Campbell Soup Company partners with Symington’s to launch range of dry soups and meals in UK

Campbell Soup Company (NYSE: CPB) today announced it has entered into an agreement with Leeds-based dry food manufacturer, Symington’s, to launch a range of “Campbell’s”-branded dry soups and pasta and rice meals in the United Kingdom. Under the terms of the agreement, Symington’s is responsible for product development, production and distribution of the products, while Campbell will retain control of its brand and oversight of all marketing activity. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The products will include instant cup soups, dry simmer soups, dry instant rice and pasta and sauce dishes, and will feature contemporary branding inspired by Campbell’s iconic red and white cans so familiar to British consumers. The products, which will be available starting in mid-January, include:

• Cup Soups (12 varieties including Cream of Tomato, Cream of Chicken and Cream of Mushroom)
• Simmer Soups (five varieties including Potato and Leek and Chicken Noodle)
• Savoury Rice(four varieties including Chicken & Sweetcorn and Golden Vegetable)
• Savoury Pasta and Sauce(four varieties including Chicken & Mushroom and Tomato & Herb)

“We are excited to have Symington’s as a partner in the UK market,” said John Sechi, Campbell’s President Greater Europe. “They have strong customer relationships and share our heritage and commitment to producing top quality foods that delight consumers.”

Symington’s is one of the UK’s oldest food brands dating back to 1827 and today produces a wide range of dry products under its own brands, under license and for private label customers. During the past three years, it has nearly doubled its turnover and earned category captaincy status with leading retailers in the dry categories in which it competes.

“Campbell’s is a great brand and one that is widely recognized in the UK,” said David Salkeld, Chief Executive Officer, Symington’s. “It’s a trusted name that is loved by consumers for consistently delivering quality products that are convenient and easy to prepare. We’re thrilled to be joining forces with Campbell to introduce this new range of products.”

Campbell sold its UK portfolio of businesses, which included brands such as OXO, Homepride and Batchelors, to Premier Foods in August 2006. Campbell first entered the UK market in the 1930s when it began importing condensed soup.