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Going Global Juices Cranberry Biz

Farmers raking it in after successful campaign to sell US berry to the world

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 27, 2008 6:44 AM CST
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(Newser) – America's cranberry farmers have turned sour times around with a push to bring the berry to the world, the New York Times reports. Eight years ago, farmers were faced with a glut of berries, but now, with almost a third of the crop being exported to nations who have been sold on the distinctly American taste, they can barely meet demand—even with this year's bumper crop.

Exports initially faced resistance. Spain didn't even have a word for it until it was dubbed "randano rojo,” or “red blueberry.” Foreign palates were won over with the help of a campaign from Ocean Spray—buyer of 70% of America's cranberry crop—stressing "cranberry mystique" and the berry's health-giving properties.

Cranberry harvester Mike Costa, of Taunton, Mass., uses a rake to push cranberries toward an underwater pump in a flooded cranberry bog in Carver, Mass., last year.
Cranberry harvester Mike Costa, of Taunton, Mass., uses a rake to push cranberries toward an underwater pump in a flooded cranberry bog in Carver, Mass., last year.   (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
A cranberry harvester uses a rake to settle cranberries in the back of a delivery truck as the fruit tumbles off a cleaning rack at a Massachusetts cranberry bog last year.
A cranberry harvester uses a rake to settle cranberries in the back of a delivery truck as the fruit tumbles off a cleaning rack at a Massachusetts cranberry bog last year.   (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Cranberry harvesters push berries corralled inside a floating rubber barrier toward an underwater pump in a flooded Massachusetts cranberry bog last year.
Cranberry harvesters push berries corralled inside a floating rubber barrier toward an underwater pump in a flooded Massachusetts cranberry bog last year.   (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
A berry farmer uses using a rake to pull in berries at a marsh near Warrens, Wis., last year.
A berry farmer uses using a rake to pull in berries at a marsh near Warrens, Wis., last year.   (AP Photo/Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association, Andy Manis)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
Shannonals
Dec 3, 2008 2:37 AM CST
I love Cranberries!!!
Guest
Nov 27, 2008 11:41 PM CST
I'm glad to see an American industry is doing well. :)

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Money • US

 
agriculture • farming • antioxidants • cranberries • Ocean Spray • US exports

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