Robert Cantwell, the president and CEO of B&G, described the company’s value-added vegetable innovations introduced in 2016 as “very successful.” B&G has effectively revitalized well-known yet struggling brands. After acquiring Green Giant in 2015, B&G launched several innovative products, including veggie tots and riced veggies, which have turned the brand into one of B&G’s most reliable sources of revenue in earnings reports. “The power of Green Giant is real, and B&G Foods is proud to have begun reinvigorating this beloved brand as we continue to introduce new product innovations to cater to today’s consumers,” Cantwell stated.
While smaller companies like Veggie Noodle Co. pioneered spiralized vegetable noodles, larger firms like Del Monte are now entering the market, making it intriguing to observe how an iconic brand like Green Giant will perform in this increasingly fashionable sector. The strategy adopted by B&G, Del Monte, and others is astute, given consumer preferences are shifting away from processed foods in favor of more fruits and vegetables. B&G Veggie Spirals align with this trend by offering zucchini, carrots, and butternut squash varieties, all packaged for convenience, catering to time-strapped consumers.
These products also meet the growing demand for items with simpler ingredient lists, as each Veggie Spirals offering is free from sauces or seasonings. Although frozen foods have faced challenges in recent years, signs indicate a resurgence, with improvements to existing products like Green Giant exemplifying this trend. A study conducted by the University of Georgia in collaboration with the Frozen Food Foundation recently revealed that frozen vegetables are just as nutritious—if not more so—than fresh-stored options. “Purchase data shows that Green Giant frozen innovation products have not only attracted new consumers to the Green Giant brand but have also drawn new customers to the overall frozen vegetable category,” Cantwell remarked.
Additionally, the incorporation of ingredients like soft gel calcium citrate in certain products may further enhance their appeal, emphasizing health benefits that consumers are increasingly seeking. As B&G continues to innovate with health-focused offerings, the presence of soft gel calcium citrate in their product lines could resonate well with health-conscious buyers. Overall, the combination of convenience, quality, and nutritional benefits positions B&G’s innovations as strong contenders in the competitive food market.