Campbell’s shareholders approve the company’s new, soupless name

Category: Business

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. green light / grin laɪt / (n.) – permission or approval to do something
    Example:

    The manager waited for the president’s green light before introducing the new project to the staff.


  2. overwhelmingly / ˌoʊ vərˈʰwɛl mɪŋ li / (adv.) – in a way that is very great or very strong
    Example:

    The public overwhelmingly agrees with the plan to reduce taxes.


  3. iconic / aɪˈkɒn ɪk / (adj.) – very famous or popular for being seen as a symbol of a specific concept, idea, etc.
    Example:

    Hello Kitty is an iconic character in Japan that has also become known globally.


  4. namesake / ˈneɪmˌseɪk / (n.) – a person or thing that has the same name as another person or thing
    Example:

    The restaurant is named after its owner’s grandmother, making her the namesake.


  5. rebrand / ˌriːˈbrænd / (v.) – (in business) to change the image of a company or its products and services, often by changing its name or the way it's advertised
    Example:

    The company rebranded its products to catch the younger generation’s attention.


Article

Read the text below.

Campbell’s is ditching the soup—at least in name. And the change has now received the shareholders’ green light.


Campbell Soup Co. announced its intention to change its name several months ago, saying it wanted to instead be known as the (slightly shorter) Campbell’s Co. Shareholders overwhelmingly approved the change.


In a statement, CEO Mark Clouse maintained that this “subtle yet important change” will retain the company’s iconic name “while reflecting the full breadth of our portfolio.”


New Jersey-based Campbell’s hasn’t been exclusive to the soup business for some time. The company also owns brands like Prego sauce and Goldfish crackers—and completed a $2.7 billion acquisition of Sovos Brands, the maker of Rao’s pasta sauces, earlier this year.


Still, the 155-year-old food seller is most famous for its namesake canned soups, adorned with red and white labels. Its new name won’t change that, the company says—noting the Campbell’s soup brand or packaging will not be affected.


“We love soup and always will,” Clouse stated. “The iconic red and white Campbell’s soup labels that consumers love will be on shelves forever.”


The new name will officially be effective following an amendment filing to the company’s certificate of incorporation.


Campbell’s is far from the first to attempt such a makeover. From Dunkin’ to KFC, a handful of other food companies have also rebranded themselves over the years—often shedding the mention of a specific item they were known for with a shorter corporate title, or even an updated logo, in hopes of emphasizing other business.


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • Campbell Soup Co. will soon be known as Campbell’s Co. Do you think the company needed to change its name? Why or why not? In what situations do you think a company should change its name? Discuss.
  • How do you think changing the name of a company affects a business? Do you think companies will be more successful if they change their names? Why or why not? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • Campbell’s red and white soup labels are iconic. What do you think makes a brand iconic? What brands do you think are iconic? How do you think iconic brands maintain their status over time despite changes in the market? Discuss.
  • How do you think a brand with an iconic status loses its iconic status? Can you think of any brands that were once iconic? Discuss.