Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc., the Lakeville, Massachusetts-headquartered agricultural cooperative owned by approximately 700 family farmers in the United States, Canada and Chile, has appointed Abigail Buckwalter as its new president and chief executive officer. Bringing some 20 years of experience across consumer-packaged goods and healthcare to the job, she comes to Ocean Spray from Nestlé Health Science US, having led the organization of more than 6,000 people for the past three years as chief executive.
“Abigail is a transformational leader, and we are thrilled to welcome her to Ocean Spray. She brings both the global business experience needed to drive growth and the instincts to build brands that last,” said Peter P. Dhillon, chairman of the board.
Buckwalter was instrumental in shaping the direction and impact of Nestlé Health Science. In roles across Europe, Oceania, and North America, she cultivated a deep understanding of diverse business environments, along with a resilient, execution-focused mindset. She has led strategic portfolio reviews, guided successful business turnarounds, enhanced operational efficiencies, and accelerated innovation pipelines that have driven market share gains and profitable growth.
The new president and chief executive officer holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin and an MBA from Columbia University in New York. Buckwalter is the recipient of the University of Wisconsin School of Journalism and Mass Communication’s 2026 Distinguished Service Award.
About Ocean Spray
In 1930, Ocean Spray was founded by three maverick farmers. Today the cooperative’s cranberries show up in more than a thousand products consumed in over 100 countries worldwide, including frozen whole and sliced ingredients in ice cream and smoothies as well as baked goods toppings and fruit preparations.
