Campbell

Faced with rising competition from pizza and other simple meals, Campbell Soup is being forced to promote its brands just as the weather is warming and few consumers are looking for something hot to eat. It is the latest in a series of bad breaks to hit the food company.

Sure it warms you up on a cold winter's day. It's also been the subject of many a Seinfeld joke. And it's even been credited with curing the common cold (I'm sure my grandmother's had that power). But soup's ability to generate revenue is the most likely reason it's earned a month all to itself.

It's been clear for some time now that the recession has taken its toll on consumers, leading them in many instances to winnow purchases down to the bare necessities. And the food industry, always on the outlook for a new gimmick to sell its wares, is paying attention. It's one reason you may...