Pepsi Chips Surpass $10 Billion In Global Retail Sales: About The Food Company [VIDEO]

PepsiCo, Inc. might be associated with refreshing cola, but the company has hit a giant milestone with their popular Banner Sun potato chip brands. The Banner Sun potato chips, which are comprised of Lay's (U.S.), Smith's (Australia), Walkers (U.K.), Elma's (Brazil) and Sabritas (Mexico), have reached over $10 billion in global retail sales. The food company has been catering to chip taste preferences around the world, fueling their rising sales.

Lay's venture into chip popularity began in 1932 when Herman Lay purchased a one-man branch potato chip company in Nashville. Purchasing the branch for $100, the company became the largest potato chip manufacturer by 1956.

The other Banner Sun chips have similar success stories. Smith's began in the UK right after World War I, but found success in Australia where it has been the leading potato chip in the country for over 80 years. Walker's, the UK's most popular crisp manufacturer began in 1948 when Henry Walker, originally a butcher, started cooking potato slices. Today the manufacturer boasts more than 10 million packs enjoyed every day. Mexico's leading snack, Sabritas, was founded in 1943 and now sells over 10 million bags a week.

Celebrating National Potato Chip Day yesterday, the International Business Times took a look at odd potato chip flavors that have hit shelves over the years. While the top Lay's potato chip flavors in the U.S. are Classic, BBQ, Sour Cream and Onion, Salt and Vinegar, and Cheddar and Sour Cream, the Banner Sun potato chips have some interesting flavors overseas. Best-selling chips around the world include Magic Masala in India, Red Caviar in Russia, Numb and Spice Hot Pot in China and Adobadas (tomato and chili) in Mexico.

The company has consumers to thank for their success, and in 2008 began launching campaigns to further connect with their buyers. PepsiCo's Do Us A Flavour campaign in the U.K. allowed consumers to pick the next big chip flavor. The results were interesting, with fans wanting chili and chocolate, builders breakfast, fish and chips, and Cajun squirrel to be the next flavor for Walker's chips.

PepsiCo has no plans to stop expanding their crunching success. Tonight the company's popular chip brand, Doritos, plans on revealing a 56-foot vending machine (over six stories tall) at South by Southwest (SXSW).

PepsiCo's brands include Pepsi, Frito Lay, Tropicana, Quaker and Gatorade.