Ocean Spray kicks off Cranergy promotion

Nike has consummate golfer Tiger Woods pushing its products. Dunkin' Donuts has Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon. And now, at least for a day, Ocean Spray Cranberries Inc. has Richard Simmons, a man of incomparable, if not indescribable, talents.

Ocean Spray, a $1.7 billion growers cooperative with headquarters in Lakeville and Middleborough, said it has kicked off a campaign that will offer more than a half a million free samples nationwide of its new Cranergy Energy Juice Drink, a naturally energizing beverage whose ingredients include fruit juice and green tea extract.

Ocean Spray said in a press release: "The effort will commence with the dynamic Richard Simmons, who will appear at the Cranergy Fuel Station that is being created in New York City's Penn Station on May 15, 2008. New York commuters can stop by to meet the fitness guru and fuel-up on natural energy at a life-size human filling station. The Cranergy Fuel Station attendants will pump over 35,000 samples from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Richard will be available to meet visitors and provide invigorating tips and advice from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m."

Also beginning in May, Ocean Spray said it will provide samples of Cranergy in select Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, Stop & Shop, Giant Foods, and other participating stores across the country.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)