Hundreds of people travelled the length of the country, some even as far as Glasgow, and queued outside a tiny newsagent in Worcester’s city centre - Charlie’s Convenience Store - as it became the only stockist of Walkers Worcester Sauce crisps in the world.
Demand skyrocketed over the past few days after Walkers announced that its Worcester Sauce flavour crisps were back - but only in the city of Worcester. Adding to the excitement, Walkers revealed that the crisps are now even more Worcestershire-y, as this latest batch has been created in collaboration with those who know more about the sauce than most, the people who invented it, Lea & Perrins.
The stockist, Charlie’s, is run by local legend and crisp connoisseur 31-year-old Gubir Singh, known to locals as Gav, whose family took over the shop in 2019.
Gav said: “I was honoured to be asked by Walkers to help them relaunch the Worcester Sauce flavour crisps, now with Lea & Perrins. I’m playing a pivotal moment in the city’s history. I’d just encourage people to pay us a visit while stocks last!”
To celebrate the return, Walkers turned the town purple. A giant 6 metre pack of the Worcester Sauce flavour crisps was floated down the River Severn past the city’s famous Worcester Bridge. The city also saw an influx of mobile billboards, people with sandwich boards slung over their bodies, beer mats and announcements on screens across the city’s public houses…you could not move for purple!
The iconic flavour has been deeply missed since it left shelves a few years ago, with fans taking to social media to share their outrage. @KershawHarry tweeted: “What has happened to Walkers Worcester Sauce Crisps? I can’t find them anywhere. I’m furious. Seriously what has happened?”
While some fans were ecstatic by the recent news - @karenswire responded to Walkers’ Instagram post saying “Road trip to Worcester incoming!!! My favourite flavour ever!” - others were devastated that they weren’t available everywhere, with @aimeelillian2 responding with “Walkers_crisps just rude you can’t get these nationwide really.”
In recognition of the limited access to only the people of Worcester, Walkers has appeased fans by bringing them to the crisps. Four superfans spanning Dartford to Derbyshire were invited to make the journey, to be among the first to snaffle the snack, on Walkers.
One superfan, Katie Barnes from Kent said: “Today’s my 28th birthday and what better way to celebrate than with the taste of my favourite crisps. I’ve been waiting years for this moment, as I used to constantly go on about the Worcester Sauce flavour. I took a day off work and travelled over 150 miles to secure the goods - it’s the best birthday present ever!!”
Irina Panescu, Senior Marketing Manager at Walkers said: “We’re bringing back our iconic Worcester Sauce flavoured crisps, and this time they’re even more Worcestershire-y with the help from our friends at Lea & Perrins. We’re sorry to disappoint fans but it’s only right that our limited supply is reserved for the people of Worcester. We’ve been floored by the reception from the locals as we painted the town purple. The city’s well worth a visit for anyone contemplating the trip to scoff their favourite crisps.”
Thiago Rapp, Head of Sauces at Kraft Heinz said: “From one of the nation’s favourites to another, partnering with Walkers - a staple of British lunchtimes - was a natural fit to bring back one of the nation’s most beloved flavours. This bold, unmistakable flavour has been at the heart of Worcester for generations, ever since Lea & Perrins first launched back in 1837. It’s a flavour woven into the fabric of our hometown, crafted by the people who know it best. We can’t wait for Worcester locals, and crisp lovers who travel across the country for it, to tuck in.”
