Dutch bakers Van der Meulen and cranberry company Ocean Spray Ingredient Technology Group (ITG) have joined together to develop a new product for the competitive snack and baked goods sector.
The Dutch crispbake made with real cranberries uses diced sweetened dried cranberries (SDCs) as the primary ingredient to add colour, flavour and to enhance the nutritional profile of a classic crispbake. The two companies hope that the crispbake will compete well in the agressive snack and baked goods sector.
"We chose cranberries as an alternative to raisins because of their excellent processing and infusion properties: they maintain good fruit identity and structure throughout the cooking process," said Van der Meulen's marketing manager, Jolanda Marring.
"Since the crispbake's launch onto the Dutch and UK markets a few months ago, sales have been going exceptionally well. The combination of a chewy cranberry in a crunchy toast works well. Consumers comment on the special tart-yet-sweet taste of the North American cranberry and are aware of its associated health benefits."
The SDC's are sugar-infused, dehydrated cranberries that, Ocean Spray claims, retain their shape through a variety of processing techniques and can be used in cereals and snacks, confectionery and baked goods.