In this episode of “The Business of Blueberries,” host Kasey Cronquist, president of the USHBC and the North American Blueberry Council (NABC), is joined by Joe Barsi, president of California Giant Berry Farms, to discuss the inception of the United Blueberry Task Force (UBTF).

“Growers are the most important part of the business at [California Giant Berry Farms], and that comes from the leaders down. Without high-quality growers, we don’t really have a business.” - Joe Barsi

“I think if you’re a significant player in the blueberry industry, and you believe in the future of the industry...doing the right thing together as an industry will help continue to raise all boats, so to speak.” - Joe Barsi

Topics covered include:

● Barsi’s background in the berry industry, his role with California Giant Berry Farms, and the differences between berry industries.

● How and why the UBTF was founded.

● Importance of collaboration in the blueberry industry.

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, Jason Smith in British Columbia, Rex Schultz in Michigan and Luis Vegas in Peru. This was recorded on September 8, 2021.

Marketing Boost

Providing a seamless shopping experience is vital to any online grocery retailer. In this week’s marketing boost, USHBC/NABC Vice President of Marketing and Communications Jennifer Sparks talks about “omnichannel” marketing and how it uses data to bring the consumer what they want.

Fall Event Registration

There’s still time to register to attend Innovate 2021: USHBC+NABC Tech Symposium and Fall Meetings, Sept. 27-Oct.1, virtually! The virtual attendance option includes the Tech Symposium, Tech Tours and a host of USHBC committee meetings. Register at blueberry events.org by Sept. 15 to take advantage of early-bird pricing.