Snyder’s of Hanover Brings the Flavor and Fun for National Pretzel Day

A day dedicated to the twisted treat that has inspired dance moves,                           furniture and roller coasters

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of National Pretzel Day, Snyder’s of Hanover is hosting a series of events all the way from Philadelphia to San Diego that will encourage Americans to taste how great a pretzel can be. On April 26, Snyder’s National Pretzel Day celebration will feature a modern twist on the old-fashioned pretzel cart, where attendees can sample three of Snyder’s of Hanover’s boldest Flavored Pretzel Pieces: Honey Mustard & Onion, Hot Buffalo Wing, and Bacon Cheddar. Consumers can also participate in fun activities to earn free giveaway items, like pretzel-shaped glasses or “I Tasted How Great a Pretzel Can Be” t-shirts in exchange for sharing a picture on Instagram or Twitter with #NationalPretzelDay while at the event. Events are scheduled at the following locations at various times on April 26:

“Pretzels have a rich history tied into celebrations and traditions, from weddings in Switzerland to New Year’s Day celebrations in Germany as well as Christmas and Easter traditions in Austria,” says Bob Gould, marketing manager for Snyder’s of Hanover. “At Snyder’s of Hanover, we are starting a new tradition this National Pretzel Day by introducing consumers to our boldly flavored Pretzel Pieces.” According to various sources, pretzels were created by monks in 610 A.D. by forming scraps of dough to represent a child's arms folded in prayer. Eventually, the tradition of pretzel baking was brought to Pennsylvania and the birth of hard pretzels became a reality when a baker’s apprentice overcooked soft pretzels until they became deliciously hard. Since then, the traditional twisted shape of pretzels has been the inspiration for U.S. dance moves, furniture, songs, roller coaster rides, parks and city names. Snyder’s of Hanover, however, has not limited its pretzel products to just this traditional shape. America’s favorite pretzel brand offers more than 30 pretzel varieties, flavors and shapes that include rods, checkerboard designs, pretzel sandwiches with peanut butter or cheddar cheese filling, or even bite-size pieces. National Pretzel Day was initially declared in 1983 by U.S. Representative Robert S. Walker of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, who proclaimed that his favorite food deserved a holiday. Former Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell re-declared the holiday in 2003 to acknowledge the importance of the pretzel to the state’s history and economy. Today more than 80 percent of America’s pretzels are made in the state. The National Pretzel Day sampling events and social media are just a teaser for the Snyder’s of Hanover national TV and digital campaign that will launch in mid-May in 27 markets across the country — including the five cities where sampling events will take place. The focus of the campaign is Flavored Pretzel Pieces. The creative portrays how two workers in the Snyder’s of Hanover Flavor Kitchen came up with the idea to add so much flavor to a pretzel that it had to be broken into pieces.