Graceland Fruit, a producer of dried fruit, expanded its operations through an alliance with Wisconsin-based Cranberry Growers Cooperative (CranGrow) that allows it to staff and operate a new, state-of-the-art processing plant in Warrens, Wisc.
 
Graceland Fruit purchases Wisconsin cranberries to manufacture dried cranberries in its Frankfort, Michigan facilities. The overwhelming success of global sales of its dried cranberries has led to demand outpacing its current production capacity. The CranGrow alliance provides Graceland Fruit with increased manufacturing capacity to support its global growth plans and provides CranGrow members/growers access to worldwide markets through Graceland Fruit’s well-established sales network.
 
“We have established invaluable relationships in the marketplace, as well as a strong sales force that has resulted in demand outpacing our current manufacturing capacity.  In 2017, CranGrow opened a new, modern production facility, and will benefit from a more established market.  So, it made sense to work together to meet mutual goals,” said Graceland Fruit CEO Al DeVore.
 
DeVore said Graceland Fruit’s manufacturing capacity will increase by approximately 30% with the addition of the 50,000 square foot Warrens processing facility. Graceland now boasts 285,000 square feet of manufacturing space combined in Warrens and Frankfort.
 
CranGrow will remain an independent grower cooperative that supplies Graceland Fruit. All 61 current CranGrow employees at the Warrens facility will become Graceland Fruit employees, increasing the company’s total employment to approximately 275.
 
“We’re excited to begin this alliance that will greatly benefit both CranGrow and Graceland Fruit,” said CranGrow Board Chair Linda Prehn.  “Graceland Fruit is a world leader in the production of dried cranberries.  By combining our resources in Wisconsin with Graceland’s manufacturing expertise and global sales network, we are establishing a solid future for growers, employees and the community.”
 
Graceland Fruit and CranGrow have been working together to create a seamless transition and integration plan. “Members of Graceland Fruit’s research and development, technical and quality staffs are working hand-in-hand at the Wisconsin facility to assist the team in implementing Graceland Fruit’s rigorous standards – ensuring that the new facility produces the consistent quality customers have come to expect from Graceland Fruit products,” added DeVore.
 
Graceland Fruit

Cranberry Growers Cooperative (CranGrow)