Latest news with #soup
Daily Mail
7 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Campbell's posts bumper sales amid economic uncertainty
Shoppers are buying more soup. That might be a bad sign for the economy. Campbell's — the company behind its namesake soups, as well as brands like Pepperidge Farm and V8 juices — just posted a profit of $66 million. The food maker's CEO, Mick Beekhuizen, said customers have been snapping up low-cost meal soups from grocery stores. The company reported 15 percent sales growth in its meals and beverages division. 'Consumers are cooking at home at the highest levels since early 2020,' he said while reporting the company's earnings. Still, Campbell's noted that customers have been pulling back on snack purchases as shoppers cut discretionary spending. It saw an 8 percent sales decline for its snack brands. Executives reiterated their full-year forecast, saying they expect sales to grow by around 6 percent by the end of 2025. That's down from the company's previous projection of 9 to 11 percent growth. The company's meal growth and snack decline reflect how many Americans are responding to slumping consumer sentiment reports and higher costs in grocery stores. American shoppers are worried about inflation . Monthly inflation rates have cooled to just above the Federal Reserve's target of 2 percent, after peaking at over 9 percent in 2022. But elevated food prices haven't come down: many of those increases are now baked into the cost of everyday goods. Now, shoppers are contending with President Donald Trump's tariffs, which threaten to push food prices even higher. Dozens of food providers — including mid-tier restaurant chains, grocery stores, and budget brands — say their customers are spending less and opting for cheaper options. Casual dining restaurants have been hit particularly hard. These establishments, which rely on discretionary spending from middle-income Americans, are reporting slower traffic and reduced spending. At the same time, they're facing rising costs for the ingredients they use. Bloomin' Brands, the owner of Outback Steakhouse, posted an 8.3 percent sales decline in April. McDonald's also posted a 3.6 percent sales decline . The toxic mix of slowing sales and higher costs has spelled doom for hundreds of restaurant locations and some of America's most recognizable brands. In the past year and change, several iconic brands have filed for bankruptcy, including TGI Fridays, Red Lobster, Hooters, Bertucci's, and On The Border. The wave of closures highlights a broader reality: more Americans are trading nights out for meals at home — and not by choice. That belt-tightening is being echoed by low-cost retailers like Dollar General, which cater to budget-conscious consumers. Executives there are also seeing signs that financial stress is reshaping how people shop.
Associated Press
20 hours ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Campbell's Co. says sales rise as more Americans cook meals at home
The Campbell's Co. said Monday it saw stronger sales of broth and condensed soup in its latest quarter as more Americans cooked their meals at home. 'Consumers continue to cook at home and focus their spending on products that help them stretch their food budgets, and they're increasingly intentional about their discretionary snack purchases,' Campbell's President and CEO Mick Beekhuizen said during a conference call with investors. Beekhuizen said Campbell's saw the highest level of meals cooked at home since early 2020 in its fiscal third quarter, which ended April 27. Campbell's noted sales of its broths rose 15% during the quarter while sales of its Rao's pasta sauces were up 2%. But Campbell's said sales of its snacks, including Goldfish crackers and Cape Cod potato chips, fell 4% during the quarter. Other big companies, including McDonald's, have also noted that Americans are increasingly eating at home as uncertainty over the economy grows. Grocery prices have also moderated. In 2024, prices for food eaten at home rose 1.2%, while prices for food away from home rose 4.1%, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Snack makers like PepsiCo, which makes Frito Lay chips, and General Mills, which makes Bugles chips and Golden Grahams, have also noted lower demand for snacks in recent quarters. Campbell's net sales rose 4% to $2.5 billion for the fiscal third quarter, which was in line with Wall Street's expectations, according to analysts polled by FactSet.
Daily Mail
21 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Campbell's posts bumper sales... but it's bad news for America's chain restaurants
Shoppers are buying more soup. That might be a bad sign for the economy. Campbell's — the company behind its namesake soups, as well as brands like Pepperidge Farm and V8 juices — just posted a profit of $66 million. The food maker's CEO, Mick Beekhuizen, said customers have been snapping up low-cost meal soups from grocery stores. The company reported 15 percent sales growth in its meals and beverages division. 'Consumers are cooking at home at the highest levels since early 2020,' he said while reporting the company's earnings. Still, Campbell's noted that customers have been pulling back on snack purchases as shoppers cut discretionary spending. It saw an 8 percent sales decline for its snack brands. Executives reiterated their full-year forecast, saying they expect sales to grow by around 6 percent by the end of 2025. That's down from the company's previous projection of 9 to 11 percent growth. The company's meal growth and snack decline reflect how many Americans are responding to slumping consumer sentiment reports and higher costs in grocery stores. American shoppers are worried about inflation. Monthly inflation rates have cooled to just above the Federal Reserve's target of 2 percent, after peaking at over 9 percent in 2022. But elevated food prices haven't come down: many of those increases are now baked into the cost of everyday goods. Now, shoppers are contending with President Donald Trump's tariffs, which threaten to push food prices even higher. Dozens of food providers — including mid-tier restaurant chains, grocery stores, and budget brands — say their customers are spending less and opting for cheaper options. Casual dining restaurants have been hit particularly hard. These establishments, which rely on discretionary spending from middle-income Americans, are reporting slower traffic and reduced spending. At the same time, they're facing rising costs for the ingredients they use. Bloomin' Brands, the owner of Outback Steakhouse, posted an 8.3 percent sales decline in April. McDonald's also posted a 3.6 percent sales decline. Restaurants have been reporting massive financial struggles this year as shoppers pull back on discretionary spending More shoppers are reaching for cost-cutting soups at the grocery store - that might not be a good sign for the economy The toxic mix of slowing sales and higher costs has spelled doom for hundreds of restaurant locations and some of America's most recognizable brands. In the past year and change, several iconic brands have filed for bankruptcy, including TGI Fridays, Red Lobster, Hooters, Bertucci's, and On The Border. The wave of closures highlights a broader reality: more Americans are trading nights out for meals at home — and not by choice. That belt-tightening is being echoed by low-cost retailers like Dollar General, which cater to budget-conscious consumers. Executives there are also seeing signs that financial stress is reshaping how people shop. 'Our customers continue to report that their financial situation has worsened over the last year, as they have been negatively impacted by ongoing inflation,' CEO Todd Vasos said during Dollar General's fourth-quarter earnings call.
SBS Australia
a day ago
- Health
- SBS Australia
12 great end-of-week recipes to use up bits and pieces
Tomato and chickpea pasta soup. Credit: Donal's Real Time Recipes Donal's Real Time Recipes "We have all been there. That moment at the end of the week, where the kitchen is bare, and you need to make magic out of nothing," says TV chef, cookbook author and maestro of easy home cooking Donal Skehan. If you're nodding along in agreement, look no further. Here's a round-up of clever recipes, from Skehan and other great cooks, that give you delicious ways to use up bits and pieces from the fridge and pantry. The end of the week meal has never looked so good! Donal Skehan's "seriously good" mac and cheese recipe is ideal for using up whatever's in the fridge. Swap the cauliflower for broccoli if you like, or add in any little bits of leftover veg, and use whatever bits and pieces of cheese you have. "Roast chook never goes to waste in my house as there are countless ways to produce new dishes from leftovers, like this yummy salad with soba noodles and a fragrant ginger dressing. I use snow peas and spring onions in my recipe but change it up depending on what you love and have on hand," says Justine Schofield of this easy meal. This recipe from Silvia Colloca is a great way to use up leftover pasta (in any kind of sauce). All you need is eggs, milk, cheese and olive oil. Cooked on the stove-top, it's ready in 15 minutes. Just as the name suggests, this curry (or soup!) recipe from Alexx Stuart is a great way to use up what you have on hand. "Don't be bound by my ingredients list – make this curry your own by using any limp veg. For a yummy soup, add another cup of stock, remove the cinnamon stick at the end, and blend on high for a few seconds," she says. Fried rice is such a good way to use up leftover rice. "I love fried rice and you can really pump it up with healthy vegetables when you make it at home. I've used leftover cooked ham in this version, but you can really add whatever you like to it, says Skehan of this easy and filling bowl. "In my mind, soup is the final destination for anything you've got hanging out in your fridge. I can pretty much guarantee you that whoever's eating a nice hot bowl of this soup isn't going feel like they're eating this week's leftovers," says Mary Berg. This soup is a great way to use up leftover chicken and/or cooked sausage, cooked vegetables and any small amounts of herbs. Who wouldn't love sitting down to this at the end of the week? This nourishing, comforting soup from Donal Skehan uses many pantry ingredients, along with plenty of vegetables, and the pasta cooks in the pot along with everything else. Serve with garlic toasts for a fantastic, filling and easy family meal. Ready in just 15 minutes, this satisfying pasta dish brings together pantry staples including dried pasta, tinned tomatoes, stock powder and evaporated milk. If you have yoghurt and self-raising flour on hand, you can make the easy pizza bases in this recipe and top it with whatever you like. The meat topping shown, inspired by Turkish pide, is delicious but the possibilities are endless, and it's a great way to use up what you have in fridge and pantry: Leftover roast veg; cold cuts or other leftover meat; various kinds of cheese; the last few sprigs of a bunch of herbs... Adam Liaw's method for clearing piled-up bread: a savoury bread pudding complete with ham, cheese and spinach. He suggests making it for breakfast, but it also works brilliantly as a an end-of-week supper if you plan ahead (it needs to soak for at least 2 hours). This Italian family recipe embraces the spirit of pizza in a cheesy, tomato-y bake. Add some salad or cooked green veg to round out the meal. You could also add leftover veg to the bake. Watch now Share this with family and friends
Washington Post
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Washington Post
A bottle of wine is a fine host gift. These edible gifts are better.
'Tis the season for backyard cookouts, pool parties and summer soirees. As your calendar begins to fill up, it's worth thinking about host gifts — small, meaningful ways of expressing your gratitude for the time and energy they've invested in entertaining. While there's always the option of a last-minute purchase of a bottle of wine, it's the thought that counts, so why not give it a little extra intention to show your host just how much you appreciate their efforts? We've gathered 16 thoughtful and practical recipes to inspire your next host gift. Different from dishes that you might contribute to a potluck, these presents should be personal and made specifically for the host, ideally to be enjoyed without the pressure of serving them at the event. And for when it's your turn to plan the next big bash, check out our archive of more than 10,000 tested recipes. Above. Give your host the gift of a comforting homemade soup mix that's ready to go at their convenience. To keep things as easy as possible, be sure to add a label with cooking directions and storage. Get the recipe. Above. Give your host the gift of a comforting homemade soup mix that's ready to go at their convenience. To keep things as easy as possible, be sure to add a label with cooking directions and storage. Get the recipe. Often referred to as the 'Jewish biscotti,' like regular biscotti, mandelbread is also baked twice. This, along with a generous helping of chopped walnuts, gives these cookies their signature crunch. These cookies are also studded with dried cherries, and their elongated shape makes them excellent dunking companions to a cup of tea or coffee. Get the recipe. Often referred to as the 'Jewish biscotti,' like regular biscotti, mandelbread is also baked twice. This, along with a generous helping of chopped walnuts, gives these cookies their signature crunch. These cookies are also studded with dried cherries, and their elongated shape makes them excellent dunking companions to a cup of tea or coffee. Get the recipe. You'll want to prep vanilla extract with plenty of time ahead of your outing, as it must be made at least one month in advance before use. Personalize it with the recipient's favorite spirit: vodka, bourbon, rum or brandy. Alternatively, you can concoct a batch to have on hand for future occasions. Get the recipe. You'll want to prep vanilla extract with plenty of time ahead of your outing, as it must be made at least one month in advance before use. Personalize it with the recipient's favorite spirit: vodka, bourbon, rum or brandy. Alternatively, you can concoct a batch to have on hand for future occasions. Get the recipe. A fruity jam makes for a sweet surprise. This recipe calls for raspberries, one of the easiest fruits to make jams from thanks to their high amounts of naturally occurring pectin, but you can adapt it to best suit your host's tastes. Get the recipe. A fruity jam makes for a sweet surprise. This recipe calls for raspberries, one of the easiest fruits to make jams from thanks to their high amounts of naturally occurring pectin, but you can adapt it to best suit your host's tastes. Get the recipe. Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, sourdough bread has been having a moment — and for good reason. These basic loaves are relatively inexpensive to make and feel homey with their crispy crusts and chewy, tangy centers. You'll need ample time to embark on this project, as the first step is to build a starter and keep it alive. Get the recipe. Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, sourdough bread has been having a moment — and for good reason. These basic loaves are relatively inexpensive to make and feel homey with their crispy crusts and chewy, tangy centers. You'll need ample time to embark on this project, as the first step is to build a starter and keep it alive. Get the recipe. Instead of bringing a dish to be served at a dinner party that you're attending, pack a batch of these light and fluffy scones for your hosts to have the next morning. Get the recipe. Instead of bringing a dish to be served at a dinner party that you're attending, pack a batch of these light and fluffy scones for your hosts to have the next morning. Get the recipe. Your host will appreciate this warm and cozy apple loaf, a family recipe from professional baker Maggie Austin LaBaugh. Get the recipe. Your host will appreciate this warm and cozy apple loaf, a family recipe from professional baker Maggie Austin LaBaugh. Get the recipe. Great for breakfast or snacking, a jar of artisanal granola gift is customizable, budget-friendly and easy to make. Get the recipe. Great for breakfast or snacking, a jar of artisanal granola gift is customizable, budget-friendly and easy to make. Get the recipe. This simple, fudgy Bundt cake is for the chocolate lovers. 'It's so cocoa-forward, it may remind you of a brownie,' says Post recipes editor Becky Krystal. Get the recipe. This simple, fudgy Bundt cake is for the chocolate lovers. 'It's so cocoa-forward, it may remind you of a brownie,' says Post recipes editor Becky Krystal. Get the recipe. Quick-pickled jalapeños are a nearly effortless way to impress any host. This recipe takes only five ingredients and an overnight rest in the fridge. Get the recipe. Quick-pickled jalapeños are a nearly effortless way to impress any host. This recipe takes only five ingredients and an overnight rest in the fridge. Get the recipe. Fragrant nut butter makes a lovely addition to a freshly baked loaf of bread, or shines on its own. Get the recipe. Fragrant nut butter makes a lovely addition to a freshly baked loaf of bread, or shines on its own. Get the recipe. Mastering the art of fortune cookie-making requires quick fingers and a bit of practice, but the result is a standout way to send thank yous and other fun messages to your host. Get the recipe. Mastering the art of fortune cookie-making requires quick fingers and a bit of practice, but the result is a standout way to send thank yous and other fun messages to your host. Get the recipe. A classic tray of brownies is always a welcome treat, especially when it comes to these thick, fudgy squares. Dress them up with chocolate chips or toasted chopped walnuts, or leave them as-is for the brownie purists. Get the recipe. A classic tray of brownies is always a welcome treat, especially when it comes to these thick, fudgy squares. Dress them up with chocolate chips or toasted chopped walnuts, or leave them as-is for the brownie purists. Get the recipe. This homemade caramel sauce can be made as sweet or as bitter as desired. Wrap it up in a decorative jar, and gift it alongside a pint of your host's favorite ice cream. Get the recipe. This homemade caramel sauce can be made as sweet or as bitter as desired. Wrap it up in a decorative jar, and gift it alongside a pint of your host's favorite ice cream. Get the recipe. 'Packed in a glass jar and tied with a ribbon, they make a lovely holiday hostess gift,' writes Nourish columnist Ellie Krieger about these fancy nuts. Glazed with maple syrup, and lightly seasoned with cinnamon and cayenne, they're versatile and practically effortless to make. Get the recipe. 'Packed in a glass jar and tied with a ribbon, they make a lovely holiday hostess gift,' writes Nourish columnist Ellie Krieger about these fancy nuts. Glazed with maple syrup, and lightly seasoned with cinnamon and cayenne, they're versatile and practically effortless to make. Get the recipe. One of the best ways to score points with a dog owner is to win over their furry friend, and these homemade dog treats are sure to do the trick. Get the recipe. One of the best ways to score points with a dog owner is to win over their furry friend, and these homemade dog treats are sure to do the trick. Get the recipe. Infused with the flavors of apple pie, this batched Old-Fashioned cocktail can be stashed in the fridge for up to two weeks for your hosts to enjoy at their leisure. Get the recipe. Infused with the flavors of apple pie, this batched Old-Fashioned cocktail can be stashed in the fridge for up to two weeks for your hosts to enjoy at their leisure. Get the recipe.
