March 5 (Reuters) - Campbell's Co lowered its

annual sales and profit forecasts on Wednesday, signaling weak

demand for snacks amid intense competition from cheaper

private-label brands.

The company now expects fiscal 2025 net sales to rise

between 6% and 8%, compared with its previous forecast range of

9% to 11% growth.

The revised forecast does not reflect any impact from the

potential import tariffs by the U.S. government and potential

retaliatory tariffs taken by other countries, Campbell's said.

"Given the softness in some of our snacking categories, the

anticipated sequential top line improvement did not materialize

during the quarter, and now we have a more muted second half

expectation," according to the company.

Indications from recent economic data such as retail sales

and consumer confidence have sparked worries of a slowing

economy.

Campbell's lowered its adjusted profit per share forecast to

between $2.95 and $3.05, from prior expectations of $3.12 to

$3.22.

For the quarter ended January 26, the company's net sales

rose 9% to $2.69 billion, compared with the average analyst

estimate of $2.74 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG.

On an adjusted basis, Campbell's earned 74 cents per share,

compared with estimates of 72 cents.