Retailers are reporting a surge in damaged Walkers packs in different cases, causing problems for store owners.

More than a dozen retailers confirmed an uptick in instances where many of the packs within a case are split open.

A representative of ShopLocal in Hartlepool told better Retailing: “It’s frustrating having to take them back to our wholesaler, Parfetts. We’ve had a second case like it today, it causes gaps on shelves too.” They added they are now having to individually check packets when purchasing stock.

Another store owner commented: “We’ve had it happen with at least with five or six boxes every two weeks recently from Walkers rep deliveries. We’ve had to give them boxes back every time. Recently packaging has changed and it has become worse.”

Two retailers also reported similar issues with products supplied by other suppliers.

Asked about the issues, a Walkers spokesperson confirmed: “We have received a small number of complaints concerning damaged packaging and are working collaboratively with our delivery partners to resolve this as quickly as possible. The quality of our products is our top priority, so we encourage any retailers affected to contact us or their local sales representatives so we can provide replacement stock or a voucher equivalent.”

Another retailer advised: “Email pictures to Walkers. The [contact] info is on the back of the crisp packet and they credit you the [retail value of the packs]. For me they did it to my PayPal, but it’s a pain – the whole process of taking pics and emailing them, it’s very frustrating.”

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