Welch’s unveiled plans to sell its Concord grape juice concentrate on the European mainland for the first time.
 
Welch’s is one of America’s oldest juice companies with nearly 150 years’ experience of growing Concord grapes and transforming them into 100% grape juice. Today, grape is the 4th most popular 100% juice flavor in the U.S. Native to North America and grown by Welch’s nearly 1,000 family-farmer owners, the dark purple Concord grape is renowned for its distinctively sweet and bold flavor and is recognized as an American ‘superfruit.’
 
Under an exclusive distribution agreement with Netherlands-based Wild Juice, Concord grape juice concentrate will now be available for companies across the EMEA region for use in branded and private label beverages. The partnership will receive an official launch at the forthcoming Anuga trade show in Germany where Welch’s senior international team will share a booth with Wild Juice (Hall 8.1 D010 E019). 
 
The Concord grape is a plant nutrient powerhouse and its 100% juice has more polyphenols than many other commonly consumed juices. A recent publication also showed that Concord grape juice has a greater concentration of polyphenols than several ‘superfuit’ juices. According to this study, Concord grape juice delivers 13% more polyphenols than blueberry juice, 24% more than acai juice and 53% more than cranberry juice.
 
Research suggests that certain polyphenols may play a role in supporting a healthy heart, and the polyphenols in Concord grape juice are no exception. In fact, Concord grape juice delivers many of the same polyphenols— and many of the same heart-health benefits — as red wine. Nearly 20 years of research shows that Concord grape juice helps support a healthy heart. Additionally, a new study suggests that one way in which Concord grapes and grape juice may support a healthy heart is by promoting healthy circulation.
 
Wayne Lutomski, vice president international for Welch’s, said: “American consumers have enjoyed Welch’s Concord grape products since 1869. It’s part of the fabric of American society and its unique taste and health benefits are loved and recognised throughout North America and beyond. Now for the first time, thanks to our partnership with Wild Juice, we are able offer our Concord grape juice concentrates to beverage manufacturers and brands operating in mainland Europe. It’s a truly exciting development in the history of this wonderful juice.”
 
For more information: www.welchs.com