scottish George

The second Quarter-Final gave us a Walkers local derby, with Squares taking on the mainstream crisps, thus ensuring that the UK‘s biggest crisp maker had a presence in the final four. Despite a superior flavour, the crisps were beaten in every other category by Ver Squares. The testers decided amongst themselves, before finding out the truth, that this sample was definitely not Walkers! After exiting in Round One in 2007, Walkers Squares are enjoying a superb run! Squares win!

Walkers Salt & Vinegar
Crispness 9
Flavour 12
Size & Appearance 9
Aroma 10
More-ish-ness 10

Walkers Squares Salt & Vinegar
Crispness 13
Flavour 11
Size & Appearance 10
Aroma 11
More-ish-ness 11


Result

Walkers Salt & Vinegar 50 : 56 Walkers Squares Salt & Vinegar


Fixtures

Round Three

4 May

Pipers Sea Salt & Somerset Cider Vinegar 42 : 51 The Real McCoy’s Ridge Cut Salt & Malt Vinegar

Walkers Salt & Vinegar 50 : 56 Walkers Squares Salt & Vinegar

11 May

Co-op Salt & Vinegar v Pringles Salt & Vinegar

Golden Sun Extra Thick Salt & Malt Vinegar Crinkle Cut v Herr’s Kettle Cooked Boardwalk Salt & Vinegar


Semi-Final Draw (18 May)

Quarter Final - Pipers Sea Salt & Somerset Cider Vinegar v The Real McCoy’s Ridge Cut Salt & Malt Vinegar

Tasters for this match (left to right): Andy Fish, Emma Lowesey, Scottish George

And so we go into the latter stages of SVWC09. The first quarter-final saw promising upstarts Pipers taking on 2007 finalists, Real McCoys. Could the new boys keep up their impressive progress? Or would experienced McCoys despatch them? The latter proved true. Both snacks were splendidly crisp, but Real McCoys were judged as tastier, with a slightly better aroma. And, thanks to these small differences, Real McCoys won through and now await a fresh opponent in the Semi-Finals. Congratulations to Pipers on a splendid campaign, especially as they were making their debut. McCoys have never failed to make it through to the Semi-Finals - this year is no different.

Pipers Sea Salt & Somerset Cider Vinegar
Crispness 13
Flavour 5
Size & Appearance 10
Aroma 8
More-ish-ness 6

The Real McCoy’s Ridge Cut Salt & Malt Vinegar
Crispness 13
Flavour 9
Size & Appearance 10
Aroma 10
More-ish-ness 9

Result

Pipers Sea Salt & Somerset Cider Vinegar 42 : 51 The Real McCoy’s Ridge Cut Salt & Malt Vinegar

Should We Hold A Cheese & Onion World Cup

The public have spoken on the question "Should we hold a cheese & onion world cup in 2010"?


Yes - 76%

No - 8%

Who cares, it's not salt & vinegar - 16%



It looks like game on!

Quarter Final Draw!

The full draw for the Quarter Finals is as follows:

4 May

Pipers Sea Salt & Somerset Cider Vinegar v The Real McCoy’s Ridge Cut Salt & Malt Vinegar

Walkers Salt & Vinegar v Walkers Squares Salt & Vinegar


11 May

Co-op Salt & Vinegar v Pringles Salt & Vinegar

Golden Sun Extra Thick Salt & Malt Vinegar Crinkle Cut v Herr’s Kettle Cooked Boardwalk Salt & Vinegar


18 May - Semi-Final Draw at The Woolpack

Round Two Replay - Popchips Sea Salt & Vinegar v Pringles Salt & Vinegar

Tasters for this match: Deano, Digit, Les The Duck

Monday saw Salt & Vinegar World Cup history, with the first ever drawn match, and this historic First Replay was the result. With a different set of testers from the original tie, expectations in The Woolpack were high….The snacks were sniffed, licked, scoffed and judged….and the result was incredibly close. There was just one point in it…..but Pringles win through to the Quarter Finals and a meeting with Co-op Salt & Vinegar. Commiserations to our first American casualty Popchips, you performed well and upheld your nation’s flag with pride. If I had my choice, Popchips would have won this match, as I prefer them to the Pringles, but our panel-based results system says otherwise. Pringles go through!

Popchips Sea Salt & Vinegar
Crispness 13
Flavour 9
Size & Appearance 9
Aroma 8
More-ish-ness 9

Pringles Salt & Vinegar
Crispness 11
Flavour 9
Size & Appearance 12
Aroma 7
More-ish-ness 10

Result

Popchips Sea Salt & Vinegar 48 : 49 Pringles Salt & Vinegar

Fixtures

Round Two

Herr’s Kettle Cooked Boardwalk Salt & Vinegar 57 : 41 Pringles Rice Infusions Salt & Vinegar

Gilroys Salt & Vinegar 30 : 57 Walkers Squares Salt & Vinegar

Kettle Chips Sea Salt & Balsamic Vinegar 39 : 41 Co-op Salt & Vinegar

Pipers Sea Salt & Somerset Cider Vinegar 46 : 45 Seabrook’s Sea Salt & Vinegar

Walkers Baked Salt & Vinegar 52 : 63 Golden Sun Extra Thick Salt & Malt Vinegar Crinkle Cut

Walkers Salt & Vinegar 54 : 40 Sainsbury’s Salt & Vinegar

The Real McCoy’s Ridge Cut Salt & Malt Vinegar 48 : 28 Tyrrells Cider Vinegar & Sea Salt

Popchips Sea Salt & Vinegar 43 : 43 Pringles Salt & Vinegar

Round Two Replay

Popchips Sea Salt & Vinegar 48 : 49 Pringles Salt & Vinegar

Round Two - Popchips Sea Salt & Vinegar v Pringles Salt & Vinegar

Tasters for this match: Andy Fish, Jemma, Tess Tickle

Popchips versus Pringles. A new pretender to the DVD-night crown against the established British incumbent. Popchips are very tasty, and apparently healthy too - would this be enough to dispatch many people’s favourites, Pringles? Well, we still don’t know. The match was a draw. Americans are well known for ridiculing European sport’s acceptance of drawn matches, and the low scoring of such encounters. But how does a 43-all draw grab ya?! The testers were unable to separate these snacks, so there will be a replay on Thursday. If that is a draw as well, we go to penalties. Thank god Germany doesn’t have a representative.

Popchips Sea Salt & Vinegar
Crispness 10
Flavour 6
Size & Appearance 9
Aroma 11
More-ish-ness 7

Pringles Salt & Vinegar
Crispness 8
Flavour 6
Size & Appearance 13
Aroma 8
More-ish-ness 8

Result

Popchips Sea Salt & Vinegar 43 : 43 Pringles Salt & Vinegar

Fixtures

Round Two

Herr’s Kettle Cooked Boardwalk Salt & Vinegar 57 : 41 Pringles Rice Infusions Salt & Vinegar

Gilroys Salt & Vinegar 30 : 57 Walkers Squares Salt & Vinegar

Kettle Chips Sea Salt & Balsamic Vinegar 39 : 41 Co-op Salt & Vinegar

Pipers Sea Salt & Somerset Cider Vinegar 46 : 45 Seabrook’s Sea Salt & Vinegar

Walkers Baked Salt & Vinegar 52 : 63 Golden Sun Extra Thick Salt & Malt Vinegar Crinkle Cut

Walkers Salt & Vinegar 54 : 40 Sainsbury’s Salt & Vinegar

The Real McCoy’s Ridge Cut Salt & Malt Vinegar 48 : 28 Tyrrells Cider Vinegar & Sea Salt

Popchips Sea Salt & Vinegar 43 : 43 Pringles Salt & Vinegar

Round Three

4 May

Pipers Sea Salt & Somerset Cider Vinegar v The Real McCoy’s Ridge Cut Salt & Malt Vinegar

Walkers Salt & Vinegar v Walkers Squares Salt & Vinegar

11 May

Co-op Salt & Vinegar v Popchips Sea Salt & Vinegar OR Pringles Salt & Vinegar

Golden Sun Extra Thick Salt & Malt Vinegar Crinkle Cut v Herr’s Kettle Cooked Boardwalk Salt & Vinegar

18 May - Semi-Final Draw at The Woolpack

Round Two - The Real McCoy’s Ridge Cut Salt & Malt Vinegar v Tyrrells Cider Vinegar & Sea Salt

Tasters for this match: Andy Fish, Jemma, Tess Tickle

Tyrrells were handed a bye in the First Round, so this was their SVWC09 debut. It didn’t go well. They were up against one of the favourites for the tournament - especially as Kettle Chips and Seabrooks have been beaten already - and would have to pull out an amazing performance to progress. And they didn’t manage it. The McCoys were not particularly outstanding, maybe a poor batch from the factory, but they still outscored Tyrrells in every category, which was disappointing as a contest. At the same stage in 2007 McCoys defeated Tesco S&V, and went on to meet Kettle Chips in the Semis - who will they meet this time round?

The Real McCoy’s Ridge Cut Salt & Malt Vinegar
Crispness 11
Flavour 11
Size & Appearance 9
Aroma 7
More-ish-ness 10

Tyrrells Cider Vinegar & Sea Salt
Crispness 6
Flavour 4
Size & Appearance 8
Aroma 6
More-ish-ness 4

Result

The Real McCoy’s Ridge Cut Salt & Malt Vinegar 48 : 28 Tyrrells Cider Vinegar & Sea Salt

Round Two - Walkers Salt & Vinegar v Sainsbury’s Salt & Vinegar

Tasters for this match: Lowesey, Scottish George, Old Bob

Walkers are a snack on a mission. They were dumped out of SVWC07 in the First Round, with the highest losing score recorded, and this time they’re back, and they mean business. But can they really cut the mustard when they eventually meet some tougher opponents? Their conquests so far are Linessa Low Fat and now Sainsburys….not exactly top rank S&V snacks. Sainsburys reached Round Two thanks to a walkover against the Lost In The Mail Taytos, and didn’t put up much of a fight. Not a nasty crisp, but nothing outstanding either. Walkers progress - and meet Walkers Squares in the next round!

Walkers Salt & Vinegar
Crispness 11
Flavour 14
Size & Appearance 7
Aroma 11
More-ish-ness 11

Sainsbury’s Salt & Vinegar
Crispness 9
Flavour 8
Size & Appearance 9
Aroma 6
More-ish-ness 8

Result

Walkers Salt & Vinegar 54 : 40 Sainsbury’s Salt & Vinegar


Fixtures

Round Two

Herr’s Kettle Cooked Boardwalk Salt & Vinegar 57 : 41 Pringles Rice Infusions Salt & Vinegar

Gilroys Salt & Vinegar 30 : 57 Walkers Squares Salt & Vinegar

Kettle Chips Sea Salt & Balsamic Vinegar 39 : 41 Co-op Salt & Vinegar

Pipers Sea Salt & Somerset Cider Vinegar 46 : 45 Seabrook’s Sea Salt & Vinegar

Walkers Baked Salt & Vinegar 52 : 63 Golden Sun Extra Thick Salt & Malt Vinegar Crinkle Cut

Walkers Salt & Vinegar 54 : 40 Sainsbury’s Salt & Vinegar

The Real McCoy’s Ridge Cut Salt & Malt Vinegar v Tyrrells Cider Vinegar & Sea Salt

Popchips Sea Salt & Vinegar v Pringles Salt & Vinegar


Round Three

4 May

Pipers Sea Salt & Somerset Cider Vinegar v The Real McCoy’s Ridge Cut Salt & Malt Vinegar OR Tyrrells Cider Vinegar & Sea Salt

Walkers Salt & Vinegar v Walkers Squares Salt & Vinegar

11 May

Co-op Salt & Vinegar v Popchips Sea Salt & Vinegar OR Pringles Salt & Vinegar

Golden Sun Extra Thick Salt & Malt Vinegar Crinkle Cut v Herr’s Kettle Cooked Boardwalk Salt & Vinegar

Round Two - Walkers Baked Salt & Vinegar v Golden Sun Extra Thick Salt & Malt Vinegar Crinkle Cut

Tasters for this match (left to right): Lowesey, Scottish George, Old Bob (departed before photo)

Walkers Baked had rave reviews….well…a rave review…in Round One. Could they carry on their popularity in Round Two? Well….yes and no….the Bakes increased their score from 40 to 52, but unfortunately were up against a snack who increased even more. Golden Sun boosted themselves from 47 to 63, and therefore took this tie quite easily. So another early exit for Walkers Baked (they exited in R1 in 2007 - to Tesco Crunchy Sticks!), but Golden Sun - Lidl’s premier own brand - progress to meet Herr’s of Pennsylvania in the Quarter Finals.

Walkers Baked Salt & Vinegar
Crispness 15
Flavour 9
Size & Appearance 12
Aroma 7
More-ish-ness 9

Golden Sun Extra Thick Salt & Malt Vinegar Crinkle Cut
Crispness 14
Flavour 12
Size & Appearance 12
Aroma 12
More-ish-ness 13


Result

Walkers Baked Salt & Vinegar 52 : 63 Golden Sun Extra Thick Salt & Malt Vinegar Crinkle Cut

The Spiritual Home....

It's a place of pilgrimage for the faithful. A sacred sanctuary where the initiated meet to share wisdom. A cathedral of snackage....

In the same way that Wembley is The Home Of Football....

....and Lords is The Home Of Cricket....

....and The Crucible is The Home Of Snooker....

....so The Woolpack is The Home Of The Salt & Vinegar World Cup....

Quarter Final Draw!

Here it is, the line-up for Round Three of the Salt & Vinegar World Cup 2009:


Walkers Baked Salt & Vinegar OR Golden Sun Extra Thick Salt & Malt Vinegar Crinkle Cut v Herr’s Kettle Cooked Boardwalk Salt & Vinegar


Walkers Salt & Vinegar OR Sainsbury’s Salt & Vinegar v Walkers Squares Salt & Vinegar


Pipers Sea Salt & Somerset Cider Vinegar v The Real McCoy’s Ridge Cut Salt & Malt Vinegar OR Tyrrells Cider Vinegar & Sea Salt


Co-op Salt & Vinegar v Popchips Sea Salt & Vinegar OR Pringles Salt & Vinegar

Round Two - Pipers Sea Salt & Somerset Cider Vinegar v Seabrook’s Sea Salt & Vinegar

Tasters for this match: Scottish George (debut), Jemma, Rotherham Toni

The second match of the day saw the second surprise result - 2009 WILL see a new Salt & Vinegar World Champion! Newcomers Pipers took on the reigning champs and squeezed through by the narrowest of margins. Slightly crisper, and with a more pleasing size and appearance, Pipers march on to face either Real McCoys or Tyrrells. Seabrooks tenure of the title ends after two ties, failing to repeat their defeats of Walkers, Morrisons, Pringles and Real McCoys two years ago - they’ll be back. A quality S&V crisp doesn’t become bad overnight. Meanwhile, congratulations to North Lincolnshire hopefuls Pipers, and good luck!

Pipers Sea Salt & Somerset Cider Vinegar
Crispness 12
Flavour 8
Size & Appearance 11
Aroma 8
More-ish-ness 7

Seabrook’s Sea Salt & Vinegar
Crispness 11
Flavour 8
Size & Appearance 9
Aroma 10
More-ish-ness 7

Result

Pipers Sea Salt & Somerset Cider Vinegar 46 : 45 Seabrook’s Sea Salt & Vinegar

Fixtures

Round Two

Herr’s Kettle Cooked Boardwalk Salt & Vinegar 57 : 41 Pringles Rice Infusions Salt & Vinegar

Gilroys Salt & Vinegar 30 : 57 Walkers Squares Salt & Vinegar

Kettle Chips Sea Salt & Balsamic Vinegar 39 : 41 Co-op Salt & Vinegar

Pipers Sea Salt & Somerset Cider Vinegar 46 : 45 Seabrook’s Sea Salt & Vinegar

Walkers Salt & Vinegar v Sainsbury’s Salt & Vinegar

Walkers Baked Salt & Vinegar v Golden Sun Extra Thick Salt & Malt Vinegar Crinkle Cut

The Real McCoy’s Ridge Cut Salt & Malt Vinegar v Tyrrells Cider Vinegar & Sea Salt

Popchips Sea Salt & Vinegar v Pringles Salt & Vinegar

Round Two - Kettle Chips Sea Salt & Balsamic Vinegar v Co-op Salt & Vinegar

Tasters for this match: Scottish George (debut), Jemma, Rotherham Toni

It was a big night at The Woolpack. Three potential World Champions were on the oche, along with the so-far untried Co-op own brand. And in the first match of the evening we saw the first shock result of the round. Co-op pulled off a giant-killing result that makes David v Goliath, Girls Aloud v One True Voice, and Brawn v Ferrari look like home bankers. Kettle Chips were hot favourites, but were let down by a very poor sample indeed - over-cooked and under-flavoured, they allowed the better-than-expected Co-op upstarts pip them at the post, and progress to the Quarter Finals, where they meet Popchips or Pringles. Kettle Chips will be very disappointed to exit at this stage, having reached the Semis in 2007. Better luck in 2011 chaps!

Kettle Chips Sea Salt & Balsamic Vinegar
Crispness 13
Flavour 3
Size & Appearance 11
Aroma 8
More-ish-ness 4

Co-op Salt & Vinegar
Crispness 9
Flavour 8
Size & Appearance 12
Aroma 5
More-ish-ness 7

Result

Kettle Chips Sea Salt & Balsamic Vinegar 39 : 41 Co-op Salt & Vinegar

Round Three Draw Imminent!

With Round Two now in full flow, the organising committee are aware of the need for the draw for Round Three to take place in a timely manner.

The main reason for this is to ensure that samples of all snacks that progress to this stage can be obtained in plenty of time.

A secondary reason is that knowing the potential match-ups in the Quarter-Finals will make the whole competition even more compelling and fascinating than it is already - AS IF THAT WAS POSSIBLE!

And so, before the Round Two matches take place in The Woolpack on Monday 20 April, the draw for the Quarter Finals will take place too. Stay tuned for full details!

"Favourite Other Flavour" Poll Result

It was reassuring to see that the joint-winner on the SVWC homepage was "There is NO other flavour"! Amazingly, Prawn Cocktail showed up far more strongly than I had anticipated.

The full results are as follows:

1= There is NO other flavour 29%
1= Cheese & Onion 29%

3= Prawn Cocktail 14%
3= Ready Salted 14%

5 Worcester Sauce 11%

6 Smokey Bacon 3%

7 Chicken 0%


The high finish for Cheese & Onion is encouraging, as we've been asked to organise a Cheese & Onion World Cup next year. Do you think we should? Why not vote in the poll at the top right corner of this page (ends 30 April)....

Round Two - Gilroys Salt & Vinegar v Walkers Squares Salt & Vinegar

Tasters for this match: Geoff Mac, Claire (camera shy), Jemma

Gilroys were summarily dispatched by Walkers Squares in a one-sided Round Two tussle. Gilroys, aka Netto Own Brand, did well to progress past the first round, where most of the supermarkets’ own offerings perished, but had little chance against the Squares, who reach Round Two for the first time themselves having lost to Pringles in Round One in 2007.

Gilroys Salt & Vinegar
Crispness 7
Flavour 4
Size & Appearance 7
Aroma 7
More-ish-ness 5

Walkers Squares Salt & Vinegar
Crispness 14
Flavour 11
Size & Appearance 12
Aroma 10
More-ish-ness 10

Result

Gilroys Salt & Vinegar 30 : 57 Walkers Squares Salt & Vinegar


Fixtures

Round Two

Herr’s Kettle Cooked Boardwalk Salt & Vinegar 57 : 41 Pringles Rice Infusions Salt & Vinegar

Gilroys Salt & Vinegar 30 : 57 Walkers Squares Salt & Vinegar

Kettle Chips Sea Salt & Balsamic Vinegar v Co-op Salt & Vinegar

Walkers Salt & Vinegar v Sainsbury’s Salt & Vinegar

Walkers Baked Salt & Vinegar v Golden Sun Extra Thick Salt & Malt Vinegar Crinkle Cut

Pipers Sea Salt & Somerset Cider Vinegar v Seabrook’s Sea Salt & Vinegar

The Real McCoy’s Ridge Cut Salt & Malt Vinegar v Tyrrells Cider Vinegar & Sea Salt

Popchips Sea Salt & Vinegar v Pringles Salt & Vinegar

Round Two - Herr’s Kettle Cooked Boardwalk Salt & Vinegar v Pringles Rice Infusions Salt & Vinegar

Tasters for this match: Geoff Mac, Claire (camera shy), Jemma

Round Two of the Salt & Vinegar World Cup is up and running! American contenders Herr‘s, of Pennsylvania, took on oriental pretenders, Pringles Rice Infusions. Many of the testers have previously remarked that Pringles were their favourite snack, but this match result does not bear that out - the Herr’s were tastier and crisper. And the bouquet was divine, perfectly S&V. Herr’s are through, Pringles RI are out.

Herr’s Kettle Cooked Boardwalk Salt & Vinegar
Crispness 15
Flavour 11
Size & Appearance 12
Aroma 11
More-ish-ness 8

Pringles Rice Infusions Salt & Vinegar
Crispness 8
Flavour 6
Size & Appearance 15
Aroma 4
More-ish-ness 8

Result

Herr’s Kettle Cooked Boardwalk Salt & Vinegar 57 : 41 Pringles Rice Infusions Salt & Vinegar

SVWC09 - Hands Across The Ocean!

Our lil ole competition is becoming news in America.


Featured in the latest Popchips newsletter, SVWC09 is the lead item, and votes on the latest "Other Flavour?" poll have increased. You can find it HERE


Good luck to Popchips in Round Two, and beyond?

Round One - Match Fourteen - Seabrook’s Sea Salt & Vinegar v KP Discos S&V

Tasters for this match: Delboy, Rachel, Andy Fish

The reigning World Champion S&V snack product enters the gladiatorial arena. Seabrooks took on KP Discos in a tricky-looking First Round tie and the testers were not disappointed. KP Discos drew out several comments that their size had reduced since they last tried them - does anyone know if that’s true? Has the Wagon Wheel Effect struck our beloved S&V genre? This match was fierce, and KP Discos eventually succumbed, but totted up an impressive score in the process, indeed, a score that would have won nine of the other thirteen Round One snack-offs. Discos have had rotten luck in the Salt & Vinegar World Cup, losing early on to Kettle Chips in 2007, and now against Seabrooks. Bad luck Discos, see you again in 2011 - and better luck with the draw! Seabrooks march imperiously onward.

Seabrook’s Sea Salt & Vinegar
Crispness 14
Flavour 15
Size & Appearance 12
Aroma 15
More-ish-ness 14

KP Discos S&V
Crispness 11
Flavour 10
Size & Appearance 13
Aroma 9
More-ish-ness 9

Result

Seabrook’s Sea Salt & Vinegar 70 : 52 KP Discos S&V

Fixtures

Round Two

Kettle Chips Sea Salt & Balsamic Vinegar v Co-op Salt & Vinegar

Walkers Salt & Vinegar v Sainsbury’s Salt & Vinegar

Walkers Baked Salt & Vinegar v Golden Sun Extra Thick Salt & Malt Vinegar Crinkle Cut

Pipers Sea Salt & Somerset Cider Vinegar v Seabrook’s Sea Salt & Vinegar

Gilroys Salt & Vinegar v Walkers Squares Salt & Vinegar

The Real McCoy’s Ridge Cut Salt & Malt Vinegar v Tyrrells Cider Vinegar & Sea Salt

Popchips Sea Salt & Vinegar v Pringles Salt & Vinegar

Herr’s Kettle Cooked Boardwalk Salt & Vinegar v Pringles Rice Infusions Salt & Vinegar

Round One - Match Thirteen - Tayto Salt & Vinegar v Sainsbury’s Salt & Vinegar

Tasters for this match: Delboy, Rachel, Andy Fish

A no-show. Unfortunately either Tayto’s have sent their samples to the wrong address, or their courier is a crisp addict and has nicked their shipments and eaten the evidence. It’s a shame, as I was looking forward to trying this product. The lack of opposition gave Sainsbury’s own crisps an easy passage to Round Two, although they did score a very respectable 47 points.

Tayto Salt & Vinegar
Crispness 0
Flavour 0
Size & Appearance 0
Aroma 0
More-ish-ness 0

Sainsbury’s Salt & Vinegar
Crispness 10
Flavour 10
Size & Appearance 10
Aroma 8
More-ish-ness 9

Result

Tayto Salt & Vinegar 0 : 47 Sainsbury’s Salt & Vinegar

Crisp Testing On The Radio

Yes Crisp Fans, SVWC09 is to become a Radio Phenomenon!

After lengthy, in-depth, frank and honest discussions with KLFM, King's Lynn's own radio station, we've agreed to outsource two matches to their breakfast show, hosted by none other than World Cup Patron, Simon Rowe.

Mister Rowe is in rehab, sorry, on holiday, for the next few weeks, so expect SVWCFM to come in your ears in early May.


Further to Simon Rowe, our Image Deprtment again printed a photograph of the wrong person here, following the original error here. The second error actually showed Duran Duran fop Simon Le Bon in dodgy speedo swimming trunks.

Again we apologise for any embarrassment caused to Mister Rowe and his family, and reproduce below a photograph that DEFINITELY shows our Patron:

Expert Crisp Tester On Board

Great news as SVWC09 enters Round Two.

The testing team has been bolstered with the free transfer signing of Genial Gerry (The World's Nicest Scotsman).

Gerry brings a host of crisp tasting experience, enthusiasm, and will probably describe below-par entries as "pish".

Welcome aboard!

Eastern Daily Press Coverage

Ace news-hunter Amy Gray recently wrote a very funny article about SVWC09 for the biggest newspaper in the east of England, the Eastern Daily Press.

Ably assisted by creative genius and paparazzo extraordinaire Matt, the piece caused much merriment in The Woolpack, and made Sam spit out half a mouthful of juice when he spotted his own name in print!

You can find the article by clicking on EasternDailyPress


EDP, it's bloody great.

Round Two is Imminent!

SVWC09 consists of Round One, Round Two, Quarter-Finals, Semi-Finals, and The Final. To have reached Round Two is great news, and the draw was made today.

Drawing the Home crisp was Andy Fish, drawing the away crisp was Landlord Derek. Not that there’s any advantage for home or away, but one name has to go first doesn’t it….

So to the hot news that Crispmongers across the globe have been waiting for - who will they face in the Second Round? There are some VERY exciting encounters! Remember, there are still two of the Round One matches to go, hence the “OR” in two of the fixtures….


Here’s the full draw for Round Two:

Kettle Chips Sea Salt & Balsamic Vinegar v Co-op Salt & Vinegar

Walkers Salt & Vinegar v Tayto Salt & Vinegar OR Sainsbury’s Salt & Vinegar

Walkers Baked Salt & Vinegar v Golden Sun Extra Thick Salt & Malt Vinegar Crinkle Cut

Pipers Sea Salt & Somerset Cider Vinegar v Seabrook’s Sea Salt & Vinegar OR KP Discos S&V

Gilroys Salt & Vinegar Walkers Squares Salt & Vinegar

The Real McCoy’s Ridge Cut Salt & Malt Vinegar v Tyrrells Cider Vinegar & Sea Salt

Popchips Sea Salt & Vinegar v Pringles Salt & Vinegar

Herr’s Kettle Cooked Boardwalk Salt & Vinegar v Pringles Rice Infusions Salt & Vinegar



Matches start on Thursday 16 April, at The Woolpack. If you’d like to help out with testing duties email or turn up at tea-time. Serious rumour has it that some of these matches will be LIVE on KLFM 96.7FM.

The game is afoot….

Round One - Match Twelve - Knights Hand Cooked Sea Salt And Balsamic Vinegar v Real McCoy’s Ridge Cut Salt & Malt Vinegar

Tasters for this match: Geoff Mac, Jemma, Andy Fish

Have we seen this year‘s champion crisp? Maybe. Their score of 66 was the highest in SVWC09 so far. The Real McCoys blew away another little known opponent, and look set for great things. Can they keep up this pace? Round Two awaits, and was reached very, very easily.

Knights Hand Cooked Sea Salt And Balsamic Vinegar
Crispness 14
Flavour 3
Size & Appearance 12
Aroma 4
More-ish-ness 3

Real McCoy’s Ridge Cut Salt & Malt Vinegar
Crispness 14
Flavour 13
Size & Appearance 13
Aroma 13
More-ish-ness 13

Result
Knights Hand Cooked Sea Salt And Balsamic Vinegar 36 : 66 The Real McCoy’s Ridge Cut Salt & Malt Vinegar

Fixtures

Round One

Pringles Select Sea Salt & Balsamic Vinegar 23 : 40 Walkers Baked Salt & Vinegar

Snack A Jacks Salt & Vinegar 26 : 47 Golden Sun Extra Thick Salt & Malt Vinegar Crinkle Cut

Pipers Sea Salt & Somerset Cider Vinegar 61 : 54 Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference Sea Salt & Cider Vinegar

Eastman’s Salt & Vinegar 27 : 43 Pringles Salt & Vinegar

Herr’s Kettle Cooked Boardwalk Salt & Vinegar 50 : 32 Ryvita Minis Salt & Vinegar

Morrisons Salt & Vinegar 31 : 32 Pringles Rice Infusions Salt & Vinegar

Fairfields Farm Crisps Sea Salt & Aspall Cyder Vinegar 47 : 62 Kettle Chips Sea Salt & Balsamic Vinegar

Popchips Sea Salt & Vinegar 45 : 36 Waitrose Salt & Vinegar

Waitrose Hand Cooked Sea Salt, Malt Vinegar And A Twist Of Lemon 34 : 39 Gilroys Salt & Vinegar

Tesco Value Salt & Vinegar 25 : 53 Walkers Squares Salt & Vinegar

Linessa Reduced Fat Crinkle Cut Salt & Vinegar 38 : 44 Walkers Salt & Vinegar

Knights Hand Cooked Sea Salt And Balsamic Vinegar 36 : 66 The Real McCoy’s Ridge Cut Salt & Malt Vinegar

Seabrook’s Sea Salt & Vinegar v KP Discos S&V

Tayto Salt & Vinegar v Sainsbury’s Salt & Vinegar

Byes: Co-op Salt & Vinegar, Tyrrells Cider Vinegar & Sea Salt

Round One - Match Eleven - Linessa Reduced Fat Crinkle Cut Salt & Vinegar v Walkers Salt & Vinegar

Tasters for this match: Geoff Mac, Jemma, Andy Fish

Another value brand hits the dust….Linessa put up a good fight against a disappointing Walkers sample, but seemed to lack in Flavour and Aroma - two crucial areas. A lack of taste and nose in SVWC09 is akin to turning up to play Brazil with only a goalkeeper and ten left-backs. It’s crazy. Walkers, despite not being at their best, sneak into Round Two - can they go any further? On this evidence probably not.

Linessa Reduced Fat Crinkle Cut Salt & Vinegar
Crispness 11
Flavour 4
Size & Appearance 12
Aroma 4
More-ish-ness 7

Walkers Salt & Vinegar
Crispness 8
Flavour 9
Size & Appearance 8
Aroma 11
More-ish-ness 8

Result
Linessa Reduced Fat Crinkle Cut Salt & Vinegar 38 : 44 Walkers Salt & Vinegar

Round One - Match Ten - Tesco Value Salt & Vinegar v Walkers Squares Salt & Vinegar

Tasters for this match: Geoff Mac, Jemma, Rotherham Toni

This match looked a walkover before a crisp had been crunched, would it prove to be one of the nap bets of the year? The Tesco Value entry was, sadly, stereotypically weak. With a medium-range score for flavour things were looking good, but went downhill for Flavour and Size & Appearance, and hit consistent rock bottom for Aroma and More-ish-ness. Hard lines chaps. In contrast, Walkers Squares seem to be a good bet for the latter stages but may be let down by the quirky Appearance. This was boys against men.

Tesco Value Salt & Vinegar
Crispness 8
Flavour 5
Size & Appearance 6
Aroma 3
More-ish-ness 3

Walkers Squares Salt & Vinegar
Crispness 14
Flavour 11
Size & Appearance 9
Aroma 8
More-ish-ness 11

Result
Tesco Value Salt & Vinegar 25 : 53 Walkers Squares Salt & Vinegar

Round One - Match Nine - Waitrose Hand Cooked Sea Salt, Malt Vinegar And A Twist Of Lemon v Gilroys Salt & Vinegar

Tasters for this match: Geoff Mac, Jemma, Rotherham Toni

“Waitrose must rely on their premium S&V for further participation in SVWC09.…“, thus ended the match report of Match 8. So did the Waitrose Hand-Cooked carry forth the banner of middle-class muzak shopping into Round Two? No. They were dumped out of the tournament by unknown newcomers Gilroys, albeit by a narrow margin. Gilroys will be hoping for a favourable draw to make any further progress though, but congratulations for providing another giant-killing for the SVWC09!

Waitrose Hand Cooked Sea Salt, Malt Vinegar And A Twist Of Lemon
Crispness 14
Flavour 3
Size & Appearance 10
Aroma 4
More-ish-ness 3

Gilroys Salt & Vinegar
Crispness 13
Flavour 6
Size & Appearance 10
Aroma 4
More-ish-ness 6

Result
Waitrose Hand Cooked Sea Salt, Malt Vinegar And A Twist Of Lemon 34 : 39 Gilroys Salt & Vinegar

Super Monday - Double Header!

It's a huge day for SVWC09. Four matches in one day.

The dinnertime line-up pitches Waitrose Hand Cooked Sea Salt, Malt Vinegar And A Twist Of Lemon against Gilroys Salt & Vinegar, and Tesco Value Salt & Vinegar against Walkers Squares Salt & Vinegar.

The teatime programme sees Linessa Reduced Fat Crinkle Cut Salt & Vinegar taking on Walkers Salt & Vinegar, and Knights Hand Cooked Sea Salt And Balsamic Vinegar competing with The Real McCoy’s Ridge Cut Salt & Malt Vinegar.

S&V-tastic!

Chips Or Crisps? Crisps Or Chips?

Chips!

Crisps.





Definitely chips (with antique chip pan)....

Crisps?

Chips....

Crisps....

Easy innit....