Ocean Spray eyes Japanese Growth with Foxmark Partnership

Foxmark Inc., a management services firm, will act as a specialist advisory team, supporting Ocean Spray’s existing long term partnerships with Shoei Foods Corporation and Kanematsu Food Corporation.

02/06/09 Ocean Spray’s Ingredient Technology Group has entered into a new strategic partnership in Japan to help identify and drive further growth for its cranberry ingredients in the country. Foxmark Inc., a management services firm, will act as a specialist advisory team, supporting Ocean Spray’s existing long term partnerships with Shoei Foods Corporation and Kanematsu Food Corporation.

Rick Estabrook, manager Asia-Pacific business development, Ocean Spray ITG, commented: “We’ve already made important inroads into the Japanese market in a number of industry sectors, including beverages, bakery, dairy and health and nutrition. Foxmark’s long experience and in-depth knowledge of the nuances of the business landscape in Japan will help guide us and our existing partners as to the best ways to build on this initial success.”

Ocean Spray’s cranberry ingredients are experiencing substantial growth around the world, with noteworthy success in the Asia Pacific region in recent years. Valued for their versatility, sweetened dried cranberries (SDC) and the innovative BerryFusions Fruits are proving popular choices, bringing colour and taste to a wide range of food applications, often adding a modern twist to traditional local favourites. The cranberry’s documented health benefits provide an added selling point for many products, responding to the continuing prominence of the health and wellness trend in the region.

Ocean Spray ITG is part of Ocean Spray. Ocean Spray in the US currently ranks as one of the top 50 food and beverage companies. In Europe, combined sales of branded products and ITG ingredients have topped $100 million. Ocean Spray ITG offers an extensive portfolio of fruit ingredients including sweetened dried cranberries, BerryFusions Fruits, cranberry powders and purée – all available year round.