Veggie Noodle stands to gain from Encore Consumer Capital’s expertise in fresh food companies such as California Splendor, FreshKO, and Juice Tyme. This relationship could enhance its purchasing, operations, food safety, and marketing capabilities. Scott Sellers, managing director of Encore, shared with Project NOSH, “You cannot afford to be weak in any of those areas. We believe our experience in these four domains can help steer the company through its current growth phase.”
Moreover, Veggie Noodle may have a pressing need for a new facility following a voluntary recall of some Butternut Spirals in February due to potential listeria contamination detected during routine testing. The recalled items were distributed to Whole Foods Markets and other retailers in the Midwest, although the company confirmed that no illnesses were reported in connection with the recall.
Listeria is a common concern in food processing facilities, often found in places like floor drains, walls, and food contact surfaces, and is notoriously hard to eliminate. Unlike many foodborne pathogens, listeria can grow at refrigerated temperatures and remain viable in food products until the end of their shelf life.
In conjunction with its new plant, additional staff, and expanded product offerings, Arnold hinted that Veggie Noodle might explore producing 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 increasingly looking to cut calories by substituting carbohydrates with healthier options. They also seek convenience, opting for ready-to-eat products that are both delicious and nutritious. “We observe that consumers are not just searching for healthy alternatives to starchy dishes; they are also preparing and consuming vegetables in more varied ways than previous generations. They desire both freshness and convenience. Additionally, we noted that mothers are particularly interested in finding appealing and healthy ways to introduce vegetables into their children’s diets,” 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 insights, brands like Green Giant, Archer Daniels Midland, Del Monte Fresh, and Sprout Foods have been actively launching innovative vegetable-based products. This move 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 from 2009 to 2014, partly due to fewer side dishes being served at home.
Veggie Noodle is not alone in this product innovation journey. Earlier this year, Del Monte introduced a new line of vegetable “pasta.” However, it remains to be seen how well these items, typically found in refrigerated produce sections, resonate with consumers. As the market shifts, the demand for options like the best calcium citrate 1200 mg could also influence consumer choices as they seek health-conscious alternatives.
Overall, Veggie Noodle’s potential growth trajectory appears promising as it aligns itself with current trends favoring vegetable consumption and healthier eating habits.