**Campbell's Experiences Boost in Soup Sales as More Americans Cook at Home**

Campbell's Co. reported a significant increase in sales of broth and condensed soup in its latest quarter, attributing the rise to the growing trend of Americans preparing meals at home. This shift in consumer behavior was highlighted by Campbell's President and CEO Mick Beekhuizen during a conference call with investors. Beekhuizen remarked that consumers are now focusing on products that help them maximize their food budgets and are making more calculated decisions about discretionary snack purchases.

The company's fiscal third quarter, which ended on April 27, saw the highest level of home-cooked meals since early 2020, according to Beekhuizen. Sales of Campbell's broths surged by 15%, while Rao's pasta sauces experienced a modest increase of 2% during the same period.

However, the company faced challenges in its snack division, with sales of popular items like Goldfish crackers and Cape Cod potato chips dropping by 4%. This trend aligns with observations from other major companies such as McDonald's, which have also noted an increase in home dining as economic uncertainty persists.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported a 1.2% increase in grocery prices for 2024, compared to a 4.1% rise in prices for food consumed outside the home. This economic backdrop appears to be influencing consumer choices. Other snack manufacturers, including PepsiCo and General Mills, have also recorded lower demand for snacks in recent quarters.

Despite the decline in snack sales, Campbell's overall net sales rose by 4% to $2.5 billion for the fiscal third quarter, meeting Wall Street's expectations as reported by analysts polled by FactSet. This mixed performance highlights the complex interplay between changing consumer habits and broader economic trends.