Ocean Spray (cooperative)

Introduction

Ocean Spray (cooperative) is an American agricultural cooperative of growers of cranberries and grapefruit headquartered in Plymouth County, Massachusetts. It currently has over 700 member growers (as of 2013) in six states (Massachusetts, Wisconsin, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington, and Florida). The cooperative employs about 2,000 people, with sales of $1.2 billion in fiscal year 2013.

History

Ocean Spray was formed in 1930, by three cranberry growers with a simple love of cranberries. Led by lawyer and grower Marcus L. Urann, the three began coming up with new and innovative products made from cranberries. Since then, the cooperative has grown to more than 700 grower families all across North America.

Products

Ocean Spray is known for its line of juices, juice blends, and, after a large investment in research and development, an expanding line of cranberry-based health products. The cooperative also produces and sells a wide variety of other products, including fruit snacks, spread, sauce, and fresh fruit.

Governance

Ocean Spray is governed by a board of directors that includes 15 growers and 3 independent directors. All board members are elected by the cooperative's grower-owners, and each member has one vote. The board sets overall strategic direction and corporate policy, and hires the CEO.

Sustainability

Ocean Spray is committed to sustainable agriculture and business practices. The cooperative has a number of sustainability initiatives in place, including water and energy conservation, waste reduction, and sustainable farming practices.

See Also

• Cranberry
• Agricultural cooperative
• Plymouth County, Massachusetts

References

• Ocean Spray. (2013). Annual Report. Retrieved from http://www.oceanspray.com
• Ocean Spray. (2013). Sustainability Report. Retrieved from http://www.oceanspray.com

External Links

• Official Website