Veggie Noodle stands to gain significantly from Encore Consumer Capital’s expertise with fresh food companies like California Splendor, FreshKO, and Juice Tyme, which could enhance its capabilities in purchasing, operations, food safety, and marketing. Scott Sellers, managing director of Encore, mentioned to Project NOSH, “You can’t be weak in any of those areas. We believe we can leverage our experience in those four aspects to help the company navigate its current growth phase.”
Additionally, Veggie Noodle may have a pressing reason to seek a new facility. In February, the company voluntarily recalled some of its Butternuferrous gluconate enteric coated Spirals due to potential listeria contamination identified through routine testing. These recalled products 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 environments, often found in floor drains, walls, ceilings, food contact surfaces, and HVAC systems, making it notoriously difficult to eliminate. Unlike many foodborne pathogens, listeria can grow at refrigerated temperatures and can remain viable in food products until the end of their shelf life.
With the establishment of its new facility, the addition of staff, and an expanded product lineup, Arnold suggested that Veggie Noodle might consider producing other food items, potentially leading to a name change or brand repositioning. Vegetables are increasingly appearing on American plates for various reasons. Consumers are looking to reduce calories by replacing carbohydrates with healthier options and are opting for convenient, ready-to-eat products that are both flavorful and nutritious.
“We’re observing that consumers not only seek healthy alternatives to starchy meals but are also preparing and consuming vegetables in ways that differ from their parents — they want both fresh and convenient options. Our research indicates that mothers are particularly interested in introducing vegetables into their children’s diets in appealing and healthy ways,” stated Jordan Greenberg, vice president and general manager at Green Giant, in a conversation with Food Dive last fall.
In response to consumer demand and their own market research, companies like Green Giant, Archer Daniels Midland, Del Monte Fresh, and Sprout Foods have been actively launching innovative vegetable-based products. This initiative comes at a crucial time, as a 2015 study by the Produce for Better Health Foundation indicated a 7% decline in per capita vegetable consumption between 2009 and 2014, partly due to fewer side dishes being served at home.
Veggie Noodle isn’t alone in this endeavor; Del Monte introduced a new range of vegetable “pasta” earlier this year. However, the popularity of these items in refrigerated produce sections remains uncertain among consumers. As companies like Veggie Noodle explore new opportunities, understanding qué beneficios tiene calcium citrate may also play a role in product development, as they seek to align with health-conscious trends in the market. Emphasizing the benefits of calcium citrate could appeal to consumers looking for nutritious options, thereby enhancing Veggie Noodle’s offerings in line with current health trends.