Latest news with #Prego
San Francisco Chronicle
3 days ago
- Business
- San Francisco Chronicle
Recession indicator? People are cooking at home at the highest level since COVID
What's for dinner tonight? For a rising share of Americans, something they made themselves. That's according to the most recent earnings call for Campbell's, where the CEO of the food giant said they've seen more people opting for a home-cooked meal than they have since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. 'Consumers are cooking at home at the highest levels since early 2020,' Mick Beekhuizen said Monday. Sales were up in the meals and beverages category for the company, which owns the canned soup brand as well as Rao's, Prego, Swanson, Pepperidge Farm, V8 and other grocery store staples. Specifically, spending in the U.S. was up for pasta sauce, broths, and condensed and canned soups. Dave Chalk, Campbell's vice president of consumer insights for meals and beverages, said the company uses interviews with consumers and behavioral data collected by research companies to assess at what rate people are cooking at home. 'We have seen a shift to what we call 'stretchable' categories,' he said in an email. 'These are categories like soups used for cooking and also include rice, pasta, broths and Italian (pasta) sauce.' He said the company has also noticed consumers opting for premium products, like Rao's pasta sauces, that can help make a homemade meal taste more like it came from a restaurant. Unfortunately, this behavior probably isn't a sign of a cultural shift toward healthy eating and thoughtful budgeting, said WalletHub managing editor John Kiernan. 'It's definitely not a sign of the economy doing great,' he said. 'People aren't going to be loading up on the staples and eating home far more often if they're feeling flush.' Back in the early part of 2020, consumers were adjusting to lockdowns and limited grocery store hours alongside predictions of potential global economic collapse in the face of a novel virus. The economic policies that staved off that potential collapse — low interest rates, stimulus checks — instead pushed the U.S. and most other developed economies into a protracted period of inflation. Exit polling in 2024 indicated many voters were persuaded by so-called 'kitchen table' arguments – the idea that President Donald Trump would bring down the price of eggs and other household goods. Instead, he's introduced several large-scale policies that aggravate inflation, including immigration crackdowns (which make grocery prices go up) and widespread tariffs (which make all prices go up). A soup-buying boom could be yet another one of the 'recession indicators' we've heard so much about. Actually, according to a report released Monday by financial services company Morningstar, some of the classic economic indicators of a recession have cooled off — but it's hard to say whether the recent GDP contraction was a tariff-induced blip or a sign of things to come. A recession is technically defined as two consecutive quarters of GDP shrinkage. From the perspective of a personal finance columnist, I don't think it's a bad thing for people to experiment with cooking at home, though I wouldn't recommend financing your groceries if you don't absolutely have to. Cooking at home is certainly cost-effective, as we found in a Chronicle analysis comparing identical meals procured via food delivery app, meal kits and good old-fashioned groceries. As someone who went through this journey myself, I can say that cutting back on dining out and learning to cook simple meals at home is both personally and financially rewarding. Much of the U.S. economy is driven by consumer spending, and a lot of local economies rely on people going out to eat. But that's not your personal problem to solve. My 31-day Wealth Challenge newsletter dives into how to effectively meal plan, plus lots of other tips to cut spending and up your savings. You can sign up below:
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Cooking at Home Hasn't Been This Common Since 2020, Campbell's Says
Americans haven't been cooking at home so much since early 2020, when the pandemic hit, Campbell's executives said, a trend that's hurting its snack sales. Goldfish and Snyder's of Hanover pretzels performed particularly poorly, while Pepperidge Farm cookies did fairly well, Campbell's executives said Monday. Other food producers, including Mondelēz International and Conagra Brands, have said in recent months that their snack sales are meals are in, according to Campbell's, and snacks are out. Executives at Campbell's Co. (CPB), which sells its namesake soups, Prego and Rao's sauces, and a variety of snacks, told analysts Monday that it hasn't seen this much at-home meal prep since the pandemic hit. Softer consumer sentiment has 'consumers making more deliberate choices with their spending on food" this year, CEO Mick Beekhuizen said on Campbell's third-quarter earnings conference call. 'The key outcome is a growing preference for home-cooked meals, leading to the highest levels of meals prepared at home since early 2020,' he said on the call, according to a transcript made available by AlphaSense. Americans' interest in saving is helping the company's meal and beverage business but hurting snack sales, executives said. The snack segment's sluggishness prompted CFO Carrie Anderson to say adjusted earnings for the year are expected to come in at the 'low end' of guidance, which stands at $2.95 to $3.05 per share. This outlook, which excludes the impact of tariffs, assumes organic sales will be down 2% to flat. Campbell's organic sales—results adjusted for the recent sale of Pop Secret and Noosa Yoghurt, and the purchase of Sovos Brands—grew 1% year-over-year for the third quarter, the company said, reflecting a 6% increase in meal and beverage sales and a 5% decline in snacks. Goldfish and Snyder's of Hanover pretzels, in particular, struggled, executives said, while Pepperidge Farm cookies fared better. Other companies, including Hain Celestial Group (HAIN), General Mills (GIS) and Mondelēz International (MDLZ), have said recently that consumers are cutting back on snacks. 'We see consumers switching to more essentials in grocery, and snacking categories are suffering,' Mondelēz CEO Dirk Van de Put said on an earnings conference call in late April. 'You can see the consumer, not only in food, but across the board really being very, very frugal and very careful,' he said. Still, some companies say sales of protein and health-focused snacks have taken off. 'Between meat snacks and popcorn, you've got two very on-trend businesses, not to mention our seeds business, which is sometimes overlooked but is a phenomenal, very profitable business,' Conagra (CAG) CEO Sean Connolly said in early April when the company reported third-quarter earnings. Read the original article on Investopedia
NZ Herald
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
My Secret Auckland: Actor Cassandra Woodhouse shares her favourite spots in the city
Bambina on Ponsonby Rd. Their breakfast salad is delicious. Favourite restaurant for dinner with friends? Prego on Ponsonby Rd. Iconic for a reason as most places are. I actually got married there so am known as the Prego bride. View this post on Instagram A post shared by PREGO RESTAURANT (@prego_restaurant_nz) Favourite place to take a visitor to? The Takapuna to Milford walk around the ocean is stunning with its views over Rangitoto. A swim off the rocks along the way and an ice cream at Takapuna Beach cafe is a must. Favourite spot to finish a night out? My nights out usually always follow a performance so a drink at the theatre with audiences and the venue staff is my favourite. Or home for gin and a debrief with the family. Favourite place to get coffee? Mimosa in Takapuna does the best almond milk latte. If you like it sweet, they do a very nice maple syrup latte. Favourite fish-and-chip shop? Not a fish 'n' chips fan but my favourite casual dinner spot/takeaways would be Ponsonby Food Court. Favourite trail for a hike? Shakespear Regional Park. I grew up out there so love taking my daughter out there for a hike and a swim. Favourite venue for a gig? The PumpHouse Theatre. An easy walk after dinner and a swim in Takapuna to a show and sunset on stunning Lake Pupuke. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tautoko Mai (@tautoko_mai) Favourite place to find a bargain? Everlasting, 52 Richardson Rd. Their ethos and support for women has all my support. And Designer Wardrobe, if I'm looking for something specific, I always seem to find it there.
The Sun
19-05-2025
- The Sun
Amari Pattaya: An Extraordinary Seaside Escape Awaits
PATTAYA, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 19 May 2025 - Amari Pattaya is one of the premier properties managed by ONYX Hospitality Group, a leading Southeast Asian management company specialising in hotels, resorts, serviced apartments, and luxury residences. Renowned for its warm and vibrant hospitality, the hotel delivers a thoughtfully curated guest experience that makes every stay memorable. Amari Pattaya is a beachfront retreat that flawlessly blends the warmth of Thai hospitality with contemporary elegance and the charm of the Eastern Sea. Nestled in the tranquil setting of North Pattaya Beach, the hotel features a refined yet relaxing design that sets it apart. With 339 thoughtfully designed rooms in a variety of styles, the hotel offers an exceptional stay for every kind of traveller — whether it's a romantic escape, a business trip, or a family adventure, each guest is welcomed with comfort, convenience, and style. Every room at Amari Pattaya offers generous space and an airy feel, and is filled with natural light, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows that give stunning views of the sea and rolling waves of the Gulf of Thailand. As evening falls, guests can unwind with a romantic, sweeping 180-degree panoramic sunset view that creates a perfect moment of relaxation and repose. Set amid lush greenery, Amari Pattaya offers a refreshing sense of calm that enhances every stay. Couples can enjoy romantic moments beneath swaying trees and sea breezes, while families can relax and reconnect in the resort's tranquil natural surroundings. Guests can unwind beside the expansive pool shaded by tropical foliage or embrace the energy of the on-site water park, complete with slides and rides that promise fun for all ages. For younger guests, the Tree House Kids' Club provides a vibrant space of imagination and play—an inviting haven where children are free to explore, create, and enjoy every moment. After a day of excitement and exploration, guests can unwind and indulge in a memorable culinary journey at Amari Pattaya, where diverse dining experiences await to satisfy every palate. The hotel offers a diverse selection of meticulously crafted dishes, designed to leave a lasting impression. Amaya Food Gallery showcases a diverse selection of authentic Thai, Asian, and international cuisines, with each dish thoughtfully crafted using locally sourced ingredients as the key inspiration behind its exquisite menus. Prego brings the rich flavours of authentic Italian cuisine to life through refined dishes crafted by Chef Marco Boscaini, inspired by cherished childhood memories of cooking alongside his grandmother. Each dish is expertly crafted using premium ingredients, offering guests an authentic taste of traditional Italian cuisine at its finest. Aqua Eatery & Bar is the perfect spot to soak up the sun by the pool while enjoying vibrant, colourful drinks surrounded by lush greenery. Club Napha offers an elevated experience on the luxurious 19th floor, where guests can enjoy a delightful breakfast or indulge in afternoon tea with light snacks—all while taking in the stunning panoramic views of Pattaya Bay. For health-conscious travellers, the FIT Centre at Amari Pattaya offers a modern fitness space equipped with high-quality, state-of-the-art equipment, enabling guests to maintain their wellness routine and stay energised throughout their stay. Maai Spa offers a luxurious and revitalising retreat, inspired by the graceful transformation of silkworms into butterflies. Here, the art of relaxation is elevated through therapeutic practices that blend contemporary Thai techniques with carefully chosen natural ingredients—deeply nourishing both body and mind, and leaving a profound sense of relaxation, refreshment, and inner radiance. In addition, Amari Pattaya offers versatile event spaces ideal for business gatherings and conferences, with medium to large banquet facilities designed to meet a range of needs. The elegant Grand Ballroom can host up to 500 guests, while those seeking a vibrant seaside celebration can enjoy an outdoor venue that accommodates up to 700 attendees. Thanks to its prime beachfront location, Amari Pattaya invites guests to enjoy a range of outdoor activities surrounded by stunning natural scenery. Start the day with a peaceful jog along the beach under the morning sun, or dive into the thrill of water sports—from riding a jet ski through the sparkling blue waves and feeling the refreshing sea breeze, to soaring above the shoreline on a parachute for a breathtaking view of Pattaya or exploring the stunning underwater world with snorkelling adventures in nearby popular natural spots. For those seeking romance and luxury in the evening, a sunset yacht cruise across the calm waters of the Gulf of Thailand offers an unmissable experience. Additionally, the ideal way to conclude a relaxing day is by shopping or enjoying a delightful dinner at one of the many excellent local restaurants just a short distance away. Celebrate summer with a vibrant and joyful experience at Amari Pattaya, a destination that promises to create extraordinary moments and unforgettable vacation memories. For more information, call 038 418418 or visit
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The One Piece of Parenting Advice That Deserves a Permanent Time Out
The internet is full of parenting advice—some of it helpful and some of it, well, not so much. But one unlikely corner of the internet that is full of seriously great, no B.S. tips? Social media's favorite no-filter parent, Caitlin Murray of @bigtimeadulting fame. A mom-of-three, Murray has gained close to 2 million followers on Instagram for her funny, no-nonsense insights into parenting (if you're not familiar, see her video about "travel sports becoming a real kick in the tit" as an example) . So when I recently caught up with Murray about all things parenting and her partnership with Prego, I just had to ask her—what's the one piece of parenting advice that needs to go? 'Just the overthinking of all of the feelings all of the time,' she tells me. 'You know, I want my kids to be open, and to want to come to me with everything that they want to talk about. But we pay, because of all of the information out there about parenting styles and parenting trends and how to raise these really well-adjusted, happy kids.' And yep, I can totally relate—parents often feel the pressure to do everything just right (lest they screw up their kids forever!) and as a result, worry, obsess and overthink things. All that overanalyzing, she adds, pulls you out of the actual moment. 'Just live your life! Just be!' When I confess that I sometimes find myself parroting whatever parenting script I recently saw Dr. Becky or another millennial parenting guru share on the 'Gram, Murray doesn't miss a beat, saying, 'Scripted parenting is just not for me.' She adds that whenever she attempts to copy the latest parenting script her kids end up confused. 'Like, where is mom? Like, what is this alien talking to me right now? Saying this random thing? That doesn't sound like her!' Murray's keeping it real in her partnership with Prego, too—she's helping launch a giveaway where parents can win a family meal kit delivered to their door, plus a $100 TaskRabbit credit to lighten the load just a little. So what's the takeaway? Sometimes the best parenting advice is to stop trying so hard to follow all the advice. The 5-Word Phrase That Can Help the Next Time You're About to Go Apesh*t On Your Kid, According to a Psychologist
