The soup giants of the world have gifted the world with some of the best types of soup and flavors. Their global domination of flavor is attributed to the minds behind them. But who owns each of the Largest Soup Companies? While, technically, these larger companies have CEOs, few still have owners. So let’s find out!
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💡 Largest Soup Company Owners
Campbell Soup
CEO: Mark Clouse
Background: Mark Clouse has served as CEO since 2019, bringing extensive experience in the food and beverage industry from previous roles at Pinnacle Foods and Mondelēz International.
The Campbell Soup Company was founded by Joseph Campbell and Abram Anderson in 1869. A significant milestone was reached in 1897 when John T. Dorrance invented condensed soup. They now feature some tasty vegan canned soups of all types. The company’s leadership now includes a board of directors with influential members such as Mary Alice Malone, who holds significant insider ownership.
Kraft Heinz
CEO: Miguel Patricio
Background: Miguel Patricio became CEO in 2019, having previously held leadership positions at Anheuser-Busch InBev and AB InBev’s global marketing.
Kraft Heinz was formed by the merger of Kraft Foods and H.J. Heinz in 2015. Co-headquartered in Chicago and Pittsburgh, the company ranks as the third-largest food and beverage company in North America and the fifth-largest globally.
General Mills’
CEO: Jeff Harmening
Background: Jeff Harmening has been the CEO of General Mills since 2017, previously serving as the company’s COO and in various leadership roles within the organization.
General Mills, founded on the banks of the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, started as a flour miller and evolved into a global food company. It’s known for a diverse range of products, including cereals, snacks, and of course, soups. General Mills owns Progresso, a well-known brand founded in 1925 in New Orleans.
Knorr (Unilever)
CEO: Alan Jope
Background: Alan Jope has been CEO of Unilever since 2019, with a strong background in the consumer goods sector, including leadership roles within Unilever’s beauty and personal care divisions.
Unilever PLC is one of the largest consumer goods companies in the world. Unilever’s soup offerings are mainly under the Knorr brand. Knorr offers some of the best types of clear soups and broths. Mark Llistosella oversees Unilever’s South Asia business, which includes Knorr products in that region.
Amy’s Kitchen
CEO: Andy Berliner (co-founder)
Background: Co-founder and CEO Andy Berliner has led Amy’s Kitchen since its inception in 1987, emphasizing organic and vegetarian products.
A leading brand in organic and vegetarian soups, they feature some of the healthiest ingredients for soup. Amy’s Kitchen is a privately held company, co-founded by Andy and Rachel Berliner. As a family-owned business, it focuses on health-conscious and environmentally sustainable products.
Pacific Foods
CEO: Chuck Eggert
Background: Chuck Eggert is the CEO of Pacific Foods, focusing on organic and plant-based products.
Known for its organic soups and broths, Pacific Foods is a subsidiary of the WhiteWave Foods Company, which was acquired by Danone in 2017. Danone is a publicly traded multinational food-products corporation based in France.
🧐 FAQs
The oldest soup company is Campbell Soup Company, founded in 1869 by Joseph A. Campbell and Abraham Anderson.
Campbell’s is widely recognized as the most popular soup brand in the United States, known for its iconic red and white cans and a diverse range of flavors.
Yes, Progresso is a brand owned by General Mills. General Mills acquired Progresso in 2001 as part of a larger effort to expand its portfolio of brands. This acquisition helped General Mills diversify its product offerings, especially in the canned soup market.
The Campbell Soup Company, doing business as Campbell’s, is the world’s largest producer of soup. They sell their products in 120 countries and have a wide variety of offerings, from soups to sauces and snacks.