Frito-Lay plans to spend this week in Times Square with a promotional event featuring a flavor kitchen (duplicating the Frito-Lay kitchen in Plano), which is part of the company's effort to stimulate sales of its snack brands like Lay's, SunChips and Tostitos, reports the New York Times.
Centered on the flavors of Frito-Lay products and how the company creates its newest product flavors, the promotion is set up atop the marquee of the Hard Rock Cafe, 1501 Broadway at 43rd Street. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday through Friday. Frito-Lay Executive Chef Stephen Khalil, and other guest chefs offer culinary demonstrations, Electrolux kitchen appliances are used, and Padma Lakshmi, the host of "Top Chef" on Bravo, is part of the festivities.
The goal is to let consumers in on the snack-making process and give them a chance to provide feedback on the kinds of flavors that Frito-Lay uses, may potentially use, and to emphasize the healthier and all natural attributes of its products.
"People want to know where their food comes from and how it's made," said Ann Mukherjee, senior vice president and chief marketing officer at Frito-Lay in Plano, Tex. "And they want to have a voice in it," she added. "A lot of this is about being transparent."