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Ocean Spray Cranberries has announced that president and chief executive officer Tom Hayes will retire on 2 March 2026, following more than five years in the role.

Hayes joined Ocean Spray in 2020, bringing decades of industry experience and a mandate to modernise the nearly 100-year-old farmer-owned cooperative.

Before joining Ocean Spray, Hayes built a more than 30-year career leading some of the food industry’s most recognisable brands. His executive roles included leadership positions at Tyson Foods, Hillshire Brands, Sara Lee, ConAgra and Kraft Foods. He currently serves on the boards of Maple Leaf Foods and Basic American Foods.

Hayes said: "The decision to retire is never easy, but I step down knowing this cooperative and brand are stronger than ever".

During his tenure, Ocean Spray delivered consistent year-over-year results and continued to evolve its brand and innovation pipeline.

“More than just business performance, [Hayes'] legacy is the team he shaped, leaders and employees united in their commitment to the farmer-owners that make up this historic brand cooperative,” Peter Dhillon, Ocean Spray’s board chairman, commented.

Ocean Spray’s board of directors has initiated a comprehensive search for Hayes’ successor. In the interim, he will remain in an advisory role to the board until a new CEO is appointed.

Founded in 1930, Ocean Spray is a global agricultural cooperative owned by approximately 700 family farmers across the US, Canada and Chile.