On KISC My Health Radio show with Peter Mingils, Peter Mingils interviews the King of Cranberries, Captain Cran Man Stephen Lukawski.
This week on KISC My Health Radio, Peter Mingils interviews Captain Cran Man Stephen Lukawski.
This episode highlights Stephen Lukawski’s humble beginnings to Cranberry Crusader.
The Story of Stephen Lukawski, better known in the nutraceutical world as “Captain Cran Man,” has carved out a remarkable career as a pioneer in natural ingredients and health innovation. While details about his early life and family background remain largely private—perhaps a reflection of his focus on professional achievements over personal anecdotes—available insights paint a picture of a man deeply rooted in Canadian values, with a journey that blends education, entrepreneurship, and a passion for wellness. Born and raised in Canada, Lukawski’s formative years likely instilled in him the resilience and community-oriented ethos often associated with Ontario’s Niagara region, where he now resides in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Though specific stories from his childhood are scarce in public records, his educational path hints at an early interest in science and learning, setting the stage for a lifelong commitment to health and nutrition.Lukawski’s academic foundation appears to have begun in the late 1970s, with involvement at the University of Guelph in Ontario from 1979 to 1982. This period, possibly encompassing undergraduate studies or early professional roles, aligned with a time when Canada’s agricultural and scientific sectors were burgeoning. Guelph, renowned for its programs in agriculture, veterinary science, and food technology, would have provided an ideal environment for someone destined to revolutionize the berry industry. He later pursued a Master’s in Education at Canisius College in Buffalo, New York—a cross-border hop that underscores his proximity to the U.S.-Canada divide and perhaps an early exposure to international perspectives. This degree in education might seem unconventional for a business leader, but it likely honed his skills in communication and mentorship, qualities that shine through in his later roles as a radio host and industry advocate.Lukawski’s career truly took off in the mid-1990s, marking the start of over 25 years in the nutrition and specialty ingredients field. One of his earliest breakthroughs came in 1995 with the development of the first all-natural cranberry and probiotic functional chewing gum for oral health. This innovation targeted breath freshening and gum disease prevention, showcasing his knack for blending science with consumer needs. By the early 2000s, he held undefined roles from 2001 to 2003, possibly transitional positions that built his expertise in product development and brand management. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to found Research Science Specialty Ingredients (RSSI) Inc., where he has served as President and CEO for over a decade. Based in Ontario, RSSI focuses on creating high-quality, science-backed ingredients, emphasizing sustainability and authenticity.A pivotal partnership emerged with Fruit d’Or, a Quebec-based company specializing in cranberries and wild blueberries. As Partner and Director of Global Sales and Product Development, Lukawski has been instrumental in elevating Fruit d’Or’s profile. He champions their zero-waste philosophy, ensuring every part of the berry—from seeds to skins—is repurposed for nutraceuticals. Under his guidance, the company has introduced groundbreaking products, such as a 250 mg cranberry oral film strip in 2013 for UTI prevention, a 500 mg soft chew lozenge, and even cranberry-based beauty oils like Tilvee Organic Cranberry Seed Oil. These innovations reflect his commitment to authenticity, as seen in collaborations with Purity IQ to combat adulteration in berry ingredients.Adopting the alter ego “Captain Cran Man,” Lukawski has become a charismatic ambassador for cranberries’ health benefits.
This persona, complete with superhero flair, educates consumers on everything from urinary tract health to antioxidant properties. His outreach extends to social media, where profiles like LinkedIn (under “bestcranberry”) feature articles and posts celebrating cranberry harvests and debunking industry myths. On X (formerly Twitter), accounts such as @oralcran and @Captaincranman share insights into product launches and wellness tips, though activity is sporadic. Other platforms like Facebook and Instagram show limited personal presence, with mentions often tied to professional events or podcasts rather than a dedicated profile.
Beyond business, Lukawski hosts the KISC My Health Radio Show, where he interviews industry leaders on topics like nutritional science and wellness trends. This platform, co-hosted with Peter Mingils, highlights his educational background and dedication to making health accessible. Episodes feature guests sharing success stories, indirectly mirroring Lukawski’s own path from product innovator to global sales director.
Today, at the helm of RSSI and Fruit d’Or, Stephen Lukawski continues to drive innovation, leveraging AI for compound discovery while advocating for human expertise. His career exemplifies how a blend of scientific curiosity, business acumen, and creative marketing can transform niche ingredients into mainstream health solutions. Though his early years remain a quiet chapter, Lukawski’s legacy is loud and clear: a Canadian trailblazer turning berries into superfoods, one “cranmazing” product at a time.
Thanks to Stephen Lukawski, Captain Cran Man, the King of Cranberries for a wonderful and crantastic interview!
You can find the other KISC My Health Radio shows on https://kiscmyhealth.com
You can always tune in to the other KISC My Health Radio shows on https://kiscmyhealth.com and as usual a Special Thanks for Step Change Innovations for sponsoring the KISC My Health Radio Shows https://stepchangego.com
Our newest corporate sponsor is RFI Ingredients https://rfiingredients.com
Below is the Deep Dive Audio Review of the interview that Peter Mingils did with KISC My Health’s Key Influencer Super Champion himself, Captain Cran, Stephen Lukawski
Below is the Deep Dive Video Review:
