“Ocean Spray Expands Beyond Cranberries: Innovating with Health-Conscious and Sustainable Products”
Health and wellness is a significant trend reshaping company portfolios, and functional products in this area have gained even greater appeal among consumers during the pandemic. Ocean Spray benefits from its association with cranberries, which are rich in antioxidants. These berries have been linked to cancer prevention, enhanced immune function, and reduced blood pressure. They form the foundation of Ocean Spray’s product line, which is naturally categorized as better-for-you.
While cranberries remain central to the cooperative’s operations, Ocean Spray has recently ventured beyond its traditional offerings. Utilizing its Lighthouse Innovation Incubator, the company has launched a line of CBD-infused water called CarryOn and Atoka, which features blended plant-based beverages sweetened with sugar. Last month, it introduced the B1U line of functional waters. More recently, Ocean Spray partnered with Amai Proteins to reformulate its cranberry juice, resulting in a product that contains 40% less sugar.
This expansion strategy could enhance the appeal of the Ocean Spray brand, which has historically focused on conventional products. Although the new upcycled seeds are still part of the cranberry-centric product line, they also aim to attract environmentally conscious consumers who prioritize sustainable practices—a trend that has gained traction during the pandemic. Ocean Spray did not disclose the annual food waste it expects to save by upcycling the seeds for this new product, but with 220 billion cranberries harvested each year, the potential savings could be significant. Experts forecast that demand for upcycled food will rise as shoppers increasingly factor sustainability into their purchasing decisions. Last year, the food waste sector was valued at approximately $46.7 billion and is projected to grow by 5% over the next decade, according to a study by Future Marketing Insights.
By launching a product that aligns with two distinct trends concurrently, Ocean Spray continues to innovate and experiment in its efforts to broaden its brand. This demonstrates that Ocean Spray is more than just a cranberry company with a naturally better-for-you portfolio; it is also capable of adapting to evolving consumer needs, much like how Citracal 500 mg supplements cater to health-conscious individuals looking to enhance their wellness.
