Sakata Rice Puffs Sweet & Salty

Brand Overview and Origin

Sakata is an iconic Australian snack brand with roots that trace back to the traditional Japanese art of rice cracker making. Originally inspired by the Sakata region of Japan, the brand was established in Adelaide, South Australia, in the mid-1950s by the Sakata Rice Snacks Australia company. It became famous for introducing authentic, gluten-free rice crackers to the Australian market.

Corporate Ownership

The brand remained an independent Australian entity for several decades until it was acquired by the multinational food and beverage giant PepsiCo in 2005. Since the acquisition, Sakata has been part of PepsiCo's Smith's Snackfood Company portfolio. PepsiCo, headquartered in Purchase, New York, oversees the brand globally, integrating it into their extensive international distribution networks while maintaining its strong local presence in Oceania.

Manufacturing and Availability

Despite its global ownership, Sakata remains a staple of Australian manufacturing. The majority of Sakata products, including the Rice Puffs line, are produced at regional manufacturing facilities in Australia. This local production ensures the brand continues to support Australian agriculture, particularly through the use of locally grown rice. The product shown—the Sweet & Salty Rice Puffs—is a modern extension of their traditional cracker range, designed as a light, gluten-free alternative to traditional potato chips.