California Fruit and Vegetable

Tag: Blueberry Industry

  • The 2026 Blueberry Convention Is in Your Backyard

    The 2026 Blueberry Convention, Sept. 22-25, is taking place right in your backyard in Monterey!

    Since it’s so close to home, this is an excellent (and convenient) opportunity to connect in-person with industry colleagues, gain valuable insights during education sessions and keynotes, and help shape the future of our industry.

    Here’s what you can look forward to:

    • Get the latest category data and economic outlooks to guide your operations.
    • See the latest tech and ag solutions on Blueberry Lane and Blueberry Row.
    • Find out how our Blueberries GO BIG campaign is driving demand.
    • Learn about our health research focus on cognitive health.
    • Experience the excitement of the Blueberry Boost Accelerator live pitch competition.
    • Attend Blueberry Night at a California gem – the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
    • Join the USHBC Council and NABC Board meetings on Wednesday.

    Get a glimpse into the experience here: youtube.com/watch?v=iH988J9kvss&t=2s

    Then check out the full schedule to plan your experience (like adding the Blueberry Data & Intelligence Summit), then sign up to join us!

    [REGISTER NOW]

    More Ways to Stay in Monterey

    The 2026 Blueberry Convention will take place at the Hyatt Regency Monterey. While the deadline for our group rate has passed, you can contact the Hyatt Regency Monterey directly to check availability and pricing. Be sure to mention the NABC Convention!

    With strong interest in this year’s convention, we’ve expanded our housing options throughout Monterey. See the full list on the “Travel Information” tab on our Blueberry Convention webpage.

  • Blueberry Industry Votes in Support of USHBC

    The USDA’s Ag Marketing Service (AMS) announced that a majority of eligible blueberry producers and importers voted in favor of continuing the work of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC). The industry created USHBC 26 years ago to give more U.S. consumers more reasons to buy more blueberries, to expand demand for U.S. blueberries in global markets and to provide services that equip all in the sector for success.

    “When the industry comes together, we make bigger opportunities possible for everyone to build the business, life and legacy they want and I’m thrilled the work of USHBC will continue,” said Ellie Norris, an Oregon blueberry grower and chair of the USHBC. “No other organization can do for the industry what USHBC can do, especially when it comes to driving category growth.”

    The USDA requires USHBC to hold a referendum every five years, and Norris said she and the rest of the board worked closely with staff to ensure eligible voters were well-informed about the past, current and planned efforts and progress made by the industry-led body.

    “We have momentum on our side. Thanks to decades of USHBC marketing informed by health research, U.S. consumers know blueberries are good for them and now they want and expect them year-round.” said Norris. “That said, I recognize not everyone voted ‘yes,’ and I hope those who have different perspectives or new ideas will become more involved in USHBC moving forward. Diverse perspectives are welcome and can make us stronger.”

    According to AMS, 58% of producers and importers representing 84% of the volume of blueberries grown, were in favor of continuing the program.

    “I’m excited about what’s next because the work of USHBC has never been more important than it is today,” said Brittany Lee, a Florida grower and USHBC vice chair. “The marketplace is certainly filled with pressures, including growing supply, but it’s also filled with promise and there is plenty of room to create more demand.”

    USHBC’s 2026 Blueberry Convention will take place in Monterey, California, Sept. 22-25, and registration remains open for all in the industry.

    “It’s a place to find helpful information, share and discuss future plans and make meaningful connections” said USHBC President Kasey Cronquist. “I hope growers, marketers, suppliers and everyone with an interest in the future success of the industry can join us, because we’ve got more work to do.”

    — Story contributed by the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council

  • Blueberry Convention Coming to Monterey

    The Blueberry Convention is the largest gathering of the blueberry industry in the U.S. — and this year’s event is packed with insights, connections and experiences designed to help move the industry forward.

    Guests will be able to:

    • Get the latest category data, insights and economic outlooks to guide your operations.
    • See how the Blueberries GO BIG campaign is driving demand.
    • Learn about the organizations’ health research focus on cognitive health.
    • Experience the energy of the Blueberry Boost Accelerator live pitch competition.
    • Join the USHBC Council and NABC Board meetings on Wednesday.

    New for 2026 

    The USHBC and NABC are bringing some new features and opportunities to Monterey this year. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s ahead:

    Tech Tuesday 

    Explore emerging and advancing technologies shaping the future of the blueberry industry during this special education session organized by the BerrySmart Technology Task Force. Over the course of two hours, attendees will gain insight into innovations, tools and ideas designed to support on-farm efficiency, data-driven decision-making and long-term industry progress.

    Blueberry Night at the Monterey Bay Aquarium

    A one-of-a-kind strolling dinner as the blueberry industry takes over the aquarium. Enjoy chef-curated food stations, coastal views and access to incredible exhibits — all in a vibrant setting designed for connection and celebration.

    Meet, Eat and Explore 

    An open lunch in the heart of the convention action. With seating throughout the common areas near Blueberry Lane and Blueberry Row, it’s the perfect chance to grab a bite, connect with exhibitors and spend time with fellow attendees.

    Blueberry Boardroom

    The Blueberry Boardroom will offer a dedicated space to meet with colleagues, host team conversations or hold business meetings throughout the event. Advance booking is encouraged.

    Blueberries & Beyond: A Central Coast Tour 

    The convention will wrap up with an on-the-ground look at agriculture in the Monterey area. This industry tour will give guests the opportunity to explore blueberry-related production, while also experiencing the broader agricultural landscape of California’s Central Coast.

    Guests also have access to favorites from past events, including the Blueberry Boost Accelerator live pitch competition (back by popular demand), the NABC Awards and the USHBC Elizabeth White Award, the BerryFit Club 5k and yoga, keynotes and education sessions.

    — Story contributed by the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council and the North American Blueberry Council

  • Bumper Crop Expected for California Blueberries

    The outlook is good this year for California blueberry growers. A bumper crop is expected, along with an early harvest during the warm weather, which will put them on shelves during a strong market window. California Blueberry Commission Executive Director Todd Sanders spoke with Matthew Malcolm from California Ag Network to discuss what’s happening in the blueberry industry. Watch this quick video and learn more in California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Simplot for their industry support.

  • Opportunities Emerge for California Blueberries

     

    Blueberries have become a global industry with growing demands creating opportunities for California growers, thanks in large part to the adoption of improved cultivars. David Magaña from Rabobank spoke with Matthew Malcolm of Malcolm Media Ag Publishing about his findings at the World Ag Expo. Watch this quick video and read more in California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor, Simplot for their industry support.

  • Pluff & Bonny Named Winners in Blueberry Boost Accelerator Pitch Competition

    The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) crowned Pluff as the $20,000 grand prize winner and Bonny as the $10,000 runner-up of the first-ever Blueberry Boost Accelerator Pitch Competition, held earlier this month at The Blueberry Convention 2025 in Seattle. The competition marked the finale of the Blueberry Boost Accelerator, a nine-week program developed by USHBC in partnership with innovation advisory firm VentureFuel to fuel forward-thinking product innovation and elevate blueberries as a hero ingredient across food, beverage and beyond.

    Through dedicated mentorship, strategic guidance and industry connections, the program equipped four startup brands and their founders with the insights, tools and network to accelerate commercialization and long-term growth. Mentors and speakers included experts from leading organizations across the blueberry and consumer packaged goods (CPG) industries.

    The four participants in the cohort and October 9 pitch competition were:Bonny (New York), a prebiotic fiber supplement powder; Farmer Bob’s “Beyond Berries™” (Salem, Ore.), an upcycled frozen berry product fused with dates; Pluff (Orlando, Fla.), a high-protein whipped mousse dessert; and Sorbatto’s“Blue Cream” (Wapato, Wash.), a dairy-free frozen dessert made from 75% highbush blueberries.

    Pitches were evaluated by a live panel of industry experts, including Kasey Cronquist, president, U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council; George Daines, director of sales and business development, Cultivate CPG; Amira Khatib, vice president, Bluestein Ventures; Jeff Malensky, president, Oregon Berry Packing Inc.; and Kellie Peaslee, supplier manager, KeHE Food Distributors.

    Pluff captured the judges’ attention with its whipped, mousse-style, blueberry-flavored dessert that delivers 20 grams of protein and just 4 grams of sugar per serving.

    “Being in this cohort really opened my eyes to different ways blueberries can be utilized, and I’m happy that I’m one of those innovators who can showcase the value that blueberries bring, especially in the protein and wellness product industry,” said founder Dylan Paul. “To be recognized as the grand prize winner is incredible. The $20,000 will put us in the right position to scale and get into retail, which is our number one goal in the next six to 12 months.”

    Bonny, runner-up and recipient of the $10,000 prize, uses blueberries as a natural flavoring agent in its prebiotic fiber powders.

    “Being part of this cohort opened my eyes to the innovation happening in the blueberry food product industry.  It’s amazing what people are doing with blueberries,” said Jessica Postiglione, founder and CEO. “It feels amazing to be runner-up for the pitch competition — this means so much for our business. The funds will go directly toward inventory, which is critical as we continue to grow.”

    In addition to pitching live, all four companies exhibited on The Blueberry Convention’s  Blueberry Row, sampling with attendees and connecting directly with blueberry growers, handlers, marketers and other industry stakeholders.

    “This program underscores the incredible innovation happening at the intersection of food, beverage and agriculture,” said USHBC’s Cronquist. “We extend our sincere congrats to these founders, who are reimagining what’s possible with blueberries — taking them from the fruit we all know and love to a true hero ingredient across categories. The Blueberry Convention provided an excellent forum for our industry to experience this innovation firsthand by engaging directly with these entrepreneurs, tasting their products and seeing their passion and creativity come alive on the main stage.”

    “Our winners — and the full cohort — demonstrate how creativity becomes commerce when startups and industry leaders collaborate,” said Fred Schonenberg, founder and CEO of VentureFuel. “Blueberries have become a launchpad for innovation — fueling new ideas, new products and new ways for consumers to experience this extraordinary fruit.” For more information on the program and this year’s winners, visit blueberryboostaccelerator.com.

    About the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council
    Established in 2000, The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) is a federal agriculture research and promotion program with independent oversight from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). USHBC represents blueberry growers and packers in North and South America who market their blueberries in the United States and overseas, and works to promote the growth and well-being of the entire blueberry industry. USHBC was established by blueberry growers and currently has 2,500 growers, packers, exporters and importers. USHBC is committed to providing blueberries that are grown, harvested, packed and shipped in clean, safe environments. Learn more at ushbc.blueberry.org and blueberry.org.

    About VentureFuel
    VentureFuel is an independent innovation advisory firm that helps the world’s best organizations commercialize innovation to ignite change by working with startups. Its innovation programs help enterprise organizations learn, test, build and invest in emerging technology to solve their biggest problems today and unlock new sources of growth. VentureFuel provides organizations like Hershey’s, Comcast, Dick’s Sporting Goods, AARP Foundation and the State of California the tools to drive transformative change with less risk, more speed, and greater proximity to the consumer than traditional innovation models. Learn more at venturefuel.net, LinkedIn, X, and Instagram, and listen to The VentureFuel Visionaries podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

  • U.S. Blueberries ‘Go Big’ on Domestic & Global Marketing, California Hit a Sweet Spot This Year

    According to Kasey Cronquist, President of the North American Blueberry Council and the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, California blueberry growers hit a sweet spot on the market this year and had a successful harvest season. Meanwhile, the two councils “Go Big” on their latest marketing efforts, determined to position blueberries as the world’s favorite fruit. Watch Cronquist’s brief interview with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network and learn more in California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.

  • Innovative Startups Selected for Blueberry Boost Accelerator’s Inaugural Cohort

    The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC), in partnership with VentureFuel, have announced the four companies selected for the inaugural cohort of the Blueberry Boost Accelerator. Each startup was chosen by a selection panel of blueberry industry leaders for its bold use of blueberries in innovative products that span wellness, fun snacking formats and better-for-you indulgence — offering novel, exciting ways for consumers to enjoy blueberries.

    The Blueberry Boost Accelerator was launched earlier this year to fuel forward-thinking product innovation and elevate blueberries as a hero ingredient by supporting visionary startups. From functional nutrition to clean-label desserts, this inaugural cohort exemplifies the future of the power of blueberries.

    The 2025 Blueberry Boost Accelerator cohort includes:

    • Bonny Prebiotic Fiber Powder (New York, NY) — A clean-label, prebiotic fiber powder with a blueberry-infused flavor, designed to support gut health and make fiber fun, flavorful and functional.

    •Farmer Bob’s “Beyond Berries™” (Salem, OR) — A playful, frozen, nutrient-dense fruit snack made with upcycled blueberries and raspberries, and naturally sweet dates, reshaped into a new-to-market format that’s fun, naturally sweet and family-friendly.

    •Pluff (Orlando, FL) — A high-protein, mousse-style dessert launching with a “Berry Blast” flavor made with freeze-dried blueberries. Pluff delivers indulgent texture and functional nutrition in one high-protein, low-sugar bite.

    •Sorbatto’s “Blue Cream” (Wapato, WA) — A dairy-free, allergy-friendly frozen dessert made from 75% highbush blueberries. With no added sugar or water, Blue Cream offers a creamy, fruit-first alternative to traditional ice cream.

    Companies were evaluated across various criteria: volume potential and market relevance; unique value proposition and differentiation (including blueberry prominence); product marketability and PR potential; fundability and scale; and the strength of founding teams.

    “Whether eaten by the handful or in a favorite recipe, blueberries are a delicious and special staple – and we’ve known they have huge potential in ingredient innovation,” said USHBC President Kasey Cronquist. “This cohort of inventive entrepreneurial brands is demonstrating how blueberries can add great taste, excitement and wellness benefits to products across categories. We’re thrilled to be part of the promotion and continued growth of these innovators.”

    The cohort will now enter an nine-week accelerator sprint, receiving weekly one-on-one coaching from VentureFuel, expert sessions with industry leaders, peer roundtables and support with developing marketing materials, including a professionally produced commercial. The program will culminate in a live pitch competition at The Blueberry Convention in Seattle, Oct. 8-10, where the winning company will receive a $20,000 grand prize, and the runner-up will receive $10,000.

    “This cohort shows how startup-driven innovation can introduce blueberries to new consumers in exciting, unexpected ways,” said Fred Schonenberg, founder and CEO of VentureFuel. “These founders are creating products that deliver on what today’s shoppers crave — flavor, function and fun — while unlocking new paths to commercial scale that benefit the entire blueberry category.”

    To learn more about the Blueberry Boost Accelerator, visit blueberryboostaccelerator.com.

    About the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council
    Established in 2000, The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) is a federal agriculture research and promotion program with independent oversight from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). USHBC represents blueberry growers and packers in North and South America who market their blueberries in the United States and overseas, and works to promote the growth and well-being of the entire blueberry industry. USHBC was established by blueberry growers and currently has 2,500 growers, packers, exporters and importers. USHBC is committed to providing blueberries that are grown, harvested, packed and shipped in clean, safe environments. Learn more at ushbc.blueberry.org and blueberry.org.

    About VentureFuel
    VentureFuel is an independent innovation advisory firm that helps the world’s best organizations commercialize innovation to ignite change by working with startups. Its innovation programs help enterprise organizations learn, test, build and invest in emerging technology to solve their biggest problems today and unlock new sources of growth. VentureFuel provides organizations like Hershey’s, Comcast, Dick’s Sporting Goods, AARP Foundation and the State of California the tools to drive transformative change with less risk, more speed, and greater proximity to the consumer than traditional innovation models. Learn more at venturefuel.net, LinkedIn, X, and Instagram, and listen to The VentureFuel Visionaries podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

  • Blueberries GO BIG with New Consumer Marketing Campaign

    Blueberries have long been known and appreciated for their health benefits, and now it’s time to shine a spotlight on blueberries in a big way. The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) today announced the launch of an exciting marketing campaign with two new ads that celebrate how the small and simple blueberry packs huge benefits in each bite or handful. “Blueberries GO BIG” demonstrates an emotional connection to the fruit in two different but equally captivating scenarios, showcasing the big things that can happen when you grab a boost of blue.

    The two ads can be viewed on Youtube.com/@eatblueberries:

    •A Better Way – Up your “coolness” factor and shake up your post-workout recovery.

    •Next-Level Snacks – Blueberries come in clutch for your kid’s team at halftime.

    “Blueberries GO BIG” is debuting via a comprehensive paid media campaign directed to a targeted audience of 18 million blueberry consumers, which includes programmatic display, online video (OLV), audio, connected TV (CTV), paid social, paid search and more. A TikTok TopView campaign on July 29, reaching millions of users, showcases a thumb-stopping behind-the-scenes look at one of the ad’s big stunts. USHBC is also partnering with influencers to demonstrate how blueberries “go big” for content creators in their own ways.

    “Our new campaign illustrates the many benefits of blueberries, including health as foundational message, while also giving more air time to attributes like the great taste and easy-to-eat benefits that we know are important to our consumer but are not always focused on as much,” said Kevin Hamilton, USHBC vice president of global marketing and communications. “‘GO BIG’ helps us tell a story that connects to our consumer more emotionally, and highlights the better-for-you snacking opportunities around our fruit.”

    USHBC works to increase demand for blueberries across all channels through marketing promotions, research and resources, all while empowering the industry to make blueberries the world’s favorite fruit. Working with Schafer Condon Carter (SCC), USHBC’s partner agency for brand and consumer marketing, the GO BIG platform is the next phase in the continuous evolution of blueberries as a brand.

    To learn more about the strategy and work behind the campaign, as well as USHBC’s comprehensive marketing and promotions programming, blueberry industry stakeholders are invited to attend The Blueberry Convention, October 8-10, in Seattle.

    For more information, visit Blueberry.org or USHBC.Blueberry.org.

    About the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council

    Established in 2000, The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) is a federal agriculture research and promotion program with independent oversight from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). USHBC represents blueberry growers and packers in North and South America who market their blueberries in the United States and overseas, and works to promote the growth and well-being of the entire blueberry industry. USHBC was established by blueberry growers and currently has 2,500 growers, packers, exporters and importers. USHBC is committed to providing blueberries that are grown, harvested, packed and shipped in clean, safe environments. Learn more at ushbc.blueberry.org and blueberry.org.

  • Tapping into Growing Market Opportunities for U.S. Blueberries

    According to Kasey Cronquist, President of the North American Blueberry Council and the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, the global market potential for U.S. blueberries has been largely untapped, considering the tremendous growth opportunities he sees for the industry. The U.S. may reach a new record this year in blueberry production, and the increased supply is poised to meet the growing global demand for this nutrient-dense product. Watch Cronquist’s brief interview with Matthew Malcolm at California Ag Network and read more in California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Southern California Gas Company for their industry support.