History of Tayto

In 1954 Joe Spud Murphy began what is today’s largest snackfood company with just two rented rooms off Moore Street, Dublin. Truly, a remarkable story of one man’s determination, his initial set up costs ran to a grand total of £500. The entire staff consisted of Joe, his eight employees and a single van.

At the time Tayto crisps sold for 4 pence per bag! They were sold in beautiful tin boxes that contained 18 bags of crisps and sold to shops for 4 shillings. The crisps bags were hand-glued with a tiny paintbrush to guarantee that trademark Tayto freshness.

Not many people realise that it was Joe Spud Murphy who actually invented the now world renowned Cheese & Onion flavour– with a little input from Mr. Tayto, of course.

Pioneering as always, Joe Murphy placed ads in the local newspapers which promoted the full list in the original Tayto range: Plain Golden, Onion, Cheese & Onion and Cheese flavoured crisps.

In 1954, Tayto sold 347 packs per day. Today, Tayto sells over 525 packs a minute!

Thanks to all the loyal Tayto consumers from the ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s, ‘00s and today, Tayto remains Ireland’s
favourite crisp.