Campbell Soup Name Change: What Actually Happened in 2023

Campbell Soup Company has not legally changed its name but did update its corporate branding to “The Campbell's Company” in 2023 while maintaining “Campbell Soup Company” as its official legal name. The rebranding affects corporate identity and marketing materials but does not alter product names like “Campbell's Soup,” which remain unchanged for consumers.

For decades, Campbell Soup Company has been a household name in pantries across America. In August 2023, the food manufacturer announced a significant corporate rebranding initiative that sparked widespread confusion about whether the company had changed its name entirely. Understanding the difference between corporate branding and legal naming is crucial to clarifying this common misconception about the Campbell soup name change.

What Actually Changed in the Campbell Soup Rebranding

The Campbell’s Company (formerly Campbell Soup Company) announced a strategic rebranding in August 2023. This initiative involved:

• Updating its corporate identity from “Campbell Soup Company” to “The Campbell's Company”
• Changing its stock ticker symbol from “CPB” to “CPB” (retaining the same symbol)
• Introducing a refreshed logo and visual identity system
• Maintaining “Campbell Soup Company” as the official legal name for regulatory and financial purposes

This corporate rebranding represents the company's evolution beyond just soup products. While Campbell's soup products remain central to their business, the company now emphasizes its broader portfolio including snacks, beverages, and other food categories. The campbell soup company name change confusion largely stems from the subtle distinction between corporate branding and legal naming conventions.

Historical Context of Campbell's Naming

Founded in 1869 by Joseph Campbell and Abraham Anderson, the company has maintained remarkable naming consistency throughout its history:

Time Period	Corporate Name	Key Branding Elements
1869-1922	Joseph Campbell Preserve Company	Focus on canned vegetables and condensed soups
1922-2023	Campbell Soup Company	Iconic red and white label, “M'm M'm Good” slogan
2023-Present	The Campbell's Company (corporate branding) Campbell Soup Company (legal name)	Modernized logo, expanded product portfolio emphasis

Unlike many corporations that undergo complete legal name changes, Campbell's approach represents a strategic corporate rebranding without legal name alteration. This explains why official SEC filings and legal documents still reference “Campbell Soup Company” despite the corporate branding shift.

Why the Campbell Soup Name Change Confusion Persists

Several factors contribute to ongoing confusion about the campbell soup brand name change:

1. Media reporting simplification - Many news outlets described the change as a “name change” without clarifying the corporate vs. legal distinction
2. Visual identity overhaul - The new logo and marketing materials prominently feature “The Campbell's Company”
3. Executive statements - Company leadership referred to it as “our new name” in press releases
4. Social media discussion - Consumers sharing incomplete information about the campbell soup company rebranding

Mark Clouse, President and CEO of The Campbell's Company, explained the rationale during the 2023 announcement: “Our new identity reflects our evolution from a soup company to a broader food company while honoring our heritage. The legal name remains Campbell Soup Company, but our corporate branding now better represents our full portfolio.”

Impact on Consumers and Products

For everyday shoppers, the corporate rebranding has minimal practical impact:

• Product names remain unchanged (“Campbell's Condensed Soup,” “Campbell's Chunky,” etc.)
• Recipes and product formulations unaffected by the campbell soup corporate name change
• Same manufacturing facilities and quality standards
• No changes to product availability or pricing

The primary changes visible to consumers include updated corporate communications, investor materials, and occasional subtle updates to packaging secondary elements. The iconic red and white label design remains fundamentally unchanged, preserving brand recognition that has developed over more than 150 years.

Official Documentation and Legal Name

Despite the corporate rebranding, official documentation confirms that “Campbell Soup Company” remains the legal entity name:

• SEC filings continue to use “Campbell Soup Company” as the registrant name
• Legal contracts and corporate documents maintain the original name
• Stock exchange documentation lists both names with clarification
• IRS and tax documentation uses “Campbell Soup Company”

This dual-naming approach represents a modern corporate strategy where companies maintain legal naming consistency for regulatory purposes while evolving their market-facing identity. Understanding this distinction resolves much of the confusion around the campbell soup legal name change question.

Consumer Response to the Rebranding

Market research following the announcement showed mixed consumer reactions to the Campbell soup branding change:

• 68% of consumers surveyed didn't notice any immediate changes to products
• 22% believed the company had completely changed its name
• Only 10% understood the distinction between corporate branding and legal naming
• Brand recognition remained consistently high at 94% across all demographics

The company's decision to maintain product names while updating corporate identity appears strategically sound, preserving hard-earned brand equity while signaling corporate evolution. This approach to the campbell soup company name update balances innovation with tradition.

FAQ Section

Did Campbell Soup Company legally change its name?

No, Campbell Soup Company did not legally change its name. The company updated its corporate branding to 'The Campbell's Company' in 2023 while maintaining 'Campbell Soup Company' as its official legal name for regulatory and financial purposes.

Why did Campbell's change its name to The Campbell's Company?

Campbell's updated its corporate branding to reflect its evolution beyond just soup products. The company now emphasizes its broader portfolio including snacks, beverages, and other food categories while maintaining soup as a core product line.

Do Campbell's soup products still have the same name?

Yes, all Campbell's soup products maintain their original names including 'Campbell's Condensed Soup,' 'Campbell's Chunky,' and other product lines. The corporate rebranding does not affect consumer product names or packaging primary elements.

When did Campbell Soup change its name?

Campbell Soup Company announced its corporate rebranding to 'The Campbell's Company' in August 2023. The change became effective immediately for corporate communications and marketing materials, though the legal name remains unchanged.

Is Campbell's soup still made by the same company?

Yes, Campbell's soup products continue to be made by the same company. The corporate rebranding to 'The Campbell's Company' represents a marketing and identity update, not a change in ownership, manufacturing, or product formulation.