Campbell's cuts 13% of salaried workforce, closes plants as part of turnaround effort

Campbell's said it has cut 13% of its salaried workforce and closed two snack plants in an effort to improve its operations and return to profitability. "Make no mistake, our results remain unacceptable," CEO Mick Beekhuizen said. "But instead of waiting for the environment to improve around us, we are addressing reality head-on." The company has 4,300 salaried workers, according to The Wall Street Journal. It had approximately 13,700 full-time and part-time employees as of August 2025, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Cans of Campbell's chicken noodle soup for sale are displayed at a store on July 22, 2026, in Washington, D.C. (Kevin Carter/Getty Images)

Consumer goods companies have increasingly faced resistance from budget-conscious shoppers, particularly lower-income households that have gravitated toward cheaper, private-label and value brands. Despite this, Campbell's has raised prices in recent years to protect its margins against rising costs of raw materials, logistics and investments behind soup and sauce launches and holiday merchandising programs.

The company has implemented average price increases of 4% to 5% across roughly 60% of its portfolio, with benefits expected to begin flowing through in the second quarter, even as sales take a hit, CFO Todd Cunfer said on a call with analysts. The company said it plans to generate about $500 million in cost savings by fiscal 2030.

"With this program, we are focused on increasing speed and accountability and improving our margins and cash flow," Beekhuizen said.

Campbell's expects fiscal 2027 net sales to decline 2% to 4%, compared with analysts' expectations for a 0.8% drop, according to data compiled by LSEG. It forecast adjusted earnings per share of $1.65 to $1.80, below estimates of $1.86.

Net sales fell 8% to $2.14 billion in the fourth quarter, slightly missing estimates of $2.15 billion, while adjusted earnings per share of 39 cents were in line with expectations.

Ticker Security Last Change Change % CPB THE CAMPBELL'S CO. 21.38 -0.74 -3.37%

Volumes in the company's snacks segment fell 6%, while prices rose 1%. For its meals and beverages segment, where prices remained the same, volumes rose 3%.

"Our priorities are clear: return Campbell’s to a sustainable, long-term value creation model, reduce financial risk and maintain our investment-grade credit rating," Beekhuizen added.