White Cranberry Concentrate Launched

12/05/06 Ocean Spray ITG claims to have launched the world’s first commercially available white cranberry concentrate. Harvested one month before the red colour of the cranberry develops, white cranberry concentrate has a lower acidity level than the traditional red berry and delivers a delicate colour and flavour profile. The concentrate’s attractive colour and mild taste allows it to combine well with other fruits, while retaining all the health properties of the North American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon).

Arun Hiranadani, senior manager, worldwide marketing at Ocean Spray ITG, explains: “As consumer enthusiasm for fruit-based beverages and smoothies intensifies, white cranberry concentrate opens up new possibilities to manufacturers.

“White cranberry concentrate can be incorporated into beverage products to create fresh new tastes, particularly appealing for children who can receive all the goodness of the traditional cranberry but with a milder flavour.”

Both the white and red cranberry have the same high PAC (proanthocyanidin) and antioxidant content, believed to be the key to the cranberry’s unique health properties. Scientific findings have already established the role of cranberry juice in fighting urinary tract infections, further boosted by last year’s important ruling by AFFSA, the French food safety authority, officially approving the cranberry as a healthy ingredient. Ocean Spray ITG is also supporting ongoing research into the functionality of the cranberry in relation to improved dental health, gut health, vision and anti-ageing.