Ocean Spray introduces new juice box

Ocean Spray (Lakefield-Middleboro, MA), which brought the first juice box to consumers in the U.S., is introducing Crantastics, a cranberry juice drink box designed specifically for children.

Tested with kids and packaged in convenient, slim boxes, the product features three, vitamin-fortified juice drink flavors including Cranberry Punch, Cranberry Grape and Cranberry Orange. The 6.8-oz "slim boxes" also are said to be easier for little hands to grab and hold and fit more easily into lunch boxes.

"Moms asked for a healthier product they can give to their on-the-go kids, and Ocean Spray has answered with Crantastics," said Jennifer Dimler, associate brand manager, Ocean Spray. "The great taste, colorful packaging and fun size were a big hit with kids in tests, and moms will feel good about giving their kids a healthier alternative to soda."

All three flavors are fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, including 130% of the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin C and added calcium. Ocean Spray also claims that Crantastics contain as much as twice the real fruit juice per serving as the leading juice box brands.

The new product will be available in test markets from Maine to Virginia starting in September 2000, with nationwide distribution as early as spring 2001. The suggested retail price for Crantastics is $2.69 for a multi-pack of eight juice boxes.

Edited by Scott Hegenbart