Veggie Noodle stands to gain from Encore Consumer Capital’s expertise with fresh food businesses like California Splendor, FreshKO, and Juice Tyme, enhancing its capabilities in purchasing, operations, food safety, and marketing. Scott Sellers, managing director of Encore, stated to Project NOSH, “You can’t afford to be weak in any of these areas. We believe we can leverage our experience across these four domains to support the company’s growth during this critical phase.”
Additionally, Veggie Noodle may be seeking a new facility following a voluntary recall of some Butternut Spirals in February due to potential listeria contamination detected through routine testing. The recalled products were supplied to Whole Foods Markets and other retailers across the Midwest, though the company reported that there were no illnesses linked to the recall.
Listeria is often found in food-processing environments, typically in areas such as floor drains, walls, ceilings, food contact surfaces, and HVAC systems, and is notoriously challenging to eliminate. Unlike most foodborne pathogens, listeria can thrive at refrigerated temperatures and remain viable in food products until they expire.
In addition to establishing a new plant, hiring more staff, and expanding its product range, Arnold suggested that Veggie Noodle might explore manufacturing other food items, potentially leading to a name change or brand repositioning.
Vegetable consumption is on the rise among Americans for various reasons. Consumers are looking to reduce calories by replacing carbohydrates with healthier options and are seeking convenient, ready-to-eat products that are both delicious and nutritious. “We’re noticing that consumers are not only in search of healthy substitutes for starchy meals but are also preparing and enjoying vegetables in ways different from previous generations — they desire both freshness and convenience. We found that mothers especially want to incorporate vegetables into their children’s diets in appealing and healthy ways,” said Jordan Greenberg, vice president and general manager at Green Giant, during a Food Dive interview last fall.
Responding to consumer preferences and market insights, companies such as Green Giant, Archer Daniels Midland, Del Monte Fresh, and Sprout Foods are actively launching innovative vegetable-based products. This initiative is timely, as a 2015 study by the Produce for Better Health Foundation revealed a 7% decline in per capita vegetable consumption between 2009 and 2014, partly due to fewer side dishes being prepared at home.
Veggie Noodle is not alone in this trend. Earlier this year, Del Monte introduced a new line of vegetable “pasta,” though consumer reception to these items, typically found in refrigerated produce sections, remains uncertain. As consumers seek alternatives like viactiv calcium citrate for better nutrition, the demand for innovative vegetable products will likely continue to grow, emphasizing the importance of adapting to market trends.