On that back of a company revival of its North American soup business and sale of operations in the UK and Ireland, the world largest soup manufacturer is now focusing on the two markets it believes offer the best growth potential.

China's soup consumption is the highest in the world at 320 billion servings annually, equivalent to 241 per capita, while Russia consumes 32 billion serving each year, equivalent to 225 per capita.

However, nearly all the soup is homemade, unlike the US where 14 billion servings are consumed each year.

Douglas Conant, president and chief executive officer at Campbell's, said the company was well positioned to make inroads into the two markets.

"The soup markets of China and Russia represent an extraordinary opportunity for Campbell," he said. "Soup is consumed in huge amounts in these countries, and Campbell is exceptionally qualified to lead the soup commercialization activity due to our unrivaled understanding of consumers' soup consumption behavior, innovative technology capabilities, supply chain excellence, and our superior marketing prowess within the simple meals category. We call this the Campbell advantage."

Conant said that rising income levels in both countries and an emerging convenience market due to time pressures, presents favourable market conditions for Campbell's to enter.

The company said it had conducted extensive research, studying consumers' soup preparation and eating habits, which included 10,000 interviews and thousands of household tests.

New products that will serve as a base for soups and other meals served in Russian and Chinese homes are expected to be launched, the company said.

Swire Beverages, Coca-Cola's largest bottling partner in China, will distribute the Campbell's through its nationwide network, while for the Russian market, Bridgetown Foods, with a presence in more than 66 cities, will distribute the Campbell's products.