Keurig Teams Up With Campbell's To Offer Single-Serving Soups

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Keurig coffee makers and K-cups have become a staple in many homes and offices.

"I have a Keurig and I absolutely love it," said Nicole Webster of East Liberty.

But what if your Keurig could make something besides coffee?

"We have partnered to launch a Campbell's Soup offering that consumers can brew through their Keurig machines," Michael Goodman, Campbell's marketing director of innovation, told KDKA money editor Jon Delano on Thursday.

It took two years to perfect, but Keurig and Campbell's now offer soup using the traditional K-cup.

"To start we've launched two varieties of soup. One is a home-styled chicken noodle and the other is a southwest styled chicken soup," said Goodman.

Does this marriage between Keurig and Campbell's make any sense at all?

The Campbell's folks say 80 percent of the people that use the Keurig machine also buy Campbell's soup.

Point Park University business professor Elaine Luther says developing new uses for the Keurig makes good sense.

"Just using a big piece of equipment on your counter for one use makes it less attractive," says Luther.

With both Keurig and Campbell's slipping in sales recently, Duquesne University marketing professor Audrey Guskey says this may be the right boost.

"Overall at least the innovativeness of this and the coolness of it I think stick with consumers for a while," notes Guskey.

Consumers do seem to like the idea.

"Not messy, right. You save on the aluminum. So it's quick and fast and convenient," said Neal Washington of South Fayette.

"It just sounds really convenient," added Kathryn Zaksek of Dormont.

As for worries the soup might pick up a coffee taste, Campbell's says they've solved that problem, and it insists that Keurig-made soup will taste better than old-fashioned micro-wave soup.

"Technologically, the product is quite different, and we're really proud of the product we've created," says Goodman.

The Campbell's soup K-cups are available on line and in grocery stores soon.

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter