Pringles is a snack brand beloved for its out of the box flavor ideas and its new launch is no exception – the brand recently unveiled the new, limited-edition and regional-exclusive variant, Ramen tebasaki, or "chicken wings". The new variant can be purchased in a 161-centimeter can from exclusive vending machines around the Tokai Region.
The new offering is molded after a very specific chicken wing made famous by Aichi Prefecture. The saucy morsels are fried up in a karaage style, giving them a crunchy coating. Pringle's latest offering replicates the saucy flavor while the crunchiness of the chip recreates the crisp coating of the chicken. Paying homage to the roots, the new packaging boasts a depiction of the capital's Nagoya Castle alongside the gold shachi, "an animal from Japanese folklore that has the body of a carp and the head of a tiger."
Chicken Wing-Flavored Chips
Pringles Debuted a New 'Tebasaki' Variant in the Tokai Region of Japan
Trend Themes
1. Regional-exclusive Snack Variants - Creating limited-edition, region-specific flavors can tap into local preferences and drive product exclusivity.
2. Replicating Savory Flavors in Snack Form - Recreating specific flavors, like chicken wings, in snack chips can offer consumers a convenient and unique taste experience.
3. Incorporating Cultural Iconography in Packaging - Using traditional symbols and landmarks on packaging can appeal to consumers' sense of nostalgia and cultural pride.
Industry Implications
1. Snack Food Manufacturing - There is an opportunity for snack companies to experiment with innovative and localized flavors to attract and engage consumers.
2. Convenience Vending Machines - Developing vending machines that offer exclusive regional snacks can create a sense of novelty and drive consumer interest.
3. Food Packaging Design - Designing packaging that incorporates cultural symbols and landmarks can enhance brand identity and resonate with target consumers.