Campbell Soup
Campbell Soup Company is a Fortune 500 food processing company headquartered in Camden, New Jersey, directly across the Delaware River from Philadelphia. Founded in 1869 by Joseph A. Campbell and Abraham Anderson, Campbell's is one of America's most iconic food brands, known for its condensed soup and the distinctive red and white soup can made famous by Andy Warhol's pop art. The company owns numerous brands including Pepperidge Farm, Prego, V8, and Goldfish crackers, and remains a major employer in the greater Philadelphia region with deep roots in the Delaware Valley economy.[1]
History
[edit | edit source]Origins (1869)
[edit | edit source]Campbell's was founded in 1869:
Beginning:
- Joseph A. Campbell and Abraham Anderson founded company
- Camden, New Jersey location
- Canned tomatoes, vegetables, jellies initially
- Across river from Philadelphia
Condensed Soup Invention (1897)
[edit | edit source]Revolutionary product:
- Dr. John T. Dorrance joined company (1897)
- Invented condensed soup
- Removed water for cheaper shipping
- Transformed the company
The Red and White Can
[edit | edit source]Iconic design:
- Adopted 1898
- Red and white color scheme
- Based on Cornell University colors
- Became American icon
Early 20th Century
[edit | edit source]Growth:
- "M'm! M'm! Good!" slogan (1935)
- Campbell Kids advertising characters
- National expansion
- Brand building
Andy Warhol (1962)
[edit | edit source]Pop art fame:
- Warhol's Campbell's Soup Cans artwork
- Cultural icon status
- Art world recognition
- Enduring fame
Modern Era
[edit | edit source]Evolution:
- Acquisitions (Pepperidge Farm, V8, etc.)
- Product diversification
- Health-conscious adaptations
- Global expansion
Brands
[edit | edit source]Campbell's Soup
[edit | edit source]Core brand:
- Condensed soups
- Chunky soups
- Ready-to-serve
- Soup varieties
Pepperidge Farm
[edit | edit source]Bakery brand:
- Goldfish crackers
- Cookies
- Bread products
- Frozen foods
Prego
[edit | edit source]Pasta sauce:
- Italian sauces
- Market leader
- Various flavors
V8
[edit | edit source]Beverage:
- Vegetable juice
- Fruit blends
- Health positioning
Other Brands
[edit | edit source]Portfolio:
- Swanson (broths, stocks)
- Pace (salsa)
- Snyder's-Lance (snacks)
- Late July (organic snacks)
Philadelphia Connection
[edit | edit source]Camden Location
[edit | edit source]Across the river:
- Camden, NJ headquarters
- Visible from Philadelphia
- Delaware Valley employer
- Regional identity
Economic Impact
[edit | edit source]Regional importance:
- Major employer
- Economic anchor for Camden
- Supplier relationships
- Community investment
Historical Ties
[edit | edit source]Deep roots:
- Over 150 years in region
- Part of Philadelphia-area identity
- Local philanthropy
- Community presence
Operations
[edit | edit source]Manufacturing
[edit | edit source]Production:
- Multiple manufacturing facilities
- Camden operations
- North American plants
- International production
Distribution
[edit | edit source]Supply chain:
- National distribution
- Retail partnerships
- Food service operations
- E-commerce growth
Research and Development
[edit | edit source]Innovation:
- Camden R&D facility
- Product development
- Health and nutrition focus
- Consumer insights
Products
[edit | edit source]Soup Division
[edit | edit source]Meals & Beverages:
- Campbell's condensed soup
- Campbell's Chunky
- Ready-to-serve soup
- Broth and stock
Snacks Division
[edit | edit source]Snacking products:
- Goldfish crackers
- Pepperidge Farm cookies
- Snyder's pretzels
- Lance crackers
Food Service
[edit | edit source]Commercial:
- Restaurant and institutional
- Schools and healthcare
- Large-format products
Challenges
[edit | edit source]Changing Consumer Tastes
[edit | edit source]Industry shifts:
- Declining soup consumption
- Fresh food preferences
- Health concerns
- Millennial eating habits
Competition
[edit | edit source]Market dynamics:
- Private label growth
- Specialty food competition
- Changing retail landscape
- Online grocery
Portfolio Decisions
[edit | edit source]Strategic choices:
- Brand divestitures
- Acquisition integration
- Focus on growth areas
- Portfolio optimization
Leadership
[edit | edit source]Dorrance Family
[edit | edit source]Family influence:
- Dorrance family long involvement
- Significant shareholders
- Board representation
- Historical legacy
Corporate Governance
[edit | edit source]Structure:
- Public company
- Professional management
- Board oversight
- Shareholder accountability
Community and Culture
[edit | edit source]Pop Culture
[edit | edit source]Cultural significance:
- Andy Warhol artwork
- American kitchen staple
- Advertising icons (Campbell Kids)
- Nostalgia brand
Camden Commitment
[edit | edit source]Local investment:
- Headquarters maintained in Camden
- Community development support
- Local employment
- Charitable giving
Philanthropy
[edit | edit source]Giving:
- Campbell Foundation
- Hunger relief
- Community support
- Education initiatives
Future
[edit | edit source]Strategy
[edit | edit source]Direction:
- Snacking growth
- Health and wellness
- E-commerce expansion
- Portfolio optimization
Innovation
[edit | edit source]Product development:
- New flavors and formats
- Health-conscious options
- Convenience focus
- Consumer trends
See Also
[edit | edit source]References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "Campbell Soup Company". Campbell Soup Company. Retrieved December 31, 2025