Veggie Noodle stands to gain from the expertise of Encore Consumer Capital in areas such as purchasing, operations, food safety, and marketing, drawing on their experience with fresh food companies like California Splendor, FreshKO, and Juice Tyme. Scott Sellers, managing director of Encore, stated to Project NOSH, “You can’t be weak in any of those areas. We believe we can leverage our experience in those four domains to support the company through its current growth phase.”
Additionally, Veggie Noodle may have a pressing need for a new facility following a voluntary recall of some Butternut Spirals in February due to possible listeria contamination, which was discovered during routine product testing. The recalled items were distributed to Whole Foods Markets and other retailers in the Midwest, although the company reported that no illnesses were associated with the recall. Listeria is a common concern in food-processing environments, often lurking in places like floor drains, walls, ceilings, food contact surfaces, and HVAC systems, making it notoriously challenging to eliminate. Unlike many foodborne pathogens, listeria can thrive at refrigerated temperatures and may remain viable in food products until their expiration date.
Along with the planned new plant, the addition of staff, and an expanded product line, Arnold suggested that Veggie Noodle might explore manufacturing various other food items, which could lead to a name change or brand repositioning. The increasing presence of vegetables on American plates can be attributed to multiple factors. Consumers are eager to reduce calorie intake by substituting carbohydrates with healthier options, while also seeking convenience through ready-to-eat products that are both delicious and nutritious.
Jordan Greenberg, vice president and general manager at Green Giant, remarked to Food Dive last fall, “We’re observing that consumers are not only searching for healthy alternatives to starchy dishes, but they are also preparing and consuming vegetables in ways that differ from past generations — they desire both freshness and convenience. Moreover, we found that mothers are particularly keen on discovering ways to incorporate vegetables into their children’s diets in appealing and healthful manners.”
In response to consumer preferences and their market research findings, brands like Green Giant, Archer Daniels Midland, Del Monte Fresh, and Sprout Foods have been actively launching innovative vegetable-based products. This timely shift comes as a 2015 study by the Produce for Better Health Foundation revealed a 7% decline in per capita vegetable consumption from 2009 to 2014, partly due to fewer vegetable side dishes being served at home.
Veggie Noodle is not alone in introducing such products. Earlier this year, Del Monte launched a new line of vegetable “pasta,” although the actual popularity of these items, typically found in refrigerated produce sections, remains uncertain among consumers. As healthy eating trends continue to evolve, products like Citracal Calcium D Slow Release 1200 could also play a role in attracting health-conscious consumers who are looking for additional nutritional benefits alongside their vegetable intake.