Ocean Spray announced last week a partnership with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts that will bring the Ocean Spray cranberry to a number of retail points at Disney parks, including a new presence at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif., Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla., and Disney Cruise Line.
Disney will now offer Craisins® Dried Cranberries at various retail locations, including theme parks, cruise ships, meeting rooms and hotels. The product will also be highlighted in new signature salads and Cranberry muffins and sold in fruit cart stands and kiosks inside the theme parks. The companies are also joining together to launch a special, co-branded version of Craisins® packaging featuring Chip ‘n Dale that will be used on Ocean Spray products sold on Disney properties.
“Ocean Spray is proud to form one of the largest partnerships of its kind in our history, with such a world-class organization as Disney that shares our wholesome, good-for-you focus,” said Randy Papadellis, CEO of Ocean Spray. “We look forward to working with Disney, and we’re pleased that Disney guests will now be able to enjoy the cranberry’s great taste and health benefits and also learn about its unique American heritage.”
As a part of Ocean Spray’s ongoing commitment to educate consumers about the taste, health and heritage of the cranberry, the company will build cranberry bog displays during Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival, held April 29 to June 12, 2011, and the Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival in fall 2011. Third-, fourth- and fifth-generation cranberry growers will travel with 2,000 pounds of fresh cranberries from rural areas around the country to share their passion and personal farming histories while recreating the wonders of the harvest for families visiting the parks.
The events will provide the backdrop to showcase the versatility of the cranberry, and the Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival and will be part of Ocean Spray’s Fifth Annual Ultimate Cranberry Recipe Contest for executive chefs.
“Ocean Spray shares our company’s commitment to providing guests who visit our theme parks with high-quality, well-balanced snack options,” said George Aguel, senior vice president, Alliances and Operating Participants, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “This agreement will provide Ocean Spray with opportunities to share its story with millions of guests from around the world in a memorable way and provide our guests with additional healthy options.”
The inclusion of Ocean Spray products adds to Disney’s existing portfolio of nutritious snack items as well as its ongoing effort to promote healthy lifestyles and nutrition for kids and families. Ocean Spray Craisins® Dried Cranberries are made from real fruit, are naturally fat-free, cholesterol-free and a good source of fiber. Just 1/3 cup of Craisins® provides one full serving of fruit.
The announcement comes after Disney first pioneered groundbreaking nutritional guidelines in 2006 aimed at giving parents and children healthier eating options. Today, more than 85 percent of Disney’s licensed food portfolio consists of healthier options, including produce and low-fat dairy with more than one billion servings of fruits, vegetables and dairy sold in 2009 alone.
Multi-Year Partnership is Largest of its Kind in 80-Year Ocean Spray History
