Conagra, the third largest frozen food manufacturer in the US, is on a path to modernize its frozen food brands, by making its portfolio healthier and more sustainable, according to a presentation delivered by the company’s CEO, Sean Connolly.
Speaking at the Barclays Global Consumer Staples Conference in Boston recently, Connolly said that the company’s goals are to modernize and premiumize brands, providing meaningful food attributes, increased satiety and emphasizing the “all American pride and roots”.
Conagra intends to premiumize the Healhty Choice brand and modernize Marie Callender’s, while at the same time expand premium multi-ethnic cuisine in several of its frozen food brands, with influences from Italian, Asian and Mexican cultures. The CEO also said that the Frontera Frozen brand has diversified its skillet and bowls meals, emblazoned with Chef Rick Bayless’ seal of approval.
Additional opportunities for frozen innovation include expanding Marie Callender’s into other day parts, introducing Alexia carb alternatives and launching Wicked Kitchen. The company reported a 29% rise in quarterly profit, as it cut back on promotions and jettisoned low-margin products.
