In this episode of “The Business of Blueberries,” host Kasey Cronquist, president of the USHBC and the North American Blueberry Council (NABC), sits down with Daniel Jackson of Family Tree Farms and Raffaele Benedetti of UNITEC to discuss innovations in blueberry sorting and sizing, and the impacts these innovations will have on the future of blueberries.

“We had 150 people sorting these blueberries every day, and now [since implementing UNITEC technology] we’ve been able to scale that back to … 12-13 people doing the same work 150 people did, which I think is a pretty big swing.” - Daniel Jackson

“There is a possibility that the blueberry is never touched by a human hand until it reaches the consumer … that, in my opinion, is a revolution.” - Raffaele Benedetti

Topics covered include: 

• The backgrounds of Family Tree Farms and UNITEC, and what brought them to a partnership.
• UNITEC’s move into blueberries and how they have gone beyond the typical sorting.
• Potential labor savings from using UNITEC technology. 
• The potential of the “touchless experience” UNITEC sorters offer. 

Crop Report

The Blueberry Crop Report is an update on crop conditions and markets throughout North and South America. In this episode, you’ll hear from Doug Krahmer in Oregon, and Bryan Sakuma in Washington. This was recorded on August 18, 2021.  

Marketing Boost

Educating your audience is always smart marketing. In this week’s marketing boost, USHBC/NABC Vice President of Marketing and Communications Jennifer Sparks shares why it’s important to continually share new ideas with your audience. 

Fall Event Registration

Whether you’re already registered or are still considering attending Innovate 2021: USHBC+NABC Tech Symposium and Fall Meetings, be sure to check out our health and safety page for all the ways we’re keeping attendee, exhibitor and staff health front and center. The event takes place at The Grand Hotel in Salem, Oregon, September 27-October 1, or you can attend virtually. Register today at blueberryevents.org/.