Who Owns Red Baron?
Red Baron is owned by Conagra Brands, Inc., a publicly traded American food company founded in 1919. The brand was founded in 1976 and acquired by Conagra in 1993. Red Baron operates under Conagra's frozen food division headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Parent Company
Conagra Brands, Inc.
Acquired
1993
Status
Publicly Traded
Headquarters
Chicago, Illinois, USA
Who Owns Red Baron?
- Parent Company: Conagra Brands, Inc.
- Ownership Type: Acquired
- Acquisition Year: 1993
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock Ticker: NYSE: CAG
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| Red Baron | Conagra Brands, Inc. | Acquired |
History of Red Baron
- Founded: 1976
- Founders: Saluto Foods
- Acquired by Conagra Brands, Inc.: 1993
Red Baron was founded in 1976 by Schwan Food Company (not Saluto Foods) in Marshall, Minnesota. The brand was named after the famous World War I German flying ace Manfred von Richthofen, known as the "Red Baron," and the name was chosen to evoke a sense of adventure and quality. The brand launched with a focus on thin crust pizzas made with quality ingredients.
Throughout the late 1970s and 1980s, Red Baron grew to become one of the best-selling frozen pizza brands in the United States, competing with DiGiorno, Tombstone, and other national brands. The brand's thin crust pizzas and distinctive packaging helped it stand out in the frozen food aisle.
Schwan Food Company, a major frozen food manufacturer based in Marshall, Minnesota, owned Red Baron for decades as one of its flagship brands. Schwan also owned other well-known frozen food brands including Tony's Pizza and Freschetta.
In 2018, Conagra Brands acquired Pinnacle Foods, which had previously acquired Schwan's consumer brands including Red Baron. This complex acquisition chain ultimately placed Red Baron under Conagra's ownership. Under Conagra, Red Baron operates alongside other frozen food brands including Birds Eye, Marie Callender's, and Healthy Choice.
Under Conagra ownership, Red Baron has continued to expand its product lineup with new crust styles, specialty toppings, and formats including single-serve pizzas, pizza slices, and deep dish varieties. The brand has maintained its position as one of the top-selling frozen pizza brands in the United States.
About Conagra Brands, Inc.
Conagra Brands, Inc. operates as a multinational food company with diverse business segments. The company produces frozen foods, snacks, condiments, packaged foods, and other consumer food products.
In 2026, Conagra Brands, Inc. continues as a dominant player in the packaged foods industry across North America, founded in 1861 and headquartered in Chicago, IL. The company's ecosystem integrates a diverse portfolio of well-known brands like Birds Eye, Duncan Hines, and Slim Jim, serving grocery, refrigerated, frozen, international, and foodservice channels. This cohesive mission centers on delivering trusted, convenient food products that cater to evolving consumer preferences in multiple temperature formats and retail environments.
The company's revenue engine balances shelf-stable and temperature-controlled food sales with branded and custom foodservice offerings. Conagra thrives on its strategic footprint spanning the US and international markets, leveraging strong retail and foodservice distribution networks. This multi-segment approach underpins a resilient economic moat, reinforcing its role in shaping the future of consumer packaged foods through innovation and scale. The company reaffirmed its fiscal 2026 guidance at the 2026 Consumer Analyst Group of New York (CAGNY) conference, reflecting organic net sales change of (1)% to 1% compared to fiscal 2025, demonstrating confidence in its business strategies and financial outlook.
Conagra operates through multiple business segments serving different consumer needs and preferences, with protein-packed meals, restaurant-inspired favorites, family-style solutions, and all-day breakfast among the key forces driving growth in the U.S. frozen food market, which represents a $93.5 billion industry. The company maintains significant research and development operations focused on innovation in food science and consumer products, while distributing its products through major retailers globally. Conagra's diverse portfolio positions it as a major player in grocery, refrigerated, frozen, international, and foodservice segments, putting trusted food products on millions of tables across North America daily.
- Founded: 1919
- Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock: NYSE: CAG
Where Is Red Baron Made / Based?
- Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Manufacturing / Operations: United States
Brands Owned by Conagra Brands, Inc.
- Tony's - Frozen pizza brand owned by Conagra Brands, known for crispy crust pizzas and va...
Red Baron Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Premium frozen pizza brand with 50+ year heritage
- +Thin crust positioning differentiating from competitors
- +Quality ingredients and authentic flavor profiles
- +Backed by Conagra's resources for innovation and distribution
- +Strong brand recognition and consumer loyalty in premium pizza category
Considerations
- -Premium pricing compared to value frozen pizza alternatives
- -Environmental concerns regarding packaging and plastic waste
- -Competition from other premium frozen pizza brands
- -Sustainability questions about ingredient sourcing and production
- -Health and nutrition concerns with processed frozen pizza
Frequently Asked Questions About Red Baron
Where to Buy
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Red Baron on AmazonCompetitors to Red Baron
These competing brands operate in the same categories and provide similar products or services. Compare key attributes to understand market positioning and competitive landscape.
| Brand | Parent Company | Country | Founded | Market Position | Primary Market | Gender Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nestle | Switzerland | 1978 | Mass Market | Global | All Genders | |
| General Mills | USA | 1951 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders | |
| Nestle | Switzerland | 1924 | Mass Market | Global | All Genders | |
| Unilever | Netherlands | 2011 | Mass Market | Europe | All Genders | |
| Nestle | Switzerland | 1981 | Mass Market | Global | All Genders |
Learn More About Competitors
DiGiorno
Owned by Nestlé
Frozen pizza brand owned by Nestlé, known for its rising crust and quality ingredients.
Totino's
Owned by General Mills, Inc.
Frozen pizza brand owned by General Mills, known for party pizzas and budget-friendly frozen pizza options.
Stouffer's
Owned by Nestlé
Frozen food brand owned by Nestlé, offering frozen meals, entrées, and side dishes.
HelloFresh
Owned by Unilever plc
Meal kit delivery service brand owned by Unilever, providing pre-portioned ingredients and recipes for home cooking.
Lean Cuisine
Owned by Nestlé
Frozen meal brand owned by Nestlé, offering portion-controlled, low-calorie meal options.
Competitive Analysis
Market Positioning: Red Baron competes with 5 brands in the same categories, ranging from mass market to luxury positioning.
Geographic Distribution: Competitors are headquartered across multiple regions, indicating global competition in this market segment.
Brand Heritage: Competitor brands range from established heritage brands to newer market entrants, with founding years spanning several decades.
Conagra Brands, Inc. Stock Information
Jobs at Conagra Brands, Inc.
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