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Conagra Brands has stopped producing Celeste frozen pizzas, prompting longtime fans to reminisce about this budget-friendly freezer staple.
The company announced the move when presenting its first-quarter 2027 results on September 30, saying the exit reduced first-quarter net sales by about 15 basis points but was expected to “enhance margins going forward.”
Conagra CEO John Brase said Celeste is an example of a smaller brand the company no longer sees enough of a “future” with to justify continued investment.
“There are certain brands and categories that we just don’t see a future for,” Brase said. “It just makes sense to get out of these really unprofitable or low-profit small brands as soon as possible.”
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Conagra Brands has stopped producing Celeste frozen pizzas. (Timon Schneider/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
A Conagra spokesperson confirmed to FOX Business that production of Celeste pizzas has ended, although shoppers can continue to find the products on store shelves until remaining stock is exhausted.
“We will continue to sell our inventory, but we have stopped producing it. For now, there will be no more Celeste products once we sell what has been manufactured,” the spokesperson said.
Brase said Conagra plans to pursue similar opportunities as part of its efforts to reduce the complexity of its portfolio.
“I think the biggest opportunity, though, is what I actually call the simplification of our core platforms,” he said. “We have over 400 single-serve meals (storage units) and I believe there is a future where we can have a much simpler and more productive assortment.”
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A Conagra spokesperson confirmed to FOX Business that production of Celeste pizzas has ended. (iStock)
News of Celeste’s departure sparked nostalgia on social media, with users sharing memories of the pizzas.
“RIP Mama Celeste. You were a good one. Those 10 deals for $10 were the height of the 90s,” one user commented on a food blogger’s Instagram post about the news.
“Oh my goodness, my grandmother always had one on hand, so it will always remind me of her. I haven’t had one in years, but the nostalgia!” another user wrote.
“My eyes filled with tears reading this. This pizza (reminds me) of my grandmother,” said another.
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News of Celeste’s departure sparked nostalgia on social media, with users sharing memories of the pizzas. (iStock)
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“This was my childhood pizza,” commented another.
Celeste traces its roots to Celeste “Mama” Lizio, who started a food business in the Chicago area before selling it to Quaker Oats in 1969, according to a 1988 Los Angeles Times obituary.
Gn bussni
