Campbell’s Soup has warmed up meals for generations, but the company is now fighting to stay alive. With massive debt and a consumer shift toward fresh foods, the brand’s future is uncertain—and shoppers are starting to prepare for the worst.
The issue? People want less processed food, and Campbell’s is struggling to keep up. The company tried expanding by buying other brands, but the move only buried it in $9 billion of debt. Meanwhile, a shareholder battle is making things worse. Investor Daniel Loeb wants drastic changes (even a new look for the famous cans), but the Dorrance family—who own a big stake—are standing in the way. The fight got so intense that Loeb took legal action.
There’s been a slight truce, with two of Loeb’s board picks getting approved. But the question remains: Can Campbell’s adapt in time? If not, grocery aisles may soon be missing a household name.
For those who love Campbell’s, this is a worrying sign. Stocking up now could save you from higher prices—or worse, empty shelves—later. The story of Campbell’s is a reminder: in today’s market, no brand is too big to fail.