Ocean Spray

1930s

Three independent cranberry growers, and former competitors, Marcus L. Urann of the United Cape Cod Cranberry Company/Ocean Spray Preserving Company of South Hanson, Massachusetts; John Makepeace of Makepeace Preserving Company of Wareham, Massachusetts; and Elizabeth Lee of the Enoch F. Bills Company of New Egypt, New Jersey join forces to create a year-round market for their fruit through new and innovative products.

Ocean Spray launches the first cranberry juice cocktail, marking the beginning of the shelf-stable juice aisle in the US.

1940s

The Cooperative’s product line consists of Ocean Spray orange cranberry marmalade, Ocean Spray jellied cranberry sauce, Ocean Spray cranberry juice cocktail, Ocean Spray whole cranberry sauce, Ocean Spray Cran® dry mixer and dehydrated cranberries.

WWII impacts heavily on the cooperative. Sugar and tin are in short supply. Only a limited amount of sauce in glass jars is sold to civilian consumers. The bulk of the company’s crop is dehydrated, packed in cartons and sent to US troops overseas.

1950s

The cooperative begins its international journey with the opening of its first operation outside the US on December 14 1950. By 1958, Canadian growers are invited to join the cooperative.

Ocean Spray promotes Cranberry Juice Cocktail to institutional and medical facilities for use in treating urinary tract infections and other health disorders.1950. By 1958, Canadian growers are invited to join the cooperative.

1960s

Ocean Spray juice drinks are promoted as the perfect breakfast drink or as a cocktail mixer. The Cape Codder, a mixture of vodka and cranberry juice is one of the most frequently requested cocktails in restaurants and bars.

In 1963, the cooperative introduces the world’s first juice blend, CRANAPPLE®, a cranberry-apple juice drink. Cran-Grape follows shortly after, as well as the first low-calorie juice blend.

1970s

Ocean Spray organises a local cooperative of citrus growers from the Indian River region of Florida. Fresh Grapefruit and grapefruit juice cocktail are added to the Ocean Spray range.

Ocean Spray introduces their sauce collection to the UK, which quickly establishes itself as a regular alongside the Christmas turkey.

1980s

Ocean Spray’s ingredients division partners with the makers of cereals, bakery products, frozen food companies and baking mix makers to bring cranberries into new areas.

Cran-Raspberry®, Cran-Blueberry® and Ocean Spray pink grapefruit juice cocktail join the ever-growing portfolio of products.

1990s

Ocean Spray commits to expanding international sales, opening new offices in the UK and Australia. The Ocean Spray brand quickly becomes the fastest-growing juice drink in the UK.

Folklore no more.
A Harvard Medical research study is published substantiating the role cranberry juice plays in maintaining urinary tract health.

Cranberries steal the headlines in the UK as Delia Smith makes them the star of her BBC TV series and book, Winter Collection.

2000s

Craisins®, sweetened dried cranberries hit the shelves in the UK and become an instant success for both snacking and baking.

Cranberry Classic celebrates its 21st birthday in the UK. Growing sales prove it’s truly come of age. In a separate event, Ocean Spray celebrates the Cranberry Harvest by floating 5.3 million cranberries at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew Autumn Festival.

Ocean Spray introduces crisp, clean new packaging across the whole range in the UK, linking the various products together more closely.