Ocean Spray expands premium fruit juice offering, renewing its focus on health and wellness

11 Dec 2019 --- US agricultural cooperative Ocean Spray has launched three new unsweetened juices to their PureFruit Juice portfolio along with redesigned packaging. The new products are to be distributed throughout US Walmart stores this month. The Pure portfolio expansion and its ethos of using simple ingredients represent the cooperative’s continued focus on shaping the food system with health and wellness in focus.

Ocean Spray Pure fruit juices contain no added sugars, no artificial flavors, no preservatives, and are non-GMO.Pure will now be available in Pure Cranberry, Pure Tart Cherry, Pure White Grapefruit and Pure Concord Grape. The unsweetened juices can be served alone or added to smoothies or sparkling water for an extra health boost.

“By extending our portfolio of Pure unsweetened beverages, we are demonstrating our commitment to deliver a wide variety of juices that have the health benefits of the cranberry and other superfruits too,” Audrey Perkins, Global Corporate Communications Manager at Ocean Spray tells FoodIngredientsFirst. 

“We are expanding in health and wellness to grow our cooperative with a diversified portfolio. At Ocean Spray, we believe that food is medicine – that food is the single greatest tool for health and prosperity, to both prevent and treat chronic disease. We are dedicated to transforming the food system to one that sustainably provides affordable, accessible and nutritious food to people globally,” Perkins explains.

“A superfruit to be reckoned with”
The cranberry has a myriad of health benefits that Ocean Spray is working to make more known. “The cranberry is a superfruit to be reckoned with. Anti-inflammatory properties of the cranberry can prevent certain cancers and disease, and antioxidant polyphenols surpass that of blueberries,” says Perkins. “Cranberries are also the only fruit that contains Type-A proanthocyanidins, which prevent bacteria from sticking to cells in your body.” 

“We believe in the enormous potential of this fruit to diversify the Ocean Spray portfolio and support our farmers, as well as to promote a healthier food system. We are embracing an entrepreneurial, future-focused spirit,” she adds. 

Next year, Ocean Spray will be 90 years old,and, according to Perkins, the years ahead will see expansion in its sustainable health and wellness portfolio, finding new channels and opportunities for the superfruit and for its farmers, local communities and the planet.

Companies and consumers alike are recognizing that a healthier food system is essential for the health and wellness of people and the planet, not only for today but to nourish generations to come, Perkins notes. “Consumers, in particular, are putting their money where their mouths are. They are showing us that they care about their health through their purchasing power.”

Innovation plays a critical role in Ocean Spray’s mission and growth, she adds. “We are driving strategic and innovative growth for our cooperative. We are diversifying and growing our business for our farmers, our future generation of farmers, and to do our part to transform a broken food system into one that champions health and wellness,” Perkins affirms. 

Ocean Spray Pure Cranberry, Pure Tart Cherry, Pure White Grapefruit and Pure Concord Grape are currently available online and in 1,400 Walmart stores in the US and will roll out at other retailers in the country in January 2020. 

By Elizabeth Green