Kelly's

Kelly Ges.m.b.H., part of the Intersnack Group, is a prominent Austrian snack manufacturer renowned for its iconic brands such as Kelly’s, Soletti, funny-frisch, Chio, POM-BÄR, and ültje. Founded in 1955 by U.S. Army veteran Howard Morse Kelly and Austrian entrepreneur Herbert Rast, the company has evolved into a market leader in savory snacks, boasting a 98% brand recognition rate in Austria. With a focus on quality, innovation, and community engagement, Kelly serves both domestic and international markets, exporting products to over 48 countries.

Product Portfolio

Kelly specializes in a diverse range of snack foods, including:

• Potato chips (Kelly’s, funny-frisch, Chio)

• Pretzels and baked snacks (Soletti, Goldfischli)

• Extruded snacks (Kelly’s Snips, Zirkusräder, Pizza Rolls)

• Nuts and seeds (ültje)

• Children’s snacks (POM-BÄR, Rab.bits)

Notable innovations include the Kelly’s AIRPACK resealable chip bags and Soletti BrezelCHIPS, which blend traditional pretzel flavors with modern textures. The brand Soletti alone holds a 98% awareness rate in Austria and is synonymous with salted pretzel sticks.

Commitment to Quality

Kelly emphasizes locally sourced ingredients, with potatoes for its chips sourced primarily from Niederösterreich and Burgenland. The company adheres to the International Featured Standard (IFS), ensuring rigorous food safety and quality control. Innovations like the AIRPACK packaging and collaborations with Austrian farmers for long-term potato supply agreements underscore its dedication to freshness and sustainability.

Production and Global Reach

Operating facilities in Vienna-Donaustadt and Feldbach, Kelly processes over 43,725 tons of snacks annually. In 2020, the company reported €215.2 million in revenue, with two-thirds generated domestically and one-third from exports. Key markets include Switzerland, Slovenia, and Bosnia, where Kelly acquired a production site in 2005.

Community and Sponsorship

Kelly actively supports Austrian culture and social causes. It sponsors the Vienna Capitals ice hockey team, CliniClowns, Tiergarten Schönbrunn zoo, and environmental initiatives through GreenCare. The brand also engages consumers via campaigns featuring Austrian football legend Herbert Prohaska, who endorses Kelly’s and Soletti with his signature catchphrase, “Also ich sag’ einmal so…” (“Well, I’d say…”).

Legacy and Innovation

Originally established as the American Popcorn Company, Kelly transitioned to snack production under Bahlsen ownership (1965–2007) before joining Intersnack in 2008. Today, it combines tradition with modernity, leveraging its 390-strong Austrian workforce to maintain its status as a snack industry pioneer.