Ocean Spray exec spotlights nutritional properties and color potential of cranberry seeds

15 Jul 2020 --- Ocean Spray, the agricultural cooperative owned by over 700 farmer families, has launched Cranberry Seeds as an addition to the portfolio. According to the company, Cranberry Seeds are the only red seed ready for consumption and can withstand high-temperature processing. FoodIngredientsFirst caught up with Courtney Hendrickson, Director of Innovation at Ocean Spray Professional Ingredients during IFT, who discussed the latest innovation.

“The market is ripe for Cranberry Seeds,” says Hendrickson. “Consumers are eating more plant-based diets for ethical, environmental and health reasons. They are looking for ways to increase their consumption of natural nutrients – Cranberry Seeds are a source of powerful antioxidants, and good for both digestive and heart health.”

“Cranberry Seeds are also a nutritional powerhouse and have a vibrant color for endless applications, such as snacking, bakery, salads, smoothies and cereals. They are a natural part of the cranberry and have a 24-month shelf life when stored correctly,” she explains.

Notably, the seeds are a byproduct of cranberry production. By making them usable, the cooperative can utilize the entire fruit – a further step towards sustainability for Ocean Spray, according to Hendrickson. 

“We’re excited about the launch and we look forward to using our agility to continue to adapt and connect with customers,” she says

Last month, Ocean Spray unveiled its latest campaign, “Ocean Spray X Nature,” highlighting its commitment to sustainable processes and regenerative agriculture. The TV ad supports the cooperatives’ mission to continue connecting farms to families for a better life and spotlights the passion and care with which Ocean Spray farmers grow their fruit.

Meanwhile, in May, Ocean Spray and Germany-based Foodist joined forces to launch a new Crunchy Cranberry snack “with the speed of a start-up.” Ocean Spray reportedly sought out Foodist to promote cranberries on the German market. Using Foodist’s “turbo test lab,” its access to target groups and its growing e-commerce platform, the snack was brought to market in accelerated time, taking about six months to complete.

In April, the company became the first fruit cooperative worldwide to farm an entirely sustainably grown crop by the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative Platform.

By Elizabeth Green