There has been a noticeable shortage of some of Campbell’s most popular soups in stores across the United States recently. This has left many consumers wondering why their go-to comfort foods like Chicken Noodle and Tomato soup are missing from shelves. Several factors have contributed to the current Campbell’s soup shortage including supply chain issues, increased demand, and production problems.
What soups are affected?
The soups that have been most affected by the shortage include:
- Chicken Noodle
- Tomato
- Cream of Mushroom
- Cream of Chicken
- Vegetable
These hearty, comforting soups are among Campbell’s top sellers, especially in the fall and winter months. Consumers have become accustomed to seeing them readily available, so their absence from stores has been noticeable and disappointing for many shoppers.
When did the shortage begin?
The soup shortage began impacting stores in late summer 2022. In September, Campbell posted a notice on its website acknowledging supply issues for some products. The company stated they were “experiencing temporary supply constraints” on certain soups due to increased consumer demand and labor shortages.
The shortages worsened in October and November, with bare soup shelves becoming a common sight at many major retailers. Based on Campbell’s statements, the soup supply issues could continue for the remainder of 2022 and potentially into 2023.
What is causing the shortage?
There are three primary factors contributing to the ongoing Campbell’s soup shortage:
1. Supply Chain Disruptions
Like many manufacturers, Campbell’s faces supply chain challenges these days. Access to ingredients, packaging, cans, and other inputs has been disrupted by supplier issues, transportation delays, and labor shortages. COVID-19 outbreaks continue to impact manufacturing and distribution operations. These supply chain snags make it harder for Campbell’s to meet increased soup demand.
2. Surging Demand
Demand for Campbell’s canned soups has risen sharply, outpacing supply. When temperatures turn colder, soup sales typically go up. But this year, several additional factors are driving up soup demand:
- Shoppers are stocking up more due to inflation concerns.
- Consumers seek comfort foods amid economic uncertainty.
- Canned soup lasts longer than fresh, appealing during supply issues.
This spike in demand is depleting inventory and making the shortage more acute.
3. Production Disruptions
Making canned soup is a complex manufacturing process involving cooking, canning, labeling, and shipping. Campbell’s has experienced periodic production disruptions at some locations due to mechanical issues and COVID-related staffing challenges. Limited output has reduced their capacity to rebuild inventory.
How long will the shortage last?
It’s unclear how long soup shelves will remain barren. Campbell’s says they are taking steps to address the supply constraints, but it takes time to increase production. Industry experts believe the shortage could persist through winter 2022-2023 due to ongoing labor shortages, supply chain headaches, and sustained consumer demand.
Which retailers are affected?
The Campbell’s soup shortage is widespread, impacting retailers across the country. Stores that have experienced empty soup shelves include:
| Retail Chain | Locations Impacted |
|---|---|
| Walmart | Nationwide |
| Target | Nationwide |
| Kroger | Nationwide |
| Publix | Southeastern states |
| Albertsons | Western and midwestern states |
| Ahold Delhaize | East Coast states |
The shortage affects retailers of all sizes, from major national chains down to local independent grocers. Very few stores have escaped the Campbell’s soup inventory crunch.
Which states are most affected?
Although no area of the country is immune from the Campbell’s shortage, some states have been hit harder than others:
- Midwestern states – Campbell’s has major production facilities in Ohio and Illinois, so surrounding areas have significant inventory. Outages in these large plants have had an outsized impact on soup availability in the Midwest.
- California – As one of the largest consumer markets, California has seen heavy soup demand deplete stocks. Fires and droughts have also constrained supply chains in the region.
- Texas – Massive population growth in Texas has outpaced soup inventory. Production at Campbell’s Paris, Texas plant has lagged demand.
- Florida – Retiree-heavy Florida consumes large amounts of canned soup per capita. Local supplies have not kept pace.
While most states are seeing some shortages, the problem appears most pronounced in the areas above. But the situation remains fluid across regions.
What soups are most affected by the shortage?
Although availability fluctuates by retailer and region, these Campbell’s soups appear to be most impacted overall:
| Soup Variety | Shortage Severity |
|---|---|
| Chicken Noodle | High |
| Tomato | High |
| Cream of Mushroom | Moderate |
| Vegetable | Moderate |
| Cream of Chicken | Low |
| Broccoli Cheese | Low |
As Campbell’s top-selling soups, Chicken Noodle and Tomato have been the most depleted nationwide. Other varieties have seen somewhat less scarcity. But the shortage remains fluid across the brand’s range.
When will stores restock?
Retailers are at the mercy of Campbell’s production capacity when it comes to restocking. Stores depleted of soup get resupplied only as manufacturing output permits.
Given ongoing supply constraints, most retailers are restocking on a piecemeal basis rather than all at once. A store may get a handful of cases of Chicken Noodle one day, a few Tomato the next day. This “nibbling” approach is likely to continue in coming months.
Campbell’s states they are maximizing soup production to rebuild inventory as quickly as possible. But it will take weeks or months to fully replenish retail shelves at this point.
Will prices rise?
Basic economics suggests that when demand exceeds supply, prices tend to rise. However, retailers have divergent approaches here:
- Walmart – Holding prices steady, absorbing higher costs
- Kroger – Modest price increases on some varieties
- Publix – Routine seasonal price adjustments only
- Albertsons – Promoting soup sales with loyalty card discounts
To retain budget-conscious shoppers, most major chains seem wary of hiking prices significantly. But if shortages persist, stores may eventually need to pass along some costs.
Are other soup brands affected?
Yes, the supply issues impacting Campbell’s have also hit makers of canned soup to varying degrees. These other brands have experienced inventory shortfalls:
- Progresso – Seeing outs on best-selling chicken and tomato soups
- Amy’s Kitchen – Limited production capacity for organic soups
- Private label – Store brands face same supply chain woes
However, the shortages seem less severe for other brands so far. Consumers report more consistent availability of Progresso, Amy’s, and store label soups. Regardless, expanded demand has put pressure on canned soup supplies across the board.
What soup alternatives are available?
For consumers having trouble finding their favorite Campbell’s variety, these soup options can help fill the void:
- Fresh-made deli soups – More inventory at local supermarkets
- Prepared canned soup brands – Progresso, Amy’s, Health Valley, etc.
- Dried soup mixes – Requires adding your own liquid
- Cup of Noodles/Maruchan – For quick microwavable soup
- Frozen soups – Large variety of flavors and brands
- Homemade – Nourishing when you make it yourself
Trying alternate soups can add variety to your meals. And several of the above options store well for extended use.
Will other canned goods be affected?
It’s possible. The supply and demand issues impacting soup could potentially spill over to other shelf-stable foods in cans, jars, and pouches. Consumers may see tight supplies develop on:
- Canned vegetables like tomatoes, beans, corn, peas
- Fruits like peaches, pears, pineapple, fruit cocktail
- Meats including tuna, salmon, chicken
- Jarred pasta sauce, salsa, nut butters
However, most food manufacturers say ample supplies exist of these items for now. Only soups have exhibited major shortages to date. But it’s wise to stock up on favored canned goods when you findabundant availability, just in case.
Will fresh soups also be affected?
Possibly, but to a lesser extent. Fresh soups sold chilled in the deli section or packaged in cartons rely less on canned ingredients. So makers of refrigerated soups aren’t as squeezed by materials and packaging shortages.
However, fresh soups do face some challenges:
- Shorter shelf life – More risk of spoilage and waste
- Higher production costs – Labor intensive versus canned
- Transportation risks – Need reliable refrigerated delivery
As long as retailers maintain diligent inventory management and cold-chain integrity, shoppers shouldn’t see major issues with fresh soup availability. But expect fresh soup prices to rise due to inflationary pressures.
What is Campbell’s doing to address the shortage?
Campbell’s insists they are doing everything possible to maximize soup availability. Their initiatives include:
- Streamlining production schedules and processes
- Expanding shifts and adding overtime at plants
- Hiring additional manufacturing staff
- Keeping plants running 7 days per week
- Coordinating closely with suppliers and retailers
- Rerouting finished inventory to high-demand areas
- Restricting soup product assortment to improve output efficiency
The company hopes these efforts will help rebuild stock levels. But their complex, large-scale soup operations cannot pivot overnight. It may take many more weeks or months to nurse supplies back to normal levels.
Conclusion
In summary, the Campbell’s soup shortage results from a perfect storm of supply and demand issues. Soup aisles will likely remain barren in many stores until manufacturing capacities catch up with consumption rates. Campbell’s is working aggressively to resupply retailers, but empty shelves could linger for some time.
Consumers may need to try alternate soups or even make their own for awhile. But panic buying is unnecessary – the iconic Campbell’s brand isn’t going away. With diligence and patience, America’s favorite soupmaker will eventually rebound from these short-term troubles.