LAKEVILLE-MIDDLEBORO, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Walt Disney Company and Ocean Spray® – two iconic American brands that have captured families’ imaginations and appetites for more than 80 years each – today announced the debut of the first cranberry bog exhibit at Walt Disney World® Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., during the 2011 Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival from Sept. 30 to Nov. 13.
For cranberry lovers visiting the popular theme park this fall, dreams really do come true as Florida natives and vacationers alike will have the opportunity to be inspired and enlightened by Ocean Spray growers and Disney cast members stationed at the experience, filled with more than 1,500 lbs. of cranberries. In addition, Ocean Spray® Craisins® Dried Cranberries, the official fruit snack of the Walt Disney World® and Disneyland® Resorts, will be sampled bogside from on-site kiosks.
From Sept. 30 until Oct. 2, third, fourth and fifth generation Ocean Spray cranberry growers will share the majestic beauty and mystique of the cranberry harvest. With the help of Chef Ming Tsai – host of public television’s Emmy-nominated “Simply Ming” and chef/owner of the award-winning restaurant Blue Ginger – consumers will learn about the unlimited versatility of the cranberry via a cooking demo for park attendees of all ages.
“Three quarters of Americans have never heard of a cranberry bog, never mind witnessed the beauty of the cranberry harvest firsthand,” said Ken Romanzi, Ocean Spray’s chief operating officer, North America. “Through our sponsorship with Disney, we are thrilled to educate a whole new group of people who might not otherwise understand the journey of their favorite Ocean Spray products, like Ocean Spray® Craisins® Dried Cranberries, from the bog to their favorite recipes.”
Ming Tsai Adds Flavor to Disney
On Oct. 11, Chef Ming Tsai will make a special appearance to whip up an array of worldly cranberry creations celebrating the versatility of the cranberry and the many cuisines and cultures celebrated in the World Showcase at Epcot®.
“I am very excited to dive into the adventure of the Epcot® theme park and inspire families with a seasonal fruit every generation can relate to,” said Tsai, “I use Ocean Spray® Craisins® Dried Cranberries every day in my kitchen back home and am amazed by the breadth of versatility of the cranberry throughout the restaurants at Disney.”
About the Sponsorship
Consumers visiting the Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival are encouraged to explore how chefs from every continent use Ocean Spray® Craisins® Dried Cranberries to enhance the full flavor of their dishes. Ocean Spray® Craisins® Dried Cranberries are being offered at various retail locations throughout the Walt Disney World® and Disneyland® Resorts, including theme parks, cruise ships, meeting rooms and hotels. The product is highlighted in special signature salads, cranberry muffins and sold in fruit cart stands and kiosks inside the theme parks.
Ocean Spray’s cranberry bog display provides a distinctive backdrop to showcase Disney as the experts in educational, creative, family fun through these interactive opportunities with Ocean Spray growers and Chef Ming Tsai.
Today, a majority of the Disney licensed food portfolio consists of healthier options, including produce and low-fat dairy. Ocean Spray® Craisins® Dried Cranberries are made from real fruit, are naturally fat-free, cholesterol-free and a good source of fiber.
About Ocean Spray
Ocean Spray is an agricultural cooperative owned by more than 700 cranberry growers in Massachusetts, Wisconsin, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and other parts of Canada as well as more than 50 Florida grapefruit growers. Ocean Spray was formed 80 years ago by three cranberry growers from Massachusetts and New Jersey. Florida grapefruit growers joined the Cooperative in 1976. Ocean Spray is North America’s leading producer of canned and bottled juices and juice drinks, and has been the best-selling brand name in the canned and bottled juice category since 1981. Ocean Spray posted fiscal 2010 gross sales of $2.05 billion and net proceeds of $340 million.
About Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts are where families experience and enjoy the magic of Disney’s beloved characters and where dreams come true. More than 50 years ago, Walt Disney created a new kind of entertainment families could experience together, immersed in detailed atmospheres and vibrant storytelling. His vision now includes a collection of five of the world’s leading family vacation destinations - Disneyland Resort, Anaheim, Calif.; Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Fla.; Tokyo Disney Resort, Urayasu, Chiba, Japan; Disneyland Resort Paris, Marne-la-Vallée, France; and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, located on Lantau Island. In addition, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts includes the world-class Disney Cruise Line; Disney Vacation Club, with more than 450,000 members; Adventures by Disney, a guided group vacation experience to some of the world’s most popular destinations; and Walt Disney Imagineering, which creates and designs all Disney parks, resorts and attractions.