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....

Salt & Vinegar Packaging Poll Result!

The final result is now in.....this could save you a small fortune on your advertising budget....



The great SVWC09 public voted on the question "What colour should a salt & vinegar crisp pack be?" as follows:



Green 58.3%

Blue 33.3%

Something Else 8.4%




The people have speaked.

Round One - Match Eight - Popchips Sea Salt & Vinegar v Waitrose Salt & Vinegar

Tasters for this match: Old Bob, Jemma, Les The Duck



Brand new American raiders taking on middle Britain - and the Yanks kick butt! Popchips are uniquely made without frying or baking, but are still rather delicious (I tried one). Waitrose were a decent crisp but just couldn’t compete with Hollywood’s favourite snack. So both US competitors are into Round Two, and - officially - 12.5% of the world’s best Salt & Vinegar snacks are from the good ole US of A. Waitrose must rely on their premium S&V for further participation in SVWC09.…

Popchips Sea Salt & Vinegar
Crispness 13
Flavour 7
Size & Appearance 8
Aroma 9
More-ish-ness 8

Waitrose Salt & Vinegar
Crispness 9
Flavour 5
Size & Appearance 9
Aroma 8
More-ish-ness 5

Result
Popchips Sea Salt & Vinegar 45 : 36 Waitrose Salt & 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 v Gilroys Salt & Vinegar

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

Tesco Value Salt & Vinegar v Walkers Squares Salt & Vinegar

Tayto Salt & Vinegar v Sainsbury’s Salt & Vinegar

Linessa Reduced Fat Crinkle Cut Salt & Vinegar v Walkers Salt & Vinegar

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

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

Round One - Match Seven - Fairfields Farm Crisps Sea Salt & Aspall Cyder Vinegar v Kettle Chips Sea Salt & Balsamic Vinegar

Tasters for this match: Old Bob, Jemma, Les The Duck

Quality crisps doing battle. Excellent salt & vinegar gladiators head to head, but there can only be one winner. Fairfields present a VERY good S&V crisp, but were overwhelmed by one of the pre-tournament favourites Kettle Chips (aka Crisps, actually, chaps). I’d never tried the Fairfields before today and they are very, VERY nice crisps. Unfortunately for them, the luck of the draw pitched them against the Kettles, and the rest is now history. Kettle Chips march on, Fairfields are unlucky losers. And after seven matches we’re halfway through Round One.

Fairfields Farm Crisps Sea Salt & Aspall Cyder Vinegar
Crispness 15
Flavour 6
Size & Appearance 13
Aroma 6
More-ish-ness 7

Kettle Chips Sea Salt & Balsamic Vinegar
Crispness 14
Flavour 11
Size & Appearance 11
Aroma 12
More-ish-ness 14

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

Simon Rowe (El Presidente) - A Clarification!

While we're being contrite, we would like to apologise to the Patron of the Salt & Vinegar World Cup 2009, Simon Rowe.

In THIS post we wrongly posted a photograph of Simon Cowell, and not Simon Rowe. One of them is obviously a massive showbiz star with a lot of talent, while the other one gurns at novelty acts on Britain's Got Talent.

So, to set the record straight, HERE is our Patron, Simon Rowe:

Popchips Distribution - A Clarification!

Sorry to everyone at Popchips, in San Francisco.

I told you that they were only available in San Francisco and the local area....that's actually not quite true.

The lovely Erin from Popchips pointed out that "while we are a San Francisco-based company, our chips can be found across the US, though our distribution is most concentrated on the West Coast and now in the NY metro area (and growing each and every day!). Thanks again! -Erin"


Only too happy to oblige.


p.s. Erin....you mean "crisps"?