Conagra Brands has announced it has ceased production of Celeste frozen pizzas, a move that has sparked nostalgia among long-time fans of the budget-friendly freezer staple. The decision was disclosed during the company’s fiscal first-quarter 2027 earnings remarks on 30th September, according to Fox Business.
Reasons Behind Celeste Frozen Pizza’s Discontinuation
Conagra CEO John Brase explained that Celeste was an example of a “smaller brand” for which the company no longer saw enough “future” to justify continued investment. Brase stated, “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.”
The exit of Celeste production reduced first-quarter net sales by approximately 15 basis points, but it is anticipated to be “accretive to margins going forward.” A Conagra spokesperson confirmed to Fox Business that while production has ended, shoppers might still find products on store shelves until the remaining inventory is sold out. “We will continue to sell inventory, but we stopped producing it. As of now, there will not be Celeste products once we sell what has been made,” the spokesperson clarified.
Brase indicated that Conagra plans to seek similar opportunities as it works to reduce complexity across its portfolio. He noted, “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.”
Consumer Impact and Celeste Pizza’s Legacy
News of Celeste’s discontinuation has prompted a wave of nostalgic reactions across social media platforms. Users have shared memories of the pizzas, with one commenting on an Instagram post, “RIP Mama Celeste. You were a good one. Those 10 for $10 deals were the pinnacle of the 90s.” Others recalled personal connections, such as one user who wrote, “Omg my grandma always had one of these on hand so will forever remind me of her. I haven’t had one in years but the nostalgia!” Another added, “My eyes welled up reading this. This pizza [reminds] me of my grandma.”
The Celeste brand traces its origins to Celeste “Mama” Lizio, who established a food business in the Chicago area. She later sold the business to Quaker Oats in 1969, according to a 1988 Los Angeles Times obituary, as reported by Fox Business. The brand has been a long-standing presence in freezers, known for its affordability and convenience.
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