In this episode of “The Business of Blueberries,” host Kasey Cronquist, president of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) and the North American Blueberry Council (NABC), is joined by Kristy Babb, USHBC and NABC’s first-ever communications director. This role was created to develop a focus on a communications platform for both organizations that will further unify the blueberry industry and drive the ambition to make blueberries the world’s favorite fruit. Babb has over 20 years of experience developing and executing communication strategies on behalf of corporate clients, trade associations and other nonprofit, mission-based organizations. 

“The opportunities are endless here, and I think we have so many great and exciting stories to tell to so many different audiences that it really is a place where the sky's the limit. The story of blueberries is not only interesting and fun, but it's also really scientific and data driven. The health benefits of blueberries are a story that we can tell in so many different ways to so many different audiences.” - Kristy Babb

 Topics covered include: 

• An introduction to Babb.
• Discussion of the insights and experience Babb brings to the communications director role. 
• The announcement that “The Business of Blueberries” podcast has won a National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) award! 

Crop Report

The Blueberry Crop Report is an update on crop conditions and markets throughout important blueberry growing areas. Today you’ll hear from Todd Sanders in California Alan Schreiber in Washington, TJ Hafner in Oregon, Jody McPherson in North Carolina, Matt Macrie in New Jersey, Mario Ramirez in Mexico and Luis Vegas in Peru. This was recorded on May 24, 2023.