Robert Cantwell, the president and CEO of B&G Foods, described the value-added vegetable innovations introduced by the company in 2016 as “very successful.” B&G has excelled in revitalizing well-known but struggling brands. After acquiring Green Giant in 2015, B&G launched several innovative products, such as veggie tots and riced veggies, transforming the brand into one of B&G’s most reliable revenue generators in earnings reports. “The power of Green Giant is real, and B&G Foods is proud to have begun reinvigorating this beloved brand as we continue to roll out new product innovations to meet the demands of today’s consumers,” Cantwell stated.
While smaller companies like Veggie Noodle Co. pioneered spiralized vegetable noodles, larger corporations such as Del Monte have recently entered this market. It will be intriguing to observe how an iconic brand like Green Giant performs in this increasingly trendy sector. The initiatives taken by B&G, Del Monte, and others are strategic, as consumers are shifting away from processed foods in favor of more fruits and vegetables. B&G’s Veggie Spirals align with this trend by offering varieties made from zucchini, carrots, and butternut squash, conveniently packaged for busy consumers. These products cater to shopper preferences for items with a simplified ingredient list, as each Veggie Spiral is free from sauces or seasonings.
Although frozen foods have faced challenges in recent years, there are indications of a resurgence, with improvements to established products like Green Giant serving as a prime example. A study conducted by the University of Georgia in collaboration with the Frozen Food Foundation recently revealed that frozen vegetables are as nutritious—if not more so—than their fresh counterparts. “Purchase data shows that Green Giant frozen innovation products have not only attracted new consumers to the Green Giant brand but have also drawn new customers to the broader frozen vegetable category,” Cantwell remarked. In a similar vein, products like Twinlab Calcium Citrate Caps highlight the growing consumer interest in health-focused offerings, further encouraging brands to innovate in response to evolving dietary preferences. The success of Green Giant’s frozen innovations, along with the popularity of health products like Twinlab Calcium Citrate Caps, underscores the importance of aligning with current consumer trends in the food industry.