. . . an alternate way to navigate the "berry bake"

If your craft beverage brand uses berry ingredients, you're probably aware of the crisis: historic heatwaves and wildfires in the Pacific Northwest devastated U.S. berry crops in 2021. According to Northwest Public Broadcasting, as much as 90% of the raspberry crop could be damaged in this "berry bake," with prices predicted to quadruple for anyone lucky enough to access supply at all.

In the aftermath, you might be wondering: what does this mean for my berry-flavored beverage? What action should I be taking?

One potential solution: berry-flavored craft concentrate blends.

Old Orchard's bulk supply program specializes in juice concentrate blends that mimic straight concentrate profiles while requiring less berry concentrate overall, lowering the price point. Our typical berry formula contains Apple Juice Concentrate + Berry Concentrate + Natural Flavors + Natural Source of Color. In other words, our blends achieve similar results to straight concentrates, but with more consistent quality and affordable pricing in a volatile market.

"We're trying to remove those barriers to entry," says Sy Linsley, the manager of Old Orchard's bulk supply program. "We've been able to help so many breweries [and other beverage categories]—especially since COVID —who would have been priced right out of the fruit beer market with straight concentrates or purées. We don't even require minimums. When we can help breweries of all sizes that way, it's a small part to play but it's meaningful. The beer must go on."

Curious? Use the links below to contact us or create an account!  We look forward to becoming your fruit ingredient supplier. 

Syrah "Sy" Linsley is the manager of Old Orchard's bulk supply program, which primarily serves the craft beverage industry with craft juice concentrates. Her passion for fruit-forward beverage evolved from the three years she spent as a fruitarian (only eating fruit) as well as the few years she worked in product development and fermentation. The highlight of Sy's day is to connect with craft beverage makers, so don't be shy: schedule a "Taproom Chat" or hear back from her through our contact form.

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