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Demand Juices Cranberry Prices

Who knew? Fruit has become darling of health food fans

By Lucas Laursen,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 21, 2007 11:19 AM CST

(Newser) – Cranberries have become so popular with health-conscious consumers that processors are struggling to keep up with demand, and fresh berries are expected to run out before Christmas, reports the Wall Street Journal. Poor weather—unusually warm and not enough rain—have contributed to rising prices for the "wonderberry."

Cranberries contain anti-oxidants, help fight urinary tract infections, and bear seeds that reportedly contain beneficial fatty acids. Juicemakers expect consumers will be paying at least 10% more in coming months. Ocean Spray, an 800-member cooperative,  controls 70% of the cranberry market.

Cranberry harvesters Matt Costa, left, of Taunton, Mass., and Peter Wainio, of Carver, Mass., second from left, use rakes to push cranberries toward an underwater pump in a flooded cranberry bog, in Carver, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2007. Cranberries, native to North America, are corralled inside a floating rubber barrier.  (AP...
Cranberry harvesters Matt Costa, left, of Taunton, Mass., and Peter Wainio, of Carver, Mass., second from left, use rakes to push cranberries toward an underwater pump in a flooded cranberry bog, in Carver,...   (Associated Press)
Ocean Spray cranberry growers Gary and Steve Gant showcase the beauty of the cranberry harvest with thousands of fresh cranberries at the Bogs Across America event at Los Angeles' Hollywood & Highland Center. The 2,000 square foot cranberry bog is open to the public through Saturday, Nov. 17. (Feature...
Ocean Spray cranberry growers Gary and Steve Gant showcase the beauty of the cranberry harvest with thousands of fresh cranberries at the Bogs Across America event at Los Angeles' Hollywood & Highland...   (Associated Press)
In this photo provided by the Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association shows Paul Frey using a rake to pull in berries at a marsh near Warrens, Wis., Friday, Oct. 5, 2007. The largest producer, Ocean Spray Cranberries, has seen its foreign business grow by double-digit percentages each year for more...
In this photo provided by the Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association shows Paul Frey using a rake to pull in berries at a marsh near Warrens, Wis., Friday, Oct. 5, 2007. The largest producer, Ocean...   (Associated Press)
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