Lay’s Kettle Cooked Launch Event fuses Art, Music, and Culinary Excellence in an Intimate Celebration at Keyes Art Mile, Johannesburg.

The much-anticipated launch of Lay’s all-new Kettle Cooked range unfolded in a captivating evening that seamlessly fused art, music, and culinary innovation. Hosted at the vibrant Keyes Art Mile in Rosebank, Johannesburg, the event created an exclusive and immersive experience for guests, elevating Lay’s Kettle Cooked from a premium snack to a cultural moment. 

The evening kicked off with a dynamic live performance by award-winning musician Davina Gordon Goliath, setting a lively tone with soulful rhythms that echoed throughout the venue. Guests were then expertly guided through the night by the charismatic house host, Zola Ayabulela Mhlongo, whose infectious energy and presence kept everyone guessing about “The Lay’s Secret,” building anticipation and intrigue around the product reveal.

Host for the night Zola Ayabulela Mhlongo 

Culinary excellence took centre stage as renowned Chef Wandile Mabaso delighted guests with a bespoke four-course menu inspired by each unique flavour of the Lay’s Kettle Cooked range. His innovative dishes beautifully highlighted the premium qualities of the crisps, providing a multi-sensory exploration of the new product. 

The official reveal of Lay’s Kettle Cooked range during the launch event 

The three distinct flavours, Seared Rib Eye & Mushroom, Sea Salt & Black Pepper, and White Cheddar & Cranberry were seamlessly woven into a menu that showcased how easily the crisps can be moulded into day-to-day food pairings and indulgent moments.

Renowned Chef Wandile Mabaso

Chef Wandile’s curated menu included:

1. Mozambiquan Prawn – Prawn aioli, potato textures, Thai sweet chilli
2. Duck Breast – 5 spice gastrique, apple purée, poached grape
3. Crisp Infusion Cranberry Cheddar Chipotle – 48-hour chipotle chicken, cranberry gastrique, bulgar wheat, quinoa, white cheddar cheese, cranberry chicken jus
4. Aged Perfection Sea Salt Pepper Ribeye – Pepper-seared aged ribeye, mixed black pepper crust, basil potato, oyster mushroom, smoked mushroom just

The event was the backdrop to the grand unveiling of the complete Lay’s Kettle Cooked range, revealing the premium crisps that had been cleverly kept under wraps until now. This reveal was followed by a closing performance that encapsulated the night’s blend of creativity, culture, and celebration.

Aboobaker Hassim, Senior Brand Manager at Lay’s South Africa, and Tongase Dhlakama, Potato Chips Marketing Lead for PepsiCo South Africa

Tongase Dhlakama, Potato Chips Marketing Lead for PepsiCo South Africa, reflected on the evening, "The launch of Lay’s Kettle Cooked was always about more than just introducing a new product, it was about creating an experience that speaks to the premium quality and craftsmanship of this range. Bringing together art, music, and culinary creativity allowed us to share ‘The Lay’s Secret’ in a way that truly resonates with our audience. We’re thrilled with the response and excited to see how consumers embrace this new chapter in the Lay’s story."

The Lay’s Kettle Cooked range is now available nationwide at selected stores, offering consumers a premium snacking experience that is bursting with flavour and perfectly crafted for every occasion.