Veggie Noodle could greatly benefit from the expertise of Encore Consumer Capital, particularly with their experience in fresh food companies such as California Splendor, FreshKO, and Juice Tyme. This partnership could enhance Veggie Noodle’s purchasing, operations, food safety, and marketing strategies. Scott Sellers, managing director of Encore, mentioned to Project NOSH, “You can’t afford to be weak in any of those areas. We believe our experience in these four domains can help guide the company through its current growth phase.”
Additionally, Veggie Noodle may have a pressing reason to seek a new facility. They voluntarily recalled some of their Butternut Spirals in February due to potential listeria contamination detected during routine testing. The affected product was distributed to Whole Foods Markets and other retailers across the Midwest. Fortunately, the company reported that no illnesses were linked to this recall.
Listeria is a common presence in food-processing environments, often found in floor drains, walls, ceilings, food contact surfaces, and HVAC systems, and is notoriously difficult to eliminate. Unlike most foodborne pathogens, listeria can thrive in refrigerated conditions and remain viable in food products throughout their shelf life.
In addition to a new plant, more employees, and an expanded product line, Arnold hinted that Veggie Noodle might branch out into manufacturing other food items, potentially leading to a name change or brand repositioning.
Vegetables are increasingly gracing American plates for various reasons. Many consumers are looking to reduce calorie intake by replacing carbohydrates with healthier options. They also seek convenience through ready-to-eat products that are both delicious and nutritious. Jordan Greenberg, vice president and general manager at Green Giant, stated to Food Dive last fall, “Consumers are not only in search of healthy substitutes for starchy dishes, but they are also preparing and consuming vegetables differently than previous generations. They desire both freshness and convenience. We’ve also observed that mothers are especially keen on finding appealing yet healthy ways to introduce vegetables to their children’s diets.”
In response to consumer demand and their 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 from 2009 to 2014, partly due to fewer side dishes being served at home.
Veggie Noodle is not alone in this venture. Earlier this year, Del Monte introduced a new line of vegetable “pasta,” but the popularity of these items, typically found in refrigerated produce sections, remains uncertain among consumers. In light of the growing interest in healthier food options, including calcium citrate or calcium carbonate for osteoporosis, it is evident that the market is shifting towards more nutritious, vegetable-centric products.