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Campbell’s(R) Condensed Soup Announces Major Movie Partnership with Universal Pictures’ Animated Adventure “The Tale of Despereaux”

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Company Supports Partnership with On-Pack Promotion, Royal Soup Day at World Headquarters, and Lollipop Theater Network Event

CAMDEN, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Dec. 18, 2008–Campbell Soup Company (NYSE: CPB) announced today its first-ever
major movie partnership, one with Universal Pictures’ animated adventure
“The Tale of Despereaux” for its condensed soup
brands. As part of its partnership, Campbell has released a special
on-pack promotion on 50 million labels of participating Campbell’s
Chicken Noodle and Tomato soup cans. In addition, Campbell is offering
interactive opportunities for kids at myslurp.com
and supporting the Lollipop Theater Network, a non-profit organization
dedicated to bringing movie magic to hospitalized children nationwide.

Matthew Broderick, Dustin Hoffman, Emma Watson and Tracey Ullman lead an
all-star voice cast in the animated-adventure “The Tale of Despereaux,”
based on the Newberry Medal-winning children’s bestseller. In this
modern fairy tale about a small mouse born too brave for his little
world, several unlikely heroes will discover that what you look like
doesn’t equal who you are. The film arrives in theaters nationwide on
Friday, December 19.

The iconic red and white labels of participating Campbell’s
Chicken Noodle and Tomato soup cans have undergone a royal makeover in
honor of the partnership and now feature the film’s virtuous hero,
Despereaux, holding a golden spoon. Based on the award-winning book by
Philadelphia born author Kate DiCamillo, “The Tale of Despereaux”
takes place in the mythical Kingdom of Dor–once world renowned for its
great soups, but where soup has now become a rare treat.

“The Tale of Despereaux” is based upon a beloved children’s book
that celebrates soup, while encouraging kids to be brave and
adventurous,” said Kim McGough, Senior Manager of Integrated Marketing.
“This partnership is a perfect fit for our condensed soup brand, as we
celebrate our brand by deeply investing in the growth and development of
kids through a range of education and health and wellness programs.”

Fully immersing its condensed soup brand in the partnership, Campbell
has created a comprehensive marketing plan, including employee and
community involvement, sponsorship of the New York premiere, online
promotion and support of the Lollipop Theater Network.

Camden elementary school students enjoyed a helping of soup and
storytelling at Campbell World Headquarters when the company celebrated
Royal Soup Day on December 12. Featuring a special reading of “The
Tale of Despereaux” by author DiCamillo, a visit from Despereaux
himself, as well as Royal Soup Day crafts and activities, the lunch
proved to be a royal treat for all in attendance.

Campbell also co-sponsored the New York premiere of “The Tale of
Despereaux.” Several of the film’s celebrated vocal talents, Matthew
Broderick (Despereaux), Kevin Kline (Chef Andre) and Sigourney Weaver
(the Narrator), took to the spirit of the holidays and signed special
Andy Warhol-designed Campbell’s soup bowls to be auctioned off to
benefit the Lollipop Theater Network. As part of its charity efforts, Campbell’s
also made a 1,000 can donation of the specially labeled “Despereaux”
cans to the Food Bank of New York City.

Finally, Campbell’s is featuring an online promotion at myslurp.com,
where kids can embark on Royal adventures. The site features clips from
the movie, photos, games and downloads, as well as the Royal Adventure
Sweepstakes and Royal Spoon Instant Win Game.

About Campbell Soup Company

Campbell Soup Company is a global manufacturer and marketer of
high-quality foods and simple meals, including soup, baked snacks and
healthy beverages. Founded in 1869, the company has a portfolio of
market-leading brands, including “Campbell’s,” “Pepperidge Farm,”
“Arnott’s” and “V8.” For more information on the company, visit
Campbell’s website at www.campbellsoup.com.

Lollipop Theater Network

Founded in 2001, Lollipop Theater Network is a 501(c)(3) organization
dedicated to bringing the magic of current movies to children confined
to hospitals nationwide due to chronic or life-threatening illnesses.
With the support of the leading Motion Picture Studios, LOLLIPOP has
screened over 175 films and is currently able to offer its program to
children in hospitals in over 18 states nationwide. To learn more,
please visit: www.lollipoptheater.org.


    CONTACT: Campbell Soup Company
             John Faulkner, 856-342-3738
             [email protected]
             or
             Coyne PR
             Erin Bobal
             Lauren Curtin, 212-938-0166
             [email protected]

    Source: Campbell Soup Company
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