The Campbell Soup Company has been a cornerstone of Camden, New Jersey’s history since its founding in 1869 by Joseph Campbell and Abraham Anderson. Originally established as Anderson & Campbell, the company began by producing canned tomatoes, vegetables, jellies, condiments, and mincemeat.Over time, it evolved into one of America’s most recognizable food brands.
In 1897, Dr. John T. Dorrance, a chemist with degrees from MIT and the University of Göttingen, joined the company. He revolutionized the food industry by inventing condensed soup, a process that reduced packaging, shipping, and storage costs. This innovation not only transformed the company’s product line but also made nutritious meals more accessible to the public.
Throughout the 20th century, Campbell Soup became deeply intertwined with Camden’s identity. The company’s presence provided employment opportunities and contributed to the city’s economic growth. However, in the latter part of the century, Campbell’s began decentralizing its production operations. The original Camden plant ceased production in 1991, leading to significant job losses and economic challenges for the community.
Despite these challenges, Campbell’s maintained its corporate headquarters in Camden and has remained committed to the city’s revitalization. In recent years, the company announced a $50 million investment to reimagine its Camden headquarters, consolidating operations to foster a unified corporate culture.
Beyond infrastructure, Campbell’s has actively engaged in community development. The company has partnered with local organizations to provide essential services to Camden residents, focusing on areas such as food security, health, and education. For instance, the Campbell Soup Foundation donated $120,000 to six Camden-area nonprofits to promote healthy living.
In recognition of its diversified product portfolio, which now includes brands like Goldfish crackers and Pepperidge Farm, the company announced plans in 2024 to change its name to The Campbell’s Company. This rebranding reflects its evolution beyond soup manufacturing while honoring its longstanding heritage.
Today, Campbell’s continues to play a vital role in Camden’s ongoing narrative, balancing its rich history with initiatives aimed at fostering community well-being and economic development.
Some of the notable brands under The Campbell’s Company:
Soups and Simple Meals:
- Campbell’s: The flagship brand offers a wide range of soups, sauces, and canned meals, including condensed soups, ready-to-eat soups like Chunky and Home Style, and products such as SpaghettiOs. Wikipedia
- Prego: Specializes in pasta sauces, providing a variety of flavors to complement different pasta dishes. Wikipedia
- Swanson: Known for broths and stocks, as well as canned poultry products. Wikipedia
- Rao’s Homemade: Acquired through the purchase of Sovos Brands, Rao’s is renowned for its premium pasta sauces and Italian-inspired products.
Snacks and Baked Goods:
- Pepperidge Farm: Offers an array of baked goods, including breads, cookies, and the popular Goldfish crackers. Wikipedia
- Snyder’s of Hanover: Famous for a variety of pretzels and related snack products. Wikipedia
- Cape Cod: Provides kettle-cooked potato chips known for their distinctive crunch. Wikipedia
- Kettle Brand: Offers a range of kettle-cooked chips with various flavors. Wikipedia
- Lance: Known for sandwich crackers and other snack offerings. Wikipedia
Beverages:
- V8: Features vegetable-based juices and blends, catering to health-conscious consumers. Wikipedia
Related Photos
1. Victor Talking Machine Co RCA.
2. The abandon Market Street Ferry.
3. the Ridgeway Hotel, prior the Parsons or West Jersey Hotel.
4. Campbell Soup Co.
5. The Van Sciver Furniture Factory & store.
6. The Federal St Ferry & railroad yard of the Pennsylvania Railroad
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