Celeste Pizza is disappearing from the freezers of grocery stores. The parent company, Conagra Brands Corporation (Conagra Brands), has confirmed that it has ceased production of this frozen pizza product line, which has a history of several decades.

While retailers work to clear their remaining inventory, consumers may still be able to purchase Celeste products, but Conagra has stated that they will no longer produce new pizzas. Once the current supply is sold out, these products are expected to disappear from the shelves.

Why will Celeste Pizza be discontinued?

This decision is part of Conagra's effort to simplify its product portfolio and eliminate smaller brands and product lines with weaker returns.

Conagra CEO John Brice ( John Brase ) mentioned Celeste in the company's update on first-quarter performance for the fiscal year 2027, released on September 30, and listed this pizza brand as one of the businesses that the company believes has insufficient future potential and for which it is difficult to justify continued investment.

The exit from Celeste resulted in Conagra's first-quarter sales declining by about 15 basis points, however, the company expects that this move will improve profit margins over time.

Celeste may just be the beginning. As the company seeks to reduce operational complexity, Conagra is looking at other brands and individual products. The company currently has over 400 individual meal SKU, and management believes that this product portfolio can be made smaller and more efficient.

Conagra to address declining sales

As it adjusts its product portfolio, Conagra is facing weak consumer demand and overall pressure on its frozen food business.

The company announced that in the first quarter of fiscal year 2027, net sales amounted to approximately $2.6 billion, a year-on-year decrease of 1.4%; organic net sales fell by 1.1%. However, adjusted earnings per share were $0.41, which was higher than expected.

Conagra maintains its outlook for the fiscal year 2027 unchanged, expecting organic sales to decline by 1% to 3%.

For the fans of Celeste, this signifies the end of a brand that has been in business for decades. The origin of this pizza can be traced back to the food business operated by Celeste " Mama " Lizio in the Chicago area, which was acquired by General Mills ( Quaker Oats ) in 1969.

This decision has already sparked nostalgic reactions online, with some consumers recalling that Celeste was once a cheap and common frozen food during their childhood. Unless Conagra changes its decision or sells off the brand, these pizzas will cease to exist as the remaining inventory is depleted.

Danielle Walgenbach

Danielle is a journalist who covers cryptocurrency and financial markets. She has over four years of reporting experience and is adept at breaking down complex financial and economic topics into clear and solid reports.