Jones' Potato Chip Company History

Jones’ Potato Chip Company History

For more potato chips packing machine information, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

Family Made Since 1945

The Beginning

The story begins in the early 1940s when Frederick W. Jones, a potato chip distributor, found himself without potato chips to sell due to his supplier's production issues. With their supplier's support and guidance, Frederick established the Jones Potato Chip Company. Initially, Frederick handcrafted the chips, lifting them from the hot oil in baskets, allowing them to cool before salting and packaging them into wax bags. These bags offered little protection against light and moisture, presenting a significant challenge in maintaining chip quality. Many local potato chip businesses faltered under these conditions, but those who succeeded, like Jones, thrived.

The Difference

Upon its inception, Jones Potato Chip Company introduced "Marcelled" chips to the Mansfield, Ohio area, distinguishing their product from others with its wavy style. Maintaining a high level of customer service and uncompromised quality became Frederick's mantra. He believed each package sold contributed to the reputation and enjoyment of the brand, fostering loyal local patronage. As the company's popularity grew, automation was integrated into the production process by the 1960s, enhancing efficiency from peeling to packaging.

A Family Affair

Jones Potato Chip Company exemplifies a family business. Frederick, Elaine, and their six children all contributed to the company's growth. Over the years, more than forty family members have been part of the team. Frederick and Elaine retired in 1986, leaving a legacy of dedication that extended to employees and customers alike. Long-term customers form an essential part of the Jones family, contributing to the company's pride in offering great snacks since 1945.

A Quick History of the Potato Chip

The potato chip's journey dates back to 1853 when George Crum, a chef at Moon Lake Lodge in Saratoga Springs, New York, invented it. Frustrated with a customer's complaint about thick-cut fries, Crum sliced them thinly and fried them to a crisp. To his surprise, the customer loved them, and thus potato chips, initially called Saratoga Chips, were born. William Tappendon commercialized them in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1895. In 1926, Laura Scudder revolutionized preservation by introducing wax paper bags, which greatly prolonged the chips' freshness.

Packaging History 101: The Evolution of Snack Packaging

We love our snacks. But for much of modern history, snacks were regarded as lower-class and therefore undesirable.

Often associated with unhygienic street vendors, snack items were not appealing to the general public until the 1920s, when pretzels underwent a rebranding to recoup business lost because of Prohibition in the United States.

One major facet of the rebrand was packaging (of course). Packaging allowed sellers to reduce contamination risk and position their products as safe and legitimate, as well as offer a new canvas for branding and advertising. So pretzels soon soared in popularity, bringing with them a slew of other snack foods like nuts and popcorn, and later the abundance of snacks we currently see on store shelves.

Today, snacks are a vital component of convenient modern life. In fact, 94% of U.S. adults confess to eating a snack within the last 24 hours!

So join us for Snack Packaging History 101 to learn where your favorite snack packages came from. Don't worry, we promise there won't be a test.

Pre-1900s - Snack Packaging Firsts

1700 - 1800

In 1779, the North American Cree Indians developed Pemmican, an energy-dense snack made of fat and protein from large game animals. After drying the meat into jerky, it was mixed with melted fat and dried fruits, then packed into rawhide pouches.

1800 - 1900

In 1896, Nabisco became the first company to use folding cartons for their crackers. Prior to this, crackers and chips were commonly sold from large barrels, often ending up stale or crushed.

Early 1900s - Cardboard and Paper Dominate Snack Packaging

1900 - 1906

Frank Peters patented wax paper-lined cardboard boxes in 1900 to keep crackers fresh. This invention was quickly adopted by Nabisco. In 1906, the Kellogg brothers started packaging cereal in cartons, later adding a heat-sealed wax paper bag inside the box to maintain freshness.

1908

The Leominster Potato Chip Company started selling potato chips commercially in bulk tins and glass jars, which shopkeepers would then scoop into smaller tins or bags for sale.

1924

Kellogg’s began packaging cereal in bag-in-box methods, still used today.

1926

Laura Scudder began using sealed wax paper bags for packaging potato chips, marking the birth of modern potato chip packaging. Her method allowed chips to stay fresh longer and reduced crushing.

1936

Walter Zwoyer invented the vertical form fill seal machine, revolutionizing snack packaging.

Mid 1900s - Convenience Becomes King

1940

Convenience stores emerged, transforming snack packaging with easy-open features, reclosable zippers, and portable sizes.

1947

Snyder's Potato Chips underwent a manual and semi-automated packaging process, eventually transitioning to mechanical methods by 1965.

1952

Cheez Whiz was introduced in glass jars by Kraft Foods, with canned cheese spreading emerging in 1965.

1956

Fred Bair of Proctor & Gamble invented Pringles and their iconic can, standardizing chip size and reducing breakage.

Mid to Late 1900s - The Dawn of Modern Snack Packaging Machines and Materials

1958

Plastic bags entered the market, featuring aluminum layers to block air and light, eventually replacing wax paper bags.

1963

Louis Doyen invented the stand-up pouch, enhancing the display and convenience of snacks.

1965

Snyder's Potato Chips installed high-speed form fill seal machines, significantly increasing packaging efficiency.

1968

Hunt's Snack Packs debuted in metal tins, later shifting to safer plastic cups.

1970

Plastic bags surpassed wax paper bags in popularity, becoming the standard for snack packaging.

Late 1900s to Early 2000s - Snacking Convenience Redefined

1974 - 1988

Gerber Singles for adults and Lunchables introduced new snacking solutions, emphasizing convenience and portability.

1990 - 1999

Minute Maid Juice Bars, stand-up reclosable pouches, and Go-Gurt redefined snack packaging.

2002

Frito-Lay's Go Snacks in car-friendly canisters continued the trend toward convenience.

Early 2010s - Snack Packaging Sustainability is Hot

2010

Sunchips introduced a biodegradable bag, but it was discontinued due to noise complaints.

2012

Utz Quality Foods innovated with stackable packaging for single-serving chip bags.

2018

Futamura launched a plastic-free compostable chip bag in Europe.

Learn About Modern Snack Packaging Trends

Download our free ebook: Small is the New Big, to learn about trends influencing snack packaging today.

Are you interested in learning more about chocolate wrapping machine? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

Sources

Contact us to discuss your requirements of soap wrapping machine. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.