FritoLay to launch 5 new snack variants this Diwali

New Delhi, Sep 21 (UNI) In order to give consumers an option other than sweets, FritoLay India is all set to launch five new variants in the salty snack range this Diwali season.

''We are committed to give more options to people who are bored eating and gifting sweets during every festival and even otherwise.

This year we have developed five special festive snack packages ready to be launched in one week from now,'' company's Managing Director Manu Anand said here today.

With the introduction of these variants, which will be priced at Rs 50, Rs 100 and Rs 150, the company expects its sales to go up substantially during the festivals, he added.

Besides this, FritoLay India, which is a part of Pepsico India Holdings Pvt Ltd and has brands like Lays, Kurkure, Uncle Chips, has planned the launch of one new product in every two months and will bring three to four more products in the market after the festivals are over.

''We have huge plans to capture the salty snacks market in India.

Under this we are sure to launch a fresh variant in every two months,'' Mr Anand said.

According to the industry estimates, the market for salty snacks is to the tune of Rs 3,000 crore. Out of this, the current demand for branded snacks is for 3,50,000 tonnes that amounts to Rs 1,800 crore. Rest is occupied by the unbranded products.

The figures suggests that there is a huge potential for growth of the organised and branded snacks sector.

During his interaction with mediapersons, Mr Anand also pointed out Pepsico Group's plans to take the FritoLay products to Pakistan.

''Under the plan, the company will set manufacturing plant in the neighbouring country,'' he said without giving details on the required investment.

No exports of FritoLay's products will be made to Pakistan from here, he informed.

Presently, the company exports its products to the markets of Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

Today, the company introduced low calories Lehar Lites 'Roasted' range of snacks here.

The product, which will be available in market from tomorrow, has three varieties -- Chatpat Churmur Mixture (Rs 25 for 110 gm pack), Tangy Wheat Mixture (Rs 25 for 140 gms) and Healthy Dal Mixture (Rs 35 for 190 gm packet).

Prepared by roasting the ingredients using hot dry air, the snacks enjoy the status of being the first branded, roasted range of tradional snacks across the country.

''The low calories 'roasted' range comes in a unique and attractive packaging format that further reinforces the health cues and hence gives a tasty option to the today's health conscious people,'' Mr Anand said.

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