However, while annual sales have been flat in recent years, certain areas of the $3.8 billion soup market show promise. Ready-to-serve (RTS) varieties have seen their sales flourish, increasing roughly 16% between 2000 and 2002, and overtaking condensed soup sales in the process. Furthermore, Mintel predicts RTS soups will expand at a higher rate than the general industry.
Campbell Soup, Camden, N.J., has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity, partially due to consumer desire for comfort foods. However, comfort is only one draw. With a weak economy, more consumers are eating at home, and they need a quick, convenient meal—two hallmarks of recent soup introductions.