An iconic Massachusetts producer of cranberries, the world’s largest manufacturer of law-enforcement badges and a German printer of home d̩cor patterns were named winners today of the 2014 AIM International Business Council Global Trade Awards

Ocean Spray Cranberries Inc. of Lakeville/Middleboro, V.H. Blackinton & Company Inc. of Attleboro Falls, and Interprint Inc. of Pittsfield, will be honored during the 2014 Associated Industries of Massachusetts Annual Meeting on May 9 in Waltham.  The meeting will include a keynote address by Jonathan Kraft, President of The Kraft Group and The New England Patriots.

“In the global marketplace, Massachusetts industry has a critical role to play; our expertise and products are respected across the world,” said Richard Lord, president and CEO of AIM.

“With more than $60 billion in imports and exports in 2013, Massachusetts companies are more innovative than ever in finding opportunities to expand beyond our local borders. Our Trade Award winners are prime examples of how Massachusetts businesses can succeed in a diverse and challenging global economy.”

The 2014 Global Trade Award winners are:

Chairman’s Award

Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc., Lakeville/Middleboro

Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc. is the world’s leading producer of cranberry juice, juice drinks, and dried cranberries. Since its founding in 1930 by two Massachusetts cranberry growers, the grower-owned cooperative has expanded into a global business with products sold in 90 countries. Twenty percent of total sales come from international business. The cooperative’s sales have nearly doubled during the past decade to more than $2 billion. Ocean Spray exported 100 million pounds of cranberries from the United States in 2013. Ocean Spray gives back to the Massachusetts community through its process of proportionately distributing all proceeds to its grower-owners, 40 percent of whom reside in the state.

Diplomat’s Award

V.H. Blackinton & Company, Inc., Attleboro Falls

Founded in Attleboro Falls in 1852, V.H. Blackinton & Co., Inc. is the largest worldwide manufacturer of metal badges and uniform insignia for police, firefighters, security firms, the military, and the government. Blackinton’s work combines craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. Its products are respected for their quality and design. The company’s 200 employees supply public safety agencies such as the Chicago Police Department, the U.S. Secret Service, and the U.S. Transportation Security Administration. Blackinton recently introduced a new badge security feature that uses RFID technology and color-shifting enamels to discourage counterfeiting. Nearly 15 percent of the company’s sales may be traced to markets in South America.

Ambassador’s Award

Interprint Inc., Pittsfield

Interprint, Inc. is a German-owned industrial designer and printer of d̩cor patterns. These patterns are used as a design layer in laminate and are seen commercially in kitchen countertops, cabinets, floors, ceilings and ready-to-assemble furniture. In 2013, Interprint completed a $2 million improvement at its plant in Pittsfield, which is now equipped to produce Premeer, a unique polypropylene-based overlay product that is easy to use and cost effective. The Pittsfield location is currently the only manufacturing plant supplying Premeer for the global market. Interprint serves a variety of countries including, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Australia, Spain, and Thailand.

The AIM International Business Council helps Massachusetts employers engage in international trade and expand their global business activities.