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), shares a few highlights from the first 100 episodes of the podcast. These sound bites emphasize the importance of unity and collaboration to delight blueberry customers and consumers every single time. You’ll hear from industry leaders Denny Doyle, Shelly Hartmann and Tom Avinelis. 

“If you do nothing at all, that’s worse than doing something wrong. So (USHBC) really started with (us going out to) promote in traditional ways, and then - BANG - the health research started to hover and we embraced that.” - Denny Doyle

“I think we really need to encourage grower participation. This is the growers’ program. They need to be involved and they need to be up to speed on the strategic plan and the direction that this organization is going. …I only see it getting better for growers and I’m so excited to be able to say that.” - Shelly Hartmann

“We need to recognize what we, as farmers, what we’re nourishing and what we’re growing and what we’re so proud of is quality blueberries that are going to have to delight our customers consistently to be successful.” - Tom Avinelis

Topics covered include: 

• The history behind the formation of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council.
• A vision for what’s ahead for the blueberry industry.
• What it takes to delight customers and consumers every time they experience blueberries.

Crop Report

The Blueberry Crop Report is an update on crop conditions and markets throughout important blueberry growing areas. In this episode, you’ll hear from Mario Ramirez in Mexico, Brandon Wade in Georgia, Neil Moore in North Carolina, and Elizabeth Carranza in California. This was recorded on June 1, 2022.

Blueberry Boost

What we’ve been calling the “Marketing Boost” has become the “Blueberry Boost!” This change reflects an expanded direction for this segment, which will still include marketing information, with the addition of industry-related updates and resources. For the first Blueberry Boost, Amanda Griffin, USHBC vice president of engagement and education, shares details on The Blueberry Summit, Oct. 5-7 in Nashville. Learn more at register here!