Phileas Fogg snacks

Entrance to the Phileas Fogg Factory - geograph.org.uk - 1419478

Phileas Fogg is a range of branded snack products in the United Kingdom that was created in 1982. The product is named after Phileas Fogg, the protagonist of Jules Verne's Around the World in Eighty Days, and is made in Consett, County Durham. When the Phileas Fogg company was sold in the 1990s, its products were rebranded but poorly received, leading to a decline in popularity. The brand was relaunched in 2009.

Early life

The Phileas Fogg snack range was launched in 1982 by Roger McKechnie,^[1] Keith Gill, Ray McGhee and John Pike, who invested £67,000 of their own money. The aim was to create a snack aimed at adults and branded with a recognisable character. The range included different flavours "from around the world" such as miniature garlic breads and tortilla chips.

Decline in the 1990s

Between the late 1980s and early 1990s, Phileas Fogg Snacks achieved a turnover of more than £30 million. It was subsequently purchased for £24 million by United Biscuits.^[1] The four founders left after the sale ^[1] while United Biscuits made significant changes to the packaging and identity, precipitating a decline in popularity.

2009 relaunch

United Biscuits relaunched the brand in 2009 after research showed a high number of British consumers were still aware of it.^[2] As of 2016 the brand is still sold but is now owned by KP Snacks and consists of an entirely different product range.

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