Panera’s refrigerated soups reach $100 million in annual retail sales

On March 22, Panera Bread announced retail sales for Panera at Home’s Refrigerated Soup, sold in most grocery stores across the US, exceeded $100 million in 2017, making it the first brand in the category to reach the milestone. Market research firm IRI reported Panera at Home’s Refrigerated Soup retail sales grew by nearly 27 percent in 2017, leading category growth.

“Consumers are gravitating towards the perimeter of grocery stores, looking for food with our cafe-fresh taste, made with real ingredients,” said Mike Bufano, Panera at Home’s SVP and General Manager. “Across categories, Panera at Home delivers on this consumer need for food that is not only 100 percent clean, but convenient and craveable too, from a brand they love and trust. It is a true extension of the Panera Bread brand beyond the bakery-café,” Bufano said.

Panera at Home offers more than 15 varieties of soup to meet consumers’ needs, from Broccoli Cheddar Soup for consumers who want the bakery-cafe favorite to a Turkey Sausage, Kale & Quinoa Soup for those who want a soup made with on-trend, nutritious ingredients.

The Panera at Home portfolio also includes refrigerated mac & cheese, refrigerated salad dressing, sliced sandwich bread and ground coffee.