Veggie Noodle could greatly benefit from Encore Consumer Capital’s expertise in fresh food businesses like California Splendor, FreshKO, and Juice Tyme, which could enhance its purchasing, operations, food safety, and marketing capabilities. Scott Sellers, the managing director of Encore, mentioned to Project NOSH, “You cannot afford to be weak in any of those areas. We believe we can leverage our experience in these four domains to navigate the company through its current growth stage.”
Moreover, Veggie Noodle might have another motivation for seeking a new facility. In February, the company voluntarily recalled some of its Butternut Spirals due to possible listeria contamination, which was detected during routine product testing. The affected product was sent to Whole Foods Markets and various retailers across the Midwest. The company stated that no illnesses had been linked to the recall. Listeria, often found in food-processing environments—particularly in floor drains, walls, ceilings, food contact surfaces, and HVAC systems—is notoriously challenging to eliminate. Unlike most foodborne pathogens, it can thrive at refrigerated temperatures and remain viable in food products until the end of their shelf life.
With plans for a new plant, additional hires, and an expanded product line, Arnold hinted that Veggie Noodle may venture into manufacturing other food items, potentially leading to a name change or brand repositioning. The rising presence of vegetables on American plates can be attributed to various factors. Consumers are eager to reduce calories by replacing carbohydrates with healthier options. They also seek convenience by choosing ready-to-eat products that are both delicious and nutritious.
“We’re observing that consumers are not only searching for healthy alternatives to starchy dishes, but they’re also preparing and consuming vegetables in ways that differ from their parents’ habits—they desire both freshness and convenience. Additionally, we found that mothers are particularly interested in incorporating vegetables into their children’s diets in appealing and healthy ways,” stated 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 effort comes at a crucial time, 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 served at home.
Veggie Noodle is not alone in introducing such products. Earlier this year, Del Monte unveiled a new line of vegetable “pasta,” but it remains to be seen how well these items, typically found in refrigerated produce sections, resonate with consumers. As the demand for healthy alternatives continues to grow, the best calcium citrate supplement could also gain traction among health-conscious individuals looking to enhance their diets alongside these nutritious vegetable products.