2 hrs ago
Conagra Ends Celeste Frozen Pizza Production After Nearly Six Decades
Conagra has stopped making Celeste frozen pizzas.
The pizzas had been sold for nearly six decades and were a familiar, affordable meal for many families.
Conagra says it is reviewing its products and wants to focus on areas with better growth prospects.
Some stores may still have pizzas left to sell.
When those supplies are gone, there will be no new Celeste pizzas.
The company is also planning to invest more in meat snacks and popcorn.
Celeste began with Celeste “Mama” Lizio’s food business, which she sold to Quaker Oats in 1969.
Conagra Brands has stopped producing Celeste frozen pizzas, ending the brand’s long run on U.S. supermarket shelves.
The company said the move is part of a product portfolio review intended to simplify operations and focus on stronger growth prospects.
Remaining Celeste inventory may still be sold in stores, but no new products will be made after stocks run out.
Conagra plans to invest more in categories such as meat snacks and popcorn and expects portfolio-review benefits over 12 to 18 months.
Celeste traces its origins to Celeste “Mama” Lizio, who sold her Chicago-area food business to Quaker Oats in 1969.
- Who
- Conagra Brands stopped producing Celeste frozen pizzas.
- What
- Production ended as part of a review to simplify the company’s product portfolio.
- Where
- The pizzas have been sold in U.S. supermarkets; Lizio’s original food business was in the Chicago area.
- When
- The company discussed the decision during an earnings call in September; the article does not specify when production ended.
- Why
- Conagra is removing products it says do not fit its priorities and directing attention toward businesses with stronger growth prospects.
Business rationale
Consumer response
Ending production
Business rationale
Conagra says it is reviewing its products, simplifying its portfolio, and focusing on businesses with stronger growth prospects.
Consumer response
Longtime customers have responded with nostalgia, recalling Celeste as an affordable and convenient meal associated with family life.
Availability after discontinuation
Business rationale
Conagra will continue selling remaining inventory while supplies last.
Consumer response
For shoppers who rely on the pizzas, remaining stock offers only temporary availability; no new products will be made once it runs out.
Key facts
- Brand
- Celeste frozen pizza
- Company
- Conagra Brands
- Production status
- Production has stopped; remaining inventory may be sold until supplies run out.
- Portfolio review
- Conagra described the decision as part of SKU rationalisation and a broader effort to simplify its product range.
- Planned investment
- The company plans to increase investment in meat snacks and popcorn.
- Expected timeframe
- Benefits of the portfolio review are expected to build over 12 to 18 months.
- Brand history
- Celeste “Mama” Lizio sold her Chicago-area food business to Quaker Oats in 1969.
Quotes
John Brase
Chief executive of Conagra Brands.
“There are certain brands and categories where we simply just don't see a future.”
livemint.com
Sources
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