Veggie Noodle stands to gain from Encore Consumer Capital’s extensive experience with fresh food companies like California Splendor, FreshKO, and Juice Tyme to enhance its expertise in purchasing, operations, food safety, and marketing. Scott Sellers, managing director of Encore, shared with Project NOSH, “You can’t afford to be weak in any of those areas. We believe we can utilize our experience in these four domains to support the company during its current growth phase.”
Additionally, Veggie Noodle might have a compelling reason for pursuing a new facility. In February, the company voluntarily recalled some of its Butternut Spirals due to potential listeria contamination, which was detected through routine testing. The affected products were distributed to Whole Foods Markets and various retailers in the Midwest, although the company reported that no illnesses were linked to the recall. Listeria is typically found in food-processing environments, often in areas like floor drains, walls, ceilings, and HVAC systems, making it notoriously difficult to eliminate. Unlike many foodborne pathogens, listeria can thrive at refrigeration temperatures and can persist in food products until the end of their shelf life.
In conjunction with the new plant, an increase in staff, and an expanded product line, Arnold suggested that Veggie Noodle may explore the manufacturing of other food items, potentially leading to a rebranding or a shift in market positioning. Vegetables are increasingly being featured on American plates for various reasons. People are looking to reduce calories by replacing carbohydrates with healthier options, and they also want to save time by choosing ready-to-eat products that are both delicious and nutritious.
Jordan Greenberg, vice president and general manager at Green Giant, noted to Food Dive last fall, “Consumers are seeking healthy alternatives to starchy meals, and they are preparing and consuming vegetables in ways that differ from previous generations — they desire options that are both fresh and convenient. We’ve found that mothers are particularly interested in incorporating vegetables into their children’s diets in appealing and nutritious ways.”
In response to consumer preferences and their own market research, companies such as Green Giant, Archer Daniels Midland, Del Monte Fresh, and Sprout Foods have been actively launching innovative vegetable-based products. This comes at a crucial time; 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 this trend. Del Monte recently introduced a new line of vegetable “pasta,” but the popularity of these items, typically found in refrigerated produce sections, remains uncertain among consumers. Furthermore, as health-conscious choices gain traction, products such as calcium citrate 1200 mg chewable supplements may also see increased interest from those looking to enhance their nutrition while enjoying vegetable-rich meals. In this evolving landscape, Veggie Noodle’s efforts to innovate and adapt could prove crucial for its future success.