The Salt & Vinegar World Cup 2009

SVWC11

2010-06-08T19:40:00.002+01:00

Greetings S&V Fans!

We are starting to plan the Salt & Vinegar World Cup 2011! There is a new website, which you can find here: http://svwc2011.blogspot.com/

Crisps Burn, Pringles Melt, Discuss....

2009-06-11T10:14:00.004+01:00

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

2009-06-09T07:01:00.002+01:00

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

2009-06-09T06:45:00.002+01:00

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?

2009-06-08T19:34:00.000+01:00

The unwashed have spoken:

Herr's - 66%

Pringles - 33%

Are they right?

Final Postponed!

2009-06-01T08:34:00.000+01:00

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

2009-05-26T21:15:00.002+01:00

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

2009-05-26T21:00:00.002+01:00

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

2009-05-24T12:37:00.003+01:00

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!

2009-05-19T07:26:00.000+01:00

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

2009-05-15T09:19:00.002+01:00

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

2009-05-12T12:14:00.002+01:00

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

2009-05-12T12:04:00.001+01:00

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

2009-05-09T11:30:00.001+01:00

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

2009-05-08T13:22:00.002+01:00

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

2009-05-05T08:29:00.006+01:00

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

2009-05-04T17:53:00.002+01:00

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

2009-05-04T17:32:00.001+01:00

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

2009-05-03T08:06:00.001+01:00

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!

2009-05-02T08:05:00.002+01:00

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

2009-05-01T07:57:00.002+01:00

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

2009-04-27T19:57:00.003+01:00

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

2009-04-27T19:42:00.001+01:00

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

2009-04-24T08:30:00.002+01:00

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

2009-04-24T08:25:00.002+01:00

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....

2009-04-21T07:15:00.003+01:00

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!

2009-04-20T20:48:00.002+01:00

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

2009-04-20T20:28:00.002+01:00

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

2009-04-20T20:24:00.001+01:00

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!

2009-04-19T06:29:00.003+01:00

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

2009-04-18T07:46:00.004+01:00

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

2009-04-17T07:17:00.001+01:00

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

2009-04-17T07:16:00.001+01:00

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!

2009-04-14T20:39:00.002+01:00

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

2009-04-13T19:28:00.001+01:00

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

2009-04-13T19:27:00.000+01:00

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

2009-04-12T08:27:00.005+01:00

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

2009-04-11T09:32:00.000+01:00

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

2009-04-10T07:25:00.003+01:00

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!

2009-04-09T20:23:00.001+01:00

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

2009-04-09T08:32:00.002+01:00

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

2009-04-09T08:29:00.000+01:00

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

2009-04-09T07:43:00.000+01:00

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

2009-04-09T07:41:00.001+01:00

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!

2009-04-06T12:24:00.003+01:00

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?

2009-04-04T07:11:00.000+01:00

Chips!

Crisps.

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

Crisps?

Chips....

Crisps....

Easy innit....

Salt & Vinegar Packaging Poll Result!

2009-04-03T06:49:00.001+01:00

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

2009-04-02T20:26:00.004+01:00

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

2009-04-02T20:20:00.003+01:00

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!

2009-04-02T07:52:00.002+01:00

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!

2009-04-02T06:36:00.003+01:00

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"?

SVWC09 To Hit The Headlines

2009-03-31T09:30:00.003+01:00

For some unknown reason SVWC09 is about to be featured in the region’s biggest newspaper, the Eastern Daily Press.

OK, we know that our competition is the most important salt & vinegar flavour potato/maize/rice-based snack product tournament in the world, but will the good people of East Anglia be interested?

Top reporter Amy Gray certainly thinks so! Amy and a photographer will be visiting The Woolpack on Thursday to soak up the atmosphere and join in the next pair of Round One matches.

And she’s picked a premium quality day to come. The next two matches feature two potential champions, plus our second American raider - a “chip” (that’s what they call crisps in America donchaknow - weird) that is only available in the San Francisco area at the moment, but plans to rule the world sometime soon.

In a major clash we’ll find out who is victorious between Fairfields Farm Crisps Sea Salt & Aspall Cyder Vinegar and Kettle Chips Sea Salt & Balsamic Vinegar. In 2007 Kettle Chips saw off a strong Discos entry before succumbing to eventual runner-up The Real McCoys in the semi-final. Fairfields are one of the new, independent contenders, and I’m rather looking forward to sampling their crisps myself. And an intriguing match pitches Popchips Sea Salt & Vinegar against Waitrose Salt & Vinegar. Fantastic confrontations and it’s still Round One!

Round One - Match Six - Morrisons Salt & Vinegar v Pringles Rice Infusions Salt & Vinegar

2009-03-30T19:38:00.004+01:00

Tasters for this match: Wayne, Emma, Rotherham Toni

An incredibly close match! Morrisons own brand crisps made a great fight against the third Pringles entry of the SVWC09. Morrisons won on Crispness, Flavour and Size & Appearance, but lost out by a single point in the end. A brave effort. Pringles Rice Infusions join their stable-mate Pringles in the draw for Round Two, how cool would it be if they were drawn against each other.

Morrisons Salt & Vinegar
Crispness 9
Flavour 6
Size & Appearance 7
Aroma 3
More-ish-ness 6

Pringles Rice Infusions Salt & Vinegar
Crispness 5
Flavour 3
Size & Appearance 5
Aroma 10
More-ish-ness 9

Result

Morrisons Salt & Vinegar 31 : 32 Pringles Rice Infusions 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

Waitrose Hand Cooked Sea Salt, Malt Vinegar And A Twist Of Lemon v Gilroys Salt & Vinegar

Tesco Value Salt & Vinegar v Walkers Squares Salt & Vinegar

Fairfields Farm Crisps Sea Salt & Aspall Cyder Vinegar v Kettle Chips Sea Salt & Balsamic Vinegar

Tayto Salt & Vinegar v Sainsbury’s Salt & Vinegar

Popchips Sea Salt & Vinegar v Waitrose 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

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

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

Round One - Match Five - Herr’s Kettle Cooked Boardwalk Salt & Vinegar v Ryvita Minis Salt & Vinegar

2009-03-30T19:35:00.004+01:00

Tasters for this match (left to right): Wayne, Emma, Rotherham Toni

Sad to say, this was almost a walkover. The looks on the faces of the testers as they chomped down on Ryvitas S&V were priceless - I don’t think that they could have looked more disgusted if they were asked to eat dog chog. Herr's is a strong contender in its own right, and easily dispatched the Ryvitas. It’s the second Salt & Vinegar World Cup on the trot that Ryvitas have exited at the first stage….our first American raider rampages into Round Two. Bravo!

Herr's Kettle Cooked Boardwalk Salt & Vinegar
Crispness 15
Flavour 11
Size & Appearance 8
Aroma 10
More-ish-ness 6

Ryvita Minis Salt & Vinegar
Crispness 15
Flavour 4
Size & Appearance 7
Aroma 3
More-ish-ness 3

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

Second American Raider Arrives

2009-03-27T11:15:00.005Z

It's with great pleasure that we can announce the arrival (and therefore guaranteed participation) of our second international competitor for SVWC09 - Popchips!

All the way from San Francisco, and currently only available in limited areas of western United States, SVWC09 gives Popchips a great introduction to the European market, and the chance to take on some of Britain's finest - starting with a Round One match against the Waitrose supermarket own brand.

Erin Markey, our contact at Popchips, also sent a delightful note with their crisps, and a pair of unique Popchips baseball caps (anyone want one?). Thanks Erin.

Welcome Popchips, and Good Luck!

p.s. not 100% sure about this tribute video though: PopchipsVideo

Match Four - Eastman’s Salt & Vinegar v Pringles Salt & Vinegar

2009-03-26T20:29:00.004Z

Tasters for this match: Rachel, Goldfinger Ron, Jemma

Above pic is the samples for Matches 3&4, clockwise from top left: Eastmans, Sainsburys Taste The Difference, Pipers, Pringles.

An easy victory for Pringles against Eastmans. Our tasters thought these were Pringles Light (if such a snack exists), not Regular, and they progress with little effort to Round Two.

Eastman’s Salt & Vinegar
Crispness 5
Flavour 6
Size & Appearance 4
Aroma 8
More-ish-ness 4

Pringles Salt & Vinegar
Crispness 10
Flavour 8
Size & Appearance 11
Aroma 7
More-ish-ness 7

Result

Eastman’s Salt & Vinegar 27 : 43 Pringles 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

Waitrose Hand Cooked Sea Salt, Malt Vinegar And A Twist Of Lemon v Gilroys Salt & Vinegar

Tesco Value Salt & Vinegar v Walkers Squares Salt & Vinegar

Fairfields Farm Crisps Sea Salt & Aspall Cyder Vinegar v Kettle Chips Sea Salt & Balsamic Vinegar

Tayto Salt & Vinegar v Sainsbury’s Salt & Vinegar

Popchips Sea Salt & Vinegar v Waitrose Salt & Vinegar

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

Morrisons Salt & Vinegar v Pringles Rice Infusions Salt & Vinegar

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

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

Herr’s Kettle Cooked Boardwalk Salt & Vinegar v Ryvita Minis Salt & Vinegar

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

Match Three - Pipers Sea Salt & Somerset Cider Vinegar v Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference Sea Salt & Cider Vinegar

2009-03-26T20:20:00.007Z

Tasters for this match (left to right): Jemma, Goldfinger Ron, Rachel

This was an extremely high class, early round clash of two of the tournament favourites. The reaction of one of the tasters as she sampled the Pipers for the first time made me wonder if she'd set her mobile phone to vibrate, sat on it by accident, and was receiving a call....Very bad luck for Sainsburys Taste The Difference, with a score of 54 they would have won all the other matches so far! A very high scoring match that has left the Crisp Officionados at The Woolpack eagerly awaiting Monday's action!

Pipers Sea Salt & Somerset Cider Vinegar
Crispness 15
Flavour 12
Size & Appearance 13
Aroma 10
More-ish-ness 11

Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference Sea Salt & Cider Vinegar
Crispness 15
Flavour 10
Size & Appearance 11
Aroma 8
More-ish-ness 10

Result

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

Matches 3 & 4 Highlight A Traditional Conundrum

2009-03-25T20:52:00.003Z

Here are the competitor's for Matchday 2:

As you can see, two are in blue packaging, two in green. But which is THE traditional Salt & Vinegar livery?

There's a poll at the top right of the page, please leave your vote - don't worry, it's anonymous!

Rowe, Rowe, Rowe, Ya Beaut!

2009-03-25T09:19:00.002Z

Gently down the stream of media interest that is also known as SVWC09, the titanic oil tanker of the world’s premier potato/maize/rice-based snacks tournament will be guided on its course by a brand new patron.

As The Queen is indelibly linked with the Commonwealth Games, and as Nelson Mandela will forever be associated with the Rugby Union World Cup…..and as Stu Francis is synonymous with Crackerjack, so will our new patron form an enduring private and public bond with the Salt & Vinegar World Cup.

Christopher Biggins was away, gardening.

Adrian Chiles told us to “eff off, I only eat cheese and onion….”

Debbie McGee, Wellard from Eastenders, and Ulrika Jonsson were all fully booked. You can see the high-class of celebrity we have been in dialogue with.

Even Russell Brand claimed to be otherwise engaged.

We were hot on the C-List trail….

Sadly they’re all bloody busy, so our new Patron will be Simon Rowe, head honcho at Norfolk radio station KLFM. He’s virtually Norfolk Royalty, hugely popular, and best of all, cheap.

Welcome Mister Rowe!

Garden Of Eatin' Miss The Boat

2009-03-24T21:02:00.005Z

Sad news from the USA front. Garden Of Eatin' have been in touch with SVWC09, sadly too late to enter this year's competition....

GOE emailed thus:

"Thank you for taking the time to contact us regarding our Garden Of Eatin' Product. We apologize for the delay in our reply and appreciate your patience. We strive to maintain the highest quality products and we appreciate your patronage.

For all donation and contribution inquiries please email your request to llehndor@hain-celestial.com. Be sure to include your organization's name, contact information, 501(c)3 non-profit documentation if applicable and specify our brand name. We wish you the best of luck and we appreciate your efforts to make this world a better place!

Thank you for your continued support. If we can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact us at 1-800-434-4246, Monday through Friday from 7AM - 5PM Mountain Time.

Sincerely,
George
Consumer Relations Representative"

It's a shame, as Garden Of Eatin' looked like interesting crisps. It's nice to see that we're making the world a better place....

Maybe in 2011 chaps?

p.s. What the Chuff is "Mountain Time"?

Next Matches Announced!

2009-03-24T10:13:00.004Z

The organising committee today releases the next pair of fixtures in SVWC09!

To take place at 5 p.m. on Thursday 26 March, at The Woolpack, King's Lynn (the S&V Crucible):

Pipers Sea Salt & Somerset Cider Vinegar v Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference Sea Salt & Cider Vinegar

and

Eastman’s Salt & Vinegar v Pringles Salt & Vinegar

Good luck to all competitors!

Match Two - Snack A Jacks Salt & Vinegar v Golden Sun Extra Thick Salt & Malt Vinegar Crinkle Cut

2009-03-23T20:10:00.005Z

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

Snack A Jacks Salt & Vinegar
Crispness 5
Flavour 5
Size & Appearance 6
Aroma 3
More-ish-ness 7

Golden Sun Extra Thick Salt & Malt Vinegar Crinkle Cut
Crispness 12
Flavour 11
Size & Appearance 8
Aroma 7
More-ish-ness 9

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

Fixtures

Round One

Waitrose Hand Cooked Sea Salt, Malt Vinegar And A Twist Of Lemon v Gilroys Salt & Vinegar

Pipers Sea Salt & Somerset Cider Vinegar v Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference Sea Salt & Cider Vinegar

Tesco Value Salt & Vinegar v Walkers Squares Salt & Vinegar

Fairfields Farm Crisps Sea Salt & Aspall Cyder Vinegar v Kettle Chips Sea Salt & Balsamic Vinegar

Tayto Salt & Vinegar v Sainsbury’s Salt & Vinegar

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

Popchips Sea Salt & Vinegar v Waitrose Salt & Vinegar

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

Morrisons Salt & Vinegar v Pringles Rice Infusions Salt & Vinegar

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

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

Eastman’s Salt & Vinegar v Pringles Salt & Vinegar

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

Herr’s Kettle Cooked Boardwalk Salt & Vinegar v Ryvita Minis Salt & Vinegar

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

Match One - Pringles Select Sea Salt & Balsamic Vinegar v Walkers Baked Salt & Vinegar

2009-03-23T20:08:00.003Z

And they’re off!

After months of intensive planning (!) the Salt & Vinegar World Cup 2009 is underway.

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

Pringles Select prides itself as a “premium” product. Walkers Baked is the healthy option, and healthy options often lose out on flavour….

We had the first shock result of the tournament in the very first match. The Pringles didn’t beat its rival in any of the five categories!

Pringles Select Sea Salt & Balsamic Vinegar
Crispness 8
Flavour 4
Size & Appearance 4
Aroma 4
More-ish-ness 3

Walkers Baked Salt & Vinegar
Crispness 11
Flavour 5
Size & Appearance 11
Aroma 7
More-ish-ness 6

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

Half A World Away

2009-03-19T19:11:00.002Z

As I pondered HERE, the crisps from HERRS of Pennsylvania took longer to travel the 77 miles from Stansted airport to King’s Lynn than they did from Pennsylvania to Stansted - about 3,600 miles?

The journey from Pennsylvania to Stansted actually took 25 hours, 47 minutes.

Thereafter:

Stansted to East Midlands Airport (huh? Wrong direction!)
124 miles
3 days, 3 hours, 25 minutes

East Midlands Airport to Tamworth (!!!)
28 miles
40 minutes

Tamworth to Norwich
162 miles
4 hours, 10 minutes

Norwich to King’s Lynn
44 miles
5 hours, 17 minutes

Total from Stansted Airport to King’s Lynn
Which is a road distance of 77 miles…..
3 days, 13 hours, 32 minutes

Blimey!

SVWC09 - Round One Draw

2009-03-16T18:06:00.003Z

Let's get ready to rumble!

The draw for SVWC09 took place at The Woolpack, King's Lynn today, and here it is:

Waitrose Hand Cooked Sea Salt, Malt Vinegar And A Twist Of Lemon v Gilroys Salt & Vinegar

Pipers Sea Salt & Somerset Cider Vinegar v Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference Sea Salt & Cider Vinegar

Tesco Value Salt & Vinegar v Walkers Squares Salt & Vinegar

Fairfields Farm Crisps Sea Salt & Aspall Cyder Vinegar v Kettle Chips Sea Salt & Balsamic Vinegar

Tayto Salt & Vinegar v Sainsbury’s Salt & Vinegar

Pringles Select Sea Salt & Balsamic Vinegar v Walkers Baked Salt & Vinegar

Popchips Sea Salt & Vinegar v Waitrose Salt & Vinegar

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

Morrisons Salt & Vinegar v Pringles Rice Infusions Salt & Vinegar

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

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

Eastman’s Salt & Vinegar v Pringles Salt & Vinegar

Snack A Jacks Salt & Vinegar v Golden Sun Extra Thick Salt & Malt Vinegar Crinkle Cut

Herr’s Salt & Vinegar v Ryvita Minis Salt & Vinegar

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

Tyrrells Taunt Rivals!

2009-03-16T09:36:00.003Z

Jessica of TYRRELLS crisps has responded in outrage to last week’s infamous “When we win” remarks attributed to Alex Albone at PIPERS.

The full statement reads as follows:

“We’re outraged that Pipers have started the ‘salt & vinegar’ banter already so you can tell them ‘pipers schmipers – the mighty hereford spud laughs in the face of your tiny tubers’.

Let battle commence! ”

Keep your eyes peeled as this one develops!

Does Not Contain Utz

2009-03-16T09:33:00.002Z

Sadly our beloved competition will not feature the S&V crisps of renowned US snack manufacturer UTZ.

It seems that the credit crunch has decreed that there will be one less crunch in SVWC09, as Utz are not in a position to supply the five packs of snacks needed to cover all the rounds. It’s a shame. I hope all the merchant bankers who caused this are happy now!

Utz told us:

“We appreciate the opportunity to participate in your event, but at this time, we have allocated all our monetary/sponsorship commitments for 2009 and are not able to participate.

As you can imagine, we are inundated with requests from customer and charitable organizations and although we contribute hundreds of thousands per year in monetary and product contributions to charitable organizations, we cannot contribute to all.

We appreciate your interest in Utz Quality Foods and wish you continued success.

Sincerely,
Alec Sivel”

Thanks Alec, and Utz, we hope you manage to ride out the current economic bucking bronco successfully.

SVWC09 Logo

2009-03-15T08:56:00.007Z

It's good isn't it!

We asked....someone....to come up with an image that encapsulated Salt, and Vinegar. And 2009.

Here's the result:

OK, it's done on a budget, but it's still better than the infamous London Olympics (BJ) logo:

They're Over Here, They're....Etc Etc....

2009-03-15T08:31:00.004Z

The Americans have landed.

Our crisps from HERR'S have made it as far as Stansted airport, which is just down the road from SVWC09.

From Pennsylvania to Essex in two days.

Now....any guesses as to how long it will take to complete the journey? Answers to the nearest week please....

Free Crisps! Tasting Event At The Woolpack....

2009-03-15T08:28:00.002Z

Yes, crisp fans!

There’s a special crisp tasting event taking place at The Woolpack pub in King’s Lynn, today! Pop along to sample five flavours from one of England’s finest crispmongers. The doors open at twelve, and the usual gannets will probably arrive a second or two later.

The tasting is courtesy of one of the independent crisp makers taking part in SVWC09, who generously supplied The Woolpack with a box of samples. Altruism, clever marketing, or an attempt to get potential Official Tasters onside, I’ll leave that up to your own mind.

Sadly I will have to miss this excellent pre-tournament event as I’ll be in Lincolnshire, but I’m trying to persuade Goldfinger Ron and Cockney Derek (for such are the names of Ye Hosteliers at The Woolpack) to do the same thing again later in the week.

Remember. The Woolpack, Gaywood Road, King’s Lynn. Noon onwards.

Here Come The Belgians!

2009-03-13T11:04:00.005Z

Well, actually, here come the Americans.

HERR'S have despatched their entry, and using the wonders of UPS Tracking, I can exclusively reveal that the parcel has reached New Jersey, at 0545 local time!

Progress so far:

NEWARK,NJ, US
13/03/2009 5:45
ARRIVAL SCAN

PHILADELPHIA,PA, US
13/03/2009 3:24
DEPARTURE SCAN

PHILADELPHIA,PA, US
12/03/2009 23:07
ARRIVAL SCAN

WEST CHESTER,PA, US
12/03/2009 22:18
DEPARTURE SCAN

US
12/03/2009 14:30
BILLING INFORMATION RECEIVED

In't technology marvellous!

Competitors Talk Up Their Chances!

2009-03-13T10:50:00.004Z

Claim and counter-claim have already started flying around the Interweb!

Aurelio Romero, of HERR'S in America, simply states that "We have the best salt & vinegar chip on the planet...."

Alex Albone of PIPERS Crisps is even more confident, and already writing their winning speech. Alex says "When we win I would like to come down to the Pub and get a photo done. We will then do a press release with Chris Evans." Or summat like that.

The game is afoot!

SVWC09 - Entry List

2009-03-13T10:29:00.002Z

As at....well, right now....there are 29 entries.

Who do you see as the favourite for the title from this list?

1 - Seabrook’s Sea Salt & Vinegar
2 - Snack A Jacks Salt & Vinegar
3 - Ryvita Minis Salt & Vinegar
4 - Walkers Squares Salt & Vinegar
5 - The Real McCoy’s Ridge Cut Salt & Malt Vinegar
6 - Kettle Chips Sea Salt & Balsamic Vinegar
7 - Pringles Salt & Vinegar
8 - Walkers Salt & Vinegar
9 - Morrisons Salt & Vinegar
10 - Walkers Baked Salt & Vinegar
11 - Co-op Salt & Vinegar
12 - Sainsbury’s Salt & Vinegar
13 - Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference Sea Salt & Cider Vinegar
14 - Eastman’s Salt & Vinegar
15 - Pipers Sea Salt & Somerset Cider Vinegar
16 - Fairfields Farm Crisps Sea Salt & Aspall Cyder Vinegar
17 - Tayto Salt & Vinegar
18 - Linessa Reduced Fat Crinkle Cut Salt & Vinegar
19 - Pringles Rice Infusions Salt & Vinegar
20 - Gilroys Salt & Vinegar
21 - Golden Sun Extra Thick Salt & Malt Vinegar Crinkle Cut
22 - Knights Hand Cooked Sea Salt And Balsamic Vinegar
23 - Tesco Value Salt & Vinegar
24 - Pringles Select Sea Salt & Balsamic Vinegar
25 - Tyrrells Cider Vinegar & Sea Salt
26 - Waitrose Salt & Vinegar
27 - Waitrose Hand Cooked Sea Salt, Malt Vinegar And A Twist Of Lemon
28 - Popchips Sea Salt & Vinegar (San Francisco, California)
29 - Herr’s Salt & Vinegar (Nottingham, Pennsylvania)

Feel free to comment on this list....

SVWC09 - Format

2009-03-13T10:26:00.003Z

In 2007 I tested all the competitors myself. Not an onorous task! This time round results will be determined by independent tasters.

The contest will be run on a knockout basis, with each round being drawn at random. Think of football’s FA Cup, and you get the picture. Unlike the Football Association, we will not shirk from allowing any drawn matches to go forward to as many replays as are required.

Matches will be judged by a panel of three “experts” (who may or may not be regulars at The Woolpack pub, King’s Lynn), with each judge awarding marks up to 5 in the following categories:

1 - Crispness
2 - Flavour
3 - Size and Appearance of crisp
4 - Aroma
5 - More-ish-ness

This gives a maximum score of 75 points.

Previous History - SVWC07

2009-03-13T10:18:00.001Z

The first SVWC took place in 2007. Here are the results:

Matches were decided on the basis of comparing:

1 - Crispness
2 - Flavour
3 - Size of crisp
4 - Aroma
5 - Packaging
6 - More-ish-ness (don't think that's a real word)

Each scored from 1 to 5 points, highest score savoury snack won.

Competitors were collected over a 7 day period prior to the start of the tournament, wherever I found them.

Round One
The Real McCoys Ridge Cut Salt & Malt Vinegar 20 : 14 Snack A Jacks Salt & Vinegar
Walkers Salt & Vinegar 21 : 22 Seabrook Sea Salt & Vinegar
Walkers Squares Salt & Vinegar 16 : 21 Pringles Salt & Vinegar
Tesco Crunchy Sticks Salt & Vinegar 18 : 17 Walkers Baked Salt & Vinegar
Tesco Twirls Salt & Vinegar 11 : 12 Tesco Salt & Vinegar
Tesco Finest Sea Salt & West Country Cider Vinegar 14 : 18 Morrisons Salt & Vinegar
Byes: Discos Salt & Vinegar, Kettle Chips Sea Salt & Balsamic Vinegar

Round Two
Kettle Chips Sea Salt & Balsamic Vinegar 21 : 19 Discos Salt & Vinegar
Morrisons Salt & Vinegar 17 : 22 Seabrook Sea Salt & Vinegar
Pringles Salt & Vinegar 22 : 16 Tesco Crunchy Sticks Salt & Vinegar
The Real McCoys Ridge Cut Salt & Malt Vinegar 20 : 14 Tesco Salt & Vinegar

Semi-Finals
Kettle Chips Sea Salt & Balsamic Vinegar 20 : 22 The Real McCoys Ridge Cut Salt & Malt Vinegar
Seabrook Sea Salt & Vinegar 21 : 19 Pringles Salt & Vinegar

Final
The Real McCoys Ridge Cut Salt & Malt Vinegar 19 : 22 Seabrook Sea Salt & Vinegar

Welcome!

2009-03-13T10:08:00.002Z

Hello, good morning, and welcome.

Welcome to the Official location of the Salt & Vinegar World Cup 2009.

You are visiting the world's premier salt & vinegar flavour potato/maize-based snack product tournament.

The reigning champion S&V crisps are SEABROOKS Sea Salt & Vinegar flavour, which beat The Real McCoys in the first final in 2007.

Now, two years on, and the SVWC is back, bigger and better than before.

And this is where it will happen.

Welcome.