Campbell’s soup vanishing from shelves, causing consumer rush for the classic staple

Campbell’s Soup, a brand that has been a household favorite for over 150 years, is undergoing significant changes that are leaving many loyal customers concerned. Known for its comforting soups, the company has announced cuts in its operations, affecting both its product line and production facilities.

Since its inception in 1869, Campbell’s has been synonymous with comfort food, bringing warmth and satisfaction to countless homes. The company became an iconic part of American culture, especially after artist Andy Warhol immortalized its soup cans in his famous 1960s artwork. Warhol’s depiction of 32 Campbell’s Soup cans, each representing a different flavor, highlighted the brand’s enduring presence in everyday life.

Today, Campbell’s has expanded far beyond soup, including brands like Pace salsa, Prego pasta sauces, Pepperidge Farm snacks, and Snyder’s-Lance pretzels and chips. However, this vast portfolio has not shielded the company from the challenges it faces in a rapidly changing market.

Approaching $1 billion in annual sales, @GoldfishSmiles is the star of our #CampbellSnacks portfolio.#CPBearnings $CPB pic.twitter.com/VEWnO2v9FA

— Campbell’s (@CampbellSoupCo) March 8, 2023

In recent years, Campbell’s has been scaling back its soup offerings, a move that has frustrated many consumers. In 2018, the company shut down its nearly 100-year-old facility in Toronto, Canada, leading to job losses for about 400 employees. More recently, in November 2023, shoppers in the UK noticed the disappearance of Campbell’s iconic red and white cans from supermarket shelves. The shortage led to desperate consumers searching online, with one pack of six cans selling for over $50 on eBay.

Fans of Campbell’s soups have expressed their disappointment, particularly over the unavailability of certain flavors like condensed tomato soup, a staple in many households. While some soups have reappeared on shelves, others have been discontinued or rebranded, leaving customers clamoring for their old favorites, like celery soup.

The following soups have been permanently removed from Campbell’s lineup:

• Pepper Pot Soup
• K-Cup single serve soups
• Chunky Philly-Style Cheesesteak Soup
• Scotch Broth Soup
• Green Pea Soup (featured in Warhol’s artwork)

The Reasons Behind the Changes

The shift in Campbell’s product offerings is partly due to changing consumer preferences. As more people prioritize health-conscious eating, Campbell’s is restructuring to better meet these demands. The company has announced plans to streamline its operations, focusing on making production more efficient and cost-effective. Unfortunately, this means closing certain facilities and eliminating some jobs.

The following plants are among those affected:

• Paris, Texas: Over the next two years, this plant will stop producing canned soups and instead focus on Prego pasta sauces and Pace salsa products.
• Tualatin, Oregon: Acquired in 2017, this plant will gradually cease operations by July 2026, shifting its focus away from organic soups and plant-based beverages.
• Jefferson, Indiana: By July 2024, this plant will specialize in producing Late July tortilla chips, while production of kettle-cooked chips will move to other locations.

Despite the challenges, Campbell’s is also investing in its future. The company plans to invest $230 million to expand its business, which includes creating 210 new jobs in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina. While the company has not announced a complete closure, it is clear that Campbell’s is undergoing significant restructuring. This includes selling off parts of its business and refocusing on different product lines or markets.

As Campbell’s continues to evolve, it’s a reminder of how even the most beloved brands must adapt to changing times. For many, the hope is that Campbell’s will continue to offer the comforting products that have been a staple in homes for generations.

What Campbell’s product do you miss the most? Share your thoughts with us and let’s hear from others who feel the same way.