Nestle, Ocean Spray Team To Sweeten Efficiencies

Compiled ByDeborah Austin Ocean Spray Cranberries Inc. and Nestle USA's Beverage Division plan to increase manufacturing and supply-chain efficiencies through a new long-term strategic operations alliance. Nestle will transition its manufacturing of Libby's Juicy Juice and Libby's Kerns Nectars to Ocean Spray facilities. The companies plan to collaborate on procuring common raw and packaging supplies, and pursue shared logistics. Capitalizing on each other's best practices should strengthen both firms' growth positioning in their juice category, says Mike Mitchell, president and general manager of Nestle USA - Beverage Division. A leadership team and an executive operating committee, which will be comprised of members from each company, will govern the alliance. Ocean Spray, Lakeville-Middleboro, Mass., is a grower-owned cooperative. Nestle USA, Glendale, Calif., is part of Swiss-based Nestle SA.