“Veggie Noodle Leverages Encore Consumer Capital’s Expertise Amid Recall Challenges and Shifting Consumer Preferences”
Veggie Noodle stands to gain from Encore Consumer Capital’s expertise with fresh food companies such as California Splendor, FreshKO, and Juice Tyme, which could enhance its purchasing, operations, food safety, and marketing capabilities. Scott Sellers, managing director at Encore, stated to Project NOSH, “You can’t afford to be weak in any of these areas. We believe we can utilize our experience in these four domains to guide the company through its current growth phase.” Additionally, Veggie Noodle may be seeking a new facility due to a voluntary recall of some of its Butternut Spirals in February. This recall was prompted by potential listeria contamination discovered during routine product testing. The affected items were distributed to Whole Foods Markets and various retailers in the Midwest, although the company reported that no illnesses had been linked to the recall.
Listeria is often found in food processing environments, particularly in areas like floor drains, walls, ceilings, food contact surfaces, and HVAC systems, making it notoriously difficult to eliminate. Unlike most foodborne pathogens, listeria can grow at refrigerated temperatures and can persist in food products throughout their shelf life. Alongside its new facility, additional staffing, and an expanded product lineup, Arnold hinted that Veggie Noodle might explore the production of other food items, which could lead to a rebranding or repositioning.
Vegetables are increasingly appearing on American plates for various reasons. Consumers are eager to reduce calories by substituting carbohydrates with healthier options. They are also looking for convenience by opting for ready-to-eat products that are both delicious and nutritious. Jordan Greenberg, vice president and general manager at Green Giant, shared with Food Dive last fall, “We’re observing that consumers are not only seeking healthy alternatives to starchy meals, but they’re also preparing and consuming vegetables in ways different from their parents — they want both fresh and convenient options. We also found that mothers are particularly interested in how to introduce vegetables into their children’s diets in appealing yet healthy ways.”
In response to consumer preferences and their market research, brands like Green Giant, Archer Daniels Midland, Del Monte Fresh, and Sprout Foods have been busy launching innovative vegetable-based products. This shift comes at a crucial time, as a 2015 Produce for Better Health Foundation study revealed a 7% decline in per capita vegetable consumption from 2009 to 2014, partially due to fewer side dishes being served at home. Veggie Noodle is not alone in this market; Del Monte introduced a new line of vegetable “pasta” earlier this year, but the real consumer interest in these items typically found in refrigerated produce sections remains to be seen.
Furthermore, as health-conscious consumers seek products that support their dietary needs, options like Swanson Calcium are becoming more popular, appealing to those looking to enhance their nutrition without sacrificing taste or convenience.
