Panic Proof Crisps

The sturdy English crisp really has shown its metal over the last year to bounce back from a small slump in its popularity (sales fell by 5% between 2002-05) to post a small return to growth in 2006.

Who would have thought that with 'hot topics' like school dinners (lunchboxes/vending machines), healthier eating and obesity-based topics dominating the airwaves that crisps would have had the tenacity to reinvent themselves quite so quickly.

Healthy, occasional indulgence would appear to be the name of the game, an approach pioneered by Kettle Chips many years ago.

The problem with Kettle Crisps was that whilst their product and flavour credentials were unquestionable, their personality was that of a timid librarian in a ropey tank top.

The country was looking for someone to do what so many late greats (Golden Wonder , KP etc) had failed to do, namely give Walkers an occasional, bloody nose.

So let's use this opportunity to salute the likes of Tyrells, who are not only prepared to raise the quality/integrity stakes of small bagged snacks but stick two fingers up at Tesco who had the audacity to stock them without first asking permission. Then there is Burts that brings such refreshing informality to he table (a website to die for) and Purple Pilchard's fav Salty Dog, who bring a little extra ballsiness (intense flavours) to the fore.

Of course like any former student I will always hold a torch for that recently revamped classic, pickled onion Monster Munch, but overall I'm so chuffed that these days Walkers despite doing so much right, isn't getting everything its own way.