Conagra Brands has officially ceased production of Celeste frozen pizzas, leaving many long-time fans reminiscing about this affordable freezer classic.
The announcement came during the company’s fiscal first-quarter 2027 earnings discussion on September 30. They noted that this decision led to a decrease in net sales by about 15 basis points for the quarter but anticipated it would positively impact profit margins in the future.
Conagra’s CEO, John Brase, indicated that Celeste represents a smaller brand that they no longer perceive as having a viable future, which influenced their decision to discontinue its production.
“Some brands and categories just don’t seem to have a future,” Brase commented. “It’s a practical choice to phase out brands that are either unprofitable or yield low profits.”
A representative for Conagra confirmed to FOX Business that while the production of Celeste pizzas has ended, consumers may still find the products available in stores until current stock runs out.
“We will continue to sell existing inventory, but we’ve stopped making it. Once we run out of what’s already produced, there won’t be any more Celeste products,” the spokesperson elaborated.
Brase mentioned that Conagra aims to explore similar actions as it streamlines its product lines.
“I think the bigger picture is about simplifying our core offerings,” he said. “We have over 400 single-serve meal SKUs, and I believe we can offer a more straightforward and effective selection.”
The news about Celeste’s discontinuation has stirred up nostalgia online, with many users sharing their fond memories of the pizzas.
“RIP Mama Celeste. You were a good one. Those 10 for $10 deals were the highlight of the ’90s,” one person commented on a food blogger’s Instagram post discussing the news.
“Omg, my grandma always had one of these on hand, so it’ll forever remind me of her. I haven’t had one in years, but the nostalgia is strong!” another user reminisced.
“My eyes welled up reading this. This pizza reminds me of my grandma,” was another heartfelt reaction.
“This was my favorite pizza growing up,” someone else shared.
Celeste has an interesting history; it traces back to Celeste “Mama” Lizio, who started a food business in the Chicago area before selling it to Quaker Oats in 1969, as noted in a 1988 Los Angeles Times obituary.
