Conagra Brands has ceased production of its Celeste frozen pizzas, a move that has prompted a wave of nostalgia among longtime consumers who recall the budget-friendly freezer staple. The company disclosed the decision during its fiscal first-quarter 2027 earnings call on September 30.
According to Conagra CEO John Brase, Celeste is among a category of smaller brands that the company no longer views as having sufficient future potential to warrant continued investment. "There are certain brands and categories where we simply just don't see a future," Brase stated. "It just makes sense to exit those small, really unprofitable brands or low-profit brands as soon as possible."
A Conagra spokesperson confirmed that while production has ended, existing inventory will continue to be sold in stores until it is depleted. "As of now, there will not be Celeste products once we sell what has been made," the spokesperson added.
Brase indicated that Conagra plans to pursue similar portfolio-simplification strategies moving forward. "I think the larger opportunity, though, is what I am really calling the simplification of our core platforms," he said. "We have over 400 single-serve meal [stock-keeping units], and I believe there is a future where we can have a much simpler, more productive assortment."
The news of Celeste's discontinuation has resonated on social media, with users sharing personal memories associated with the pizza brand. Comments on various platforms recall the pizzas as a childhood favorite or a staple during specific times, such as "10 for $10 deals" in the 1990s.
Celeste pizzas trace their origins back to Celeste Lizio, who established a food business in the Chicago area before selling it to Quaker Oats in 1969. The brand has been a freezer aisle fixture for decades, offering a simple and accessible meal option for many families.