Bösch Boden Spies is expanding its dried fruit product portfolio with an exclusive deal to supply Ocean Spray’s Beyond Cranberries range throughout continental Europe. The new line initially includes sweetened dried sour cherries, cultivated blueberries and black currants from regional cultivation. 

The portfolio expansion builds on Bösch Boden Spies’ long-standing cranberry partnership with Ocean Spray, strengthening its position as a B2B supplier for the food industry and retailers in Europe.

“This step is a clear commitment to the European market and our customers. At the same time, Ocean Spray is opening a new chapter in its traditional single product strategy,” says Dirk Schmidt, managing partner and co-CEO of Bösch Boden Spies, who is responsible for the newly created value-added processing service area.

The companies note that the deal will create “a new quality standard in the category of infused dried fruits.” 

The right processing 
Ocean Spray has contributed its extensive processing expertise to the expansion of its strategic partnership with Bösch Boden Spies. 

Ocean Spray has closely supported the expansion of fruit processor Zarecki Foods in Poland in recent months to ensure high global quality standards.

Bösch Boden Spies is working in close cooperation with Zarecki Foods, in which the B2B ingredients supplier has held a stake since September 2020.

“We are looking forward to working with Bösch Boden Spies and Zarecki Foods on this strategic project, which will significantly expand our product portfolio in Europe,” says Lee Doleman, general manager of ingredients EMEA at Ocean Spray. 

“This is an opportunity for our historic brand to expand our portfolio to include more infused dried fruits based on raw ingredients of safe European origin, leveraging Zarecki Foods’ production facilities.”

Berry strategic 
Fruit ingredients have gained interest from consumers as demand for natural products continues to play an important role in purchasing decisions. 

Berries, in particular those with dark, rich colors, may signal health benefits to consumers seeking products to boost their immune system. 

Last December, Ocean Spray unveiled its upcycled cranberry seeds as a zero-waste ingredient that offers 1.6 times the amount of fiber found in chia and flax seeds, which helps support digestive health.