Who owns tayto crisps

WHEN Irish people leave for foreign parts, they often miss their home comforts. And who could blame them? A fter the mammy's cup of tea, the next thing they miss is, of course, the packet of Tayto crisps. I had that in mind as I journeyed to meet Ray Coyle — the man who owns Largo Foods, the company that makes Tayto crisps and the man whose vision it was to build Tayto Park.

Located near Ashbourne, Co Meath, the park is a unique mix of theme park, activity centre, zoo and educational facility, all rolled into one. Opened in , it attracted over , visitors in its first year of business. Today, that number has grown to ,, among them, a blended mix of school tours, birthday celebrations, Holy Communions, corporate days away and family days out.

Before Ray explains how it all came about, he first takes me on a tour of the park's main attractions. We start with the Tayto Twister. Here, visitors are invited to climb the tall tower before spiralling to the ground through the 20m-high tubular slide.

For the more adventurous, there's the opportunity to tackle the large climbing walls or conquer the high ropes of the park's famous Sky Walk. Or even better still, to experience the thrill of flying through the air on the park's metre zip line. But then, the park isn't geared for me. It's actually targeted at those from the ages of three to 18 who are obviously much more courageous.

Next, it's on to the hugely impressive timber lodge. Like something you might expect to see high up in the Rocky Mountains, this imposing structure, with its shops and restaurant, is the centrepiece of the park.

Here, Ray treats me to coffee and some of the chef's gluten-free chocolate cake. He also introduces me to his wife, Ros, and his son, Charles, who both work in the business.

But before I get too settled, it's off to meet some of the park's species of birds and animals. Among these are the herd of powerful American Bison with their burly shoulder humps and distinctively large heads. Next, we visit some of the nine different breeds of wild cats, ranging from the small meerkats to the much larger mountain lions, leopards and tigers.

These wild cats look remarkably calm as they stroll casually through their secure compounds. However, I am treated to a rare glimpse of their incredible speed and power when one of the staff invites me to help her feed them a piece of fresh meat. Putting the meat on a long spear-like metal rod, I slowly poke it through the wire mesh fence. In an instance and, almost as if from nowhere, a large female tiger pounces forward towards the wire mesh, and snatches the meat.

Before I can realise what has happened, she has retreated to enjoy her spoils. Enter email address This field is required Sign Up. Dine with an Irish view in - the best food experiences across Ireland. Co Kerry town named among Europe's most beautiful. Experts name top 21 places to visit in Ireland, beyond Cliffs of Moher. Top ten handcrafted Irish gifts for your loved ones this Christmas.

Beloved Irish crisps brand Tayto now officially owned by a German company Irish businessman Ray Coyle sells his remaining shares in the company. Jane Walsh. Nov 02, Tayto'The original Irish crisp'is now owned by a German company. Together the four brands account for just under half of the Irish crisps and popcorn market.

Read this next Travel. Travel Dine with an Irish view in - the best food experiences across Ireland. Most Read Most Recent. History How much did Jackie know about John F. History Ancient secrets of the Hill of Tara revealed. Menu Sections. Crisp giant Tayto has expanded further into Great Britain's snack market as it swallows up two English food firms making popcorn and other snacks.

Manderley now employs around 1, people across the UK - with just over people based in Northern Ireland. Tayto chief executive Paul Allen said: "We are really impressed with the innovation and enthusiasm of the Portlebay team and they make a first-class, premium product. We are now producing crisps in Tandragee which are being sold under the Tavern name all around London. Portlebay currently supplies stores such as Tesco, Sainsbury's, Co-Op and a number of independent retailers, mainly in the south of England.

Tavern Snacks, which makes crisps, roasted nuts and pork scratchings, was founded in the s and sells mainly to the licensed trade in the Greater London area.