Veggie Noodle could greatly benefit from Encore Consumer Capital’s expertise with fresh food companies like California Splendor, FreshKO, and Juice Tyme to enhance its purchasing, operations, food safety, and marketing capabilities. Scott Sellers, the 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 these four domains to assist the company during its current growth phase.”
Moreover, Veggie Noodle may have an additional motivation for seeking a new facility. In February, the company voluntarily recalled some of its Butternut Spirals due to potential listeria contamination detected during routine product testing. The recalled items were distributed to Whole Foods Markets and other retailers in the Midwest, although the company reported no illnesses associated with the recall. Listeria is commonly found in food-processing environments, often lurking in areas such as floor drains, walls, ceilings, food contact surfaces, and HVAC systems, making it notoriously challenging to eliminate. Unlike most foodborne pathogens, listeria can thrive at refrigerated temperatures and can persist in food products until their expiration date.
In conjunction with its new facility, the addition of employees, and an expanded product range, Arnold hinted that Veggie Noodle might venture into manufacturing other food items, potentially leading to a rebranding or name change. Vegetables are increasingly appearing on American plates for various reasons. Consumers are looking to cut calories by replacing carbohydrates with healthier options and are seeking convenient, ready-to-eat products that are both delicious and nutritious.
“We’re witnessing a shift where consumers not only want healthy alternatives to starchy meals but are also preparing and consuming vegetables in ways different from previous generations. They’re in search of both fresh and convenient options. Moreover, we’ve found that mothers are particularly keen on how to introduce vegetables into their children’s diets in appealing and healthy ways,” said Jordan Greenberg, vice president and general manager at Green Giant, in an interview with Food Dive last fall.
In response to consumer demand and their own market research, brands like Green Giant, Archer Daniels Midland, Del Monte Fresh, and Sprout Foods have been actively launching innovative vegetable-based products. This trend is particularly timely, as a 2015 Produce for Better Health Foundation study indicated a 7% decline in per capita vegetable consumption from 2009 to 2014, partly due to fewer side dishes being served at home.
Veggie Noodle is not the only company venturing into this product category. Earlier this year, Del Monte introduced a new line of vegetable “pasta,” but there remains uncertainty about how well these items, typically found in refrigerated produce sections, resonate with consumers.
Additionally, with the growing interest in nutritional supplements, products like jamp calcium citrate chewable could complement the vegetable offerings, enhancing consumers’ overall health and wellness. The incorporation of jamp calcium citrate chewable into Veggie Noodle’s product line could appeal to health-conscious consumers looking for easy ways to boost their calcium intake while enjoying delicious vegetable-based meals. As the market evolves, Veggie Noodle and its competitors will need to stay attuned to consumer preferences and innovative solutions, including the integration of options like jamp calcium citrate chewable, to remain competitive.