BOSTON--The Associated Industries of Massachusetts International Business Council (AIM-IBC) announced winners of its 19th annual Global Trade Awards, which recognize Massachusetts companies and public agencies of all sizes that have demonstrated excellence in international trade. The 2014 honorees represent a wide range of Massachusetts industries and include Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc., Interprint, Inc., and V.H. Blackinton & Company, Inc.

“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 three winners of the 2014 Global Trade Awards will be honored at AIM’s 99th Annual Meeting on Friday, May 9 at the Waltham Westin Hotel. The event will include a keynote address by Jonathan Kraft, President of The Kraft Group and The New England Patriots.

2014 Global Trade Award Winners

Chairman’s Award

Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc.

Lakeville/Middleboro, MA (Plymouth County)

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 and 20% of total sales stemming from international business. Over the past ten years, the Cooperative's sales have nearly doubled to more than $2 billion dollars. In 2013, the Cooperative exported 100 million pounds of cranberries from the United States. Ocean Spray actively gives back to the Massachusetts community through its process of proportionately distributing all proceeds to its grower-owners, nearly 40% of whom reside in the state.

Diplomat’s Award

V.H. Blackinton & Company, Inc.

Attleboro Falls, MA (Bristol County)

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 and its products are respected for their quality and design. The company’s 200 employees supply notable public safety agencies such as the Chicago PD, the Secret Service, and the TSA. Recently, Blackinton introduced a new badge security feature which uses RFID technology and color-shifting enamels to discourage counterfeiting. This feature is especially popular in the company’s South American markets; nearly 15% of the company’s sales can be traced to this market.

Ambassador’s Award

Interprint, Inc.

Pittsfield, MA (Berkshire County)

Interprint, Inc. is a German-owned industrial designer and printer of décor patterns. These patterns are used as a design layer in laminate and can be 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, MA 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, and handles all production for the global market. Interprint serves a variety of countries including Canada, Mexico, the UK, Australia, Spain, and Thailand.

About the AIM International Business Council

The AIM International Business Council helps Massachusetts employers engage in international trade and expand their global business activities. Through seminars, referrals, and e-newsletters, the AIM International Business Council provides companies with the resources they need. For more, visit www.aimnet.org/international.

About Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM)

Established in 1915, Associated Industries of Massachusetts is the largest nonprofit, nonpartisan association of Massachusetts employers. With 5,000 member companies employing more than 600,000 people in Mass., AIM’s mission is to promote the well-being and prosperity of the Commonwealth by reducing business costs, shaping state and federal business regulation, and ensuring a skilled and highly educated work force. For further information, visit www.aimnet.org.