Campbell Soup Executive Under Fire for Inappropriate Comments
Martin Barry, the vice president of Campbell Soup Company, has been accused of making disparaging remarks about the company’s products and employees during a secretly recorded conversation, which was reported by the New York Post.
According to former employee Robert Garza, who recorded Barry, the executive made derogatory comments about the “poor people” who buy their products and referred to his Indian colleagues in a derogatory manner. Garza said these revelations came to light during a salary discussion in late 2024.
Garza mentioned that Barry expressed his disdain for Campbell products during this hour-long conversation. “We have crap for the fucking poor. Who’s going to buy our crap?” Garza claimed Barry said. The former employee also pointed out that Barry had mentioned feeling “pure disgust” for the vice president of Campbell while admitting to being high at work.
Following the incident, Garza reported it but was shocked to find himself dismissed instead. He expressed disbelief that Barry could talk so shamelessly about the very products he supervised. “I almost never buy Campbell products anymore,” Garza quoted himself saying. “Now that I know what’s in it, it’s not healthy.”
Garza said Barry criticized the soup’s ingredients, stating, “It’s bioengineered meat. I don’t want to eat 3D printed chicken.” This conversation reportedly escalated into a racially charged attack against Indian employees, with Barry allegedly stating that they “can’t think for themselves.”
A Campbell spokesperson confirmed that Barry is currently on leave while an investigation takes place. Garza, however, felt astonished by his own dismissal. He described Barry’s behavior as lacking a filter and indicated that the vice president believed he could act with impunity due to his position.
Initially, Garza kept the recordings private but decided to come forward after a few weeks. His attorney claimed that Garza’s termination came shortly after he reported Barry’s remarks, suggesting a retaliatory dismissal and alleging that the company created a hostile work environment.
A representative from Campbell Soup Company stated that if the comments in the recording are accurate, they are unacceptable and do not align with the company’s values. An active investigation into the matter is underway.
