Category: Back to the People

Project title: Ocean Spray Grower Academy

Project type: Community Engagement or Social Impact Program

Relevant SDG(s):

• Goal 2: Zero Hunger
• Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• Goal 15: Life on Land
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Primary topic(s):

• Community Development and Engagement
• Sustainable Sourcing and Procurement
• Other: Strengthen the future of the cranberry industry, and the agricultural communities it suppor s

Relevant product(s): Dried Cranberries

Project end date: Ongoing Duration: 5 Years

Location: United States, Canada and Chile

Is this a multi-collaborative project? No

ABSTRACT:

Ocean Spray’s Grower Academy (OS Academy), launched in November 2020, is Ocean Spray’s grower‑focused education and leadership development program designed to strengthen the long‑term success of the cranberry industry, and the agricultural communities it supports. Created specifically for Ocean Spray grower‑owners, the Academy provides a structured yet adaptable learning experience that builds business acumen, deepens understanding of cooperative operations, and fosters the leadership capabilities needed to guide growers into the future. By investing in grower education, OS Academy reinforces Ocean Spray’s commitment to shared ownership, informed decision‑making, and collaborative leadership.

At its core, OS Academy equips participants with practical, relevant knowledge across the key functions that underpin Ocean Spray’s business. Coursework spans cooperative fundamentals, financial literacy, governance, strategy, sustainability, research and development, ingredients, manufacturing, and government affairs. Through this exposure, growers gain a clearer view of how the cooperative operates, how strategic decisions are made, and how various teams work on behalf of grower‑owners. Just as importantly, the program builds confidence and capability among growers who may aspire to take on broader leadership roles within the cooperative or their local grower communities.

The structure of OS Academy is intentionally flexible to meet the diverse needs of Ocean Spray’s grower base. Participants may choose to enroll in individual classes based on their interests or complete the full curriculum and graduate from the program. This “choose‑your‑own‑path” approach allows the Academy to serve new and seasoned growers alike, as well as multi‑generation family operations with varying schedules and experience levels. Classes are offered annually from November through May, pause during the harvest season, and culminate in a graduation ceremony held at Ocean Spray’s Annual Growers Meeting (AGM). To graduate, participants complete five required core courses and eight elective classes, ensuring both a strong foundational understanding and opportunities for deeper exploration of specific topics.

Since its launch, OS Academy has experienced steady growth and engagement. The program has delivered more than 25 classes taught by over 40 Ocean Spray instructors representing a wide range of functions and expertise. These instructors provide growers with direct access to the teams shaping industry strategy and day‑to‑day operations, creating transparency and strengthening trust. To date, OS Academy has celebrated 107 graduates and has enrolled its sixth cohort, including 37 new participants in the most recent year—an indicator of the program’s continued relevance and value.

Beyond formal instruction, OS Academy places a strong emphasis on connection, networking, and shared learning. The program has hosted four in‑person graduation ceremonies, along with networking events for current participants and alumni. Graduate‑level courses extend learning opportunities beyond initial completion, reinforcing the Academy as an ongoing development pathway rather than a one‑time experience. A formal mentorship program pairs growers across regions to promote relationship building, knowledge sharing, and peer support. In addition, special in‑person OS Academy sessions at past AGMs have allowed participants to engage directly with industry leaders.

Accessibility is a defining feature of OS Academy. All classes are offered virtually and recorded, enabling participation across multiple time zones and countries and ensuring equitable access regardless of geography or seasonal constraints. This delivery model, combined with the flexible curriculum structure, makes the program adaptable to a broad range of grower circumstances.

The impact of OS Academy is evident in its growing participation, expanding instructor involvement, and the strong alumni network forming across the cooperative. Guided by continuous grower feedback, the program continues to evolve and is now recognized as a central element of Ocean Spray’s commitment to developing informed, connected, and future‑ready leaders of the cranberry community.

OBJECTIVES:

OS Academy aims to develop future leaders for the cooperative, cranberry industry, agriculture, and local communities. The program provides growers with accessible education on key cooperative, financial, and operational topics. Growers can participate at their own pace—either selecting individual classes of interest or completing all program requirements to graduate. Classes run November through May, pause for harvest, and conclude with graduation at the Annual Growers Meeting. Graduation requires completion of five required courses and eight electives, ensuring both foundational knowledge and flexible, relevant learning.

IMPACT AND OUTCOMES:

Since its launch in 2020, OS Academy has delivered meaningful and measurable impact across Ocean Spray’s cooperative by investing in the education, engagement, and leadership development of its grower-owners. What began as an initiative to strengthen growers’ understanding of the cooperative has evolved into a foundational program that supports long-term business knowledge, leadership readiness, and deeper connection across regions and generations. Today, OS Academy stands as a cornerstone of Ocean Spray’s commitment to developing informed, confident, and future-focused grower leaders.

To date, OS Academy has graduated 107 growers representing a diverse cross-section of Ocean Spray’s cooperative. Participants span multiple regions, farm sizes, and experience levels—from newer growers seeking to better understand the industry to seasoned operators looking to expand their leadership capacity. This diversity enriches the learning experience, as growers bring different perspectives, operational realities, and regional insights into classroom discussions. By learning together, participants gain a broader understanding of the cooperative as a system rather than just their individual operations within it.

Since launch, the program has delivered more than 25 classes taught by over 40 Ocean Spray instructors drawn from across the organization. These instructors represent key functional areas including operations, product development, ingredients, sustainability, finance, research and development, manufacturing, and government affairs. This direct access to subject matter experts allows growers to engage with the teams working on their behalf and ask questions that connect strategy to on-farm realities. As a result, growers gain greater visibility into how decisions are made, how priorities are balanced, and how different functions depend on one another to support long-term cooperative success. This cross-functional exposure strengthens growers’ business literacy and builds trust through transparency.

Now entering its sixth cohort, OS Academy continues to demonstrate sustained growth and relevance. The program enrolled 37 new participants this year, reflecting consistent interest and positive word-of-mouth within the grower community. This continued enrollment highlights the program’s ability to adapt to evolving grower needs, shifting industry dynamics, and changing operational demands. The curriculum is refined through ongoing feedback, ensuring that content remains practical, timely, and aligned with the realities growers face.

In-person engagement remains an important part of the Academy’s impact. Four in-person graduation ceremonies have been held to date, reinforcing the value Ocean Spray places on education, personal growth, and leadership development. These celebrations recognize participants’ commitment while also creating meaningful opportunities for growers to build relationships beyond their local regions. Graduations and related events allow growers to connect with peers they may not otherwise meet and to engage directly with Ocean Spray leadership in a shared learning environment.

OS Academy also extends beyond traditional classroom experiences to foster connection and community. Monthly “coffee chats” with senior leaders provide participants with informal opportunities to learn about leadership paths, organizational priorities, and strategic decision-making. These sessions encourage open dialogue, curiosity, and mutual understanding between growers and leadership. In addition, the mentorship program pairs growers across regions, helping strengthen relationships while supporting knowledge sharing and professional growth. For newer growers, mentorship builds confidence and a sense of belonging; for experienced growers, it offers a way to share expertise and give back to the cooperative. Together, these connections reinforce Ocean Spray’s shared ownership culture.

Overall, the impact of OS Academy is evident in its growing alumni network, increased cross-functional awareness among growers, expanding internal instructor engagement, and a heightened sense of connectivity across the cooperative. Graduates leave with deeper business knowledge, broader perspectives, and stronger relationships that extend well beyond the program itself. As OS Academy continues to evolve, it remains a critical investment in the future strength, resilience, and leadership of Ocean Spray’s grower-owners.

In what ways is the project innovative?

OS Academy is innovative because it provides flexible, accessible education designed specifically for growers. All classes are virtual and recorded to accommodate participants in different time zones and countries. Growers can take individual classes or pursue full program graduation, allowing for personalized learning paths. The mentorship program pairs growers across regions to share expertise and strengthen cooperative ties. This combination of virtual access, flexible structure, and cross regional mentorship makes OS Academy a modern and effective approach to cooperative development.

More information:

See page 49 of our Sustainability Report Sustainability Report | Ocean Spray