Conagra Brands discontinues Celeste frozen pizzas, Fox Business reported

Conagra Brands has discontinued the production of Celeste frozen pizzas, cutting a budget-friendly freezer staple that traces its roots to Chicago in 1937, Fox Business reported. The decision reduces first-quarter net sales by about 15 basis points, according to disclosures made during the company’s fiscal first-quarter 2027 earnings remarks on September 30.

Conagra CEO Explains Portfolio Cuts

Conagra CEO John Brase addressed the product cancellation during the September 30 earnings call, explaining that the company no longer sees enough of a future in smaller brands to justify continued investment. Brase took over as CEO on June 1, succeeding Sean Connolly after more than 10 years in the role.

Brase noted that the company is executing a broader stock-keeping unit rationalization to slim down its portfolio and reduce manufacturing and procurement complexity.

There are certain brands and categories where we simply just don’t see a future. It just makes sense to exit those small, really unprofitable brands or low-profit brands as soon as possible.

John Brase, Conagra Brands

Conagra’s overall first-quarter sales dropped 1.4% to $2.6 billion, while earnings per share increased 5.9%.

Remaining Inventory Sells Out Through Early 2027

Production has officially ended, though shoppers will continue to find the remaining stock on store shelves until current supplies run out. The phase-out is expected to run through early 2027 as remaining inventory clears out from grocery freezer aisles and online retailers.

The brand survived multiple corporate handoffs—from Quaker Oats in 1969 to Aurora Foods, Pinnacle Foods, and finally Conagra in 2018—changing consumer preferences and quality shifts left it behind major market leaders like Red Baron, DiGiorno, and Totino’s.

Fans Share Childhood Memories Online

News of the discontinuation prompted longtime buyers to share memories on social media, recalling the brand’s 10-for-$10 deals from the 1990s and after-school meals. The brand’s founders, Celeste Lizio and her husband Anthony, opened the Kedzie Beer Garden in Chicago in 1937 before transitioning to frozen foods in 1962, with Mama Celeste later appearing on boxes and in television commercials featuring her signature catchphrase, Abbondanza!

Next Steps in Portfolio Simplification

Conagra expects the financial benefits of its SKU reductions to build over the next 12 to 18 months. Brase stated during the September 30 earnings call that the company plans to focus resources on core platforms and larger brands with stronger growth potential, such as Birds Eye and Healthy Choice.