Campbell Soup launches new Goldfish production line in Utah

Sep 24, 2024 at 11:16 AM

Goldfish Crackers Soar: Campbell's Expands Production in Utah

Campbell Soup Co. has announced a major expansion of its Goldfish snack cracker production at its manufacturing plant in Richmond, Utah. The new production line is expected to increase the bakery's Goldfish output by 50%, allowing it to produce over 5 million crackers per hour and 1,500 per second. This strategic investment not only expands the company's production capacity but also creates over 85 new jobs in the region over the next three years.

Fueling the Goldfish Craze: Campbell's Snack Dominance Grows

Goldfish Emerges as a Billion-Dollar Brand

The Goldfish brand has experienced exponential growth in recent years, becoming a billion-dollar brand for Campbell Soup Co. and joining the ranks of the company's other iconic brands, Campbell's and Pepperidge Farm. This milestone underscores the brand's strong consumer appeal and positions it for further expansion in the years to come.Campbell's leadership has highlighted Goldfish as a key driver of the company's snack business, with the brand now accounting for a quarter of the overall snack portfolio. The company projects that Goldfish will generate $1.3 billion in net sales by fiscal 2027, making it the single largest brand in Campbell's portfolio.

Expanding Production to Meet Surging Demand

The new production line in Richmond, Utah, is the latest in a series of capacity expansions for the Goldfish brand. Over the past two years, Campbell Soup has also invested in expanding Goldfish production at facilities in Lakeland, Florida, and Willard, Ohio.These strategic investments are a direct response to the rising consumer demand for Goldfish crackers. Chris Foley, president of Campbell Snacks and executive vice president at Campbell Soup Co., emphasized the importance of the Richmond bakery as a "key engine" behind the brand's success, and the new line will further strengthen the company's ability to meet the growing appetite for Goldfish.

Deepening Roots in Utah's Cache Valley

The expansion of the Richmond plant not only boosts Goldfish production but also creates over 85 new jobs in the local community over the next three years. This investment aligns with Campbell Soup's commitment to fostering economic growth and strengthening its presence in the Cache Valley region of Utah.The company's long-standing relationship with the Richmond bakery, which has been producing Pepperidge Farm products for 50 years, underscores its dedication to the local community. The new Goldfish production line further solidifies Campbell's roots in the area and demonstrates the company's confidence in the region's workforce and infrastructure.

Collaborative Efforts to Support Goldfish Production

In a related project, Utah Flour Milling LLC, a joint venture between Denver-based PHM Brands LLC and Tokyo-based NIPPN Corp., is building a $100 million mill and mix facility adjacent to the Campbell bakery in Richmond. This new mill is expected to be completed this fall and will support the production of Goldfish and Pepperidge Farm products under a long-term supply agreement with Campbell Snacks.This collaborative effort between Campbell Soup and Utah Flour Milling LLC highlights the company's strategic partnerships and its commitment to ensuring a reliable supply chain for its Goldfish and Pepperidge Farm brands. By integrating the new mill facility with the existing Campbell bakery, the company is poised to streamline its operations and further optimize its Goldfish production capabilities.

Positioning Goldfish for Continued Growth

The launch of the new Goldfish production line in Richmond marks a significant milestone in Campbell Soup's ongoing efforts to expand the brand's reach and solidify its position as a market leader. With the company's projections of doubling the Goldfish brand's size within the next 10 years, this strategic investment in production capacity is a clear indication of the company's confidence in the brand's long-term growth potential.As consumer demand for snack foods continues to evolve, Campbell Soup's focus on expanding its Goldfish production capabilities positions the company to capitalize on emerging trends and maintain its competitive edge in the market. The combination of increased production capacity, job creation, and collaborative partnerships underscores Campbell's commitment to driving the Goldfish brand's success and delivering value to its customers and shareholders.