Ocean Spray to acquire Atoka Cranberries in Quebec

US-based agricultural cooperative Ocean Spray Cranberries (Ocean Spray) has agreed to acquire Quebec’s cranberry processor Atoka Cranberries (Atoka) from The Bieler Group (Bieler Group) for an undisclosed price.

Ocean Spray will be acquiring Atoka’s brand and processing facility under the deal.

By acquiring Atoka, Ocean Spray intends to expand its footprint in the Quebec region, which is said to be one of the leading cranberry farming regions in the world.

The transaction is expected to be completed in the coming weeks.

Ocean Spray CEO Randy Papadellis said: “This is a strong investment for Ocean Spray and our 700 farmer-owners.

“Ocean Spray’s brand strength and global marketing reach, coupled with Atoka’s unique product portfolio and location, will benefit all of our farmers and expand the reach of the overall Quebec cranberry industry.”

With a workforce of nearly 130 employees, Atoka will become part of the Ocean Spray manufacturing network, which includes five food plants located in Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Washington, Lanco, and Chile.

Ocean Spray also operates four beverage facilities in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Nevada.

Going further, the agricultural cooperative intends to make further investments in the facilities to increase efficiency and improve yield.

Upon completion of the deal, Bieler Group will retain its cranberry-growing operations and will join the Ocean Spray cooperative as a farmer-owner.

Ocean Spray also intends to acquire Bieler Group’s freezer and receiving facilities in the near future.

The Bieler Group chairman and CEO Marc Bieler said: “The employees of Atoka and Ocean Spray share a similar culture of quality and customer focus, as well as a unique dedication to increasing demand for cranberries.

“Bringing together these two businesses is exciting and we look forward to joining Ocean Spray as a farmer-owner.”