After years of hard work and bilateral negotiation, consumers in China can finally enjoy fresh blueberries from the United States — the birthplace of modern blueberry cultivation. This summer, the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) teamed up with Pagoda, a leading fruit retailer in China, to hold a ceremony celebrating the arrival of fresh U.S. blueberries to mainland China, the first-ever promotion of USA fresh blueberries in China.

In this episode of “The Business of Blueberries,” host Kasey Cronquist, president of the USHBC and the North American Blueberry Council (NABC), and co-host Alicia Adler, USHBC and NABC vice president of global business development, talk about the significance of China being open to U.S. blueberries and the opportunities this could open for domestic blueberry growers and marketers. Joining Kasey and Alicia are Shelby Sackett and Sarah Gelpi Hooker of Bryant Christie International who talk about the foundation being created for opportunities in China.

“[Establishing an office in the country] really is going to be making what you’re doing in China official, and we’re hoping that means getting blueberries over to China and opening up more doors for the industry.” - Sarah Gelpi Hooker

“I already see our program being put to use. I think with Sarah and Shelby’s help, we’ve retained an in-country market representative, not only to help us through this process, but to help us develop the market and establish a program.” - Alicia Adler

Topics covered include:

● The impact of gaining access for U.S. blueberries in a country of over 1 billion people.

● What’s involved in opening global markets, and the USHBC’s work to do so.

● Importance of global market development to the blueberry industry.

● The successful arrival of fresh U.S. blueberries to China in 2021.

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 Rex Schultz in Michigan, Doug Krahmer in Oregon, and Bryan Sakuma in Washington. This was recorded on August 4, 2021.

Marketing Boost

Last week, as the crowning touch to National Blueberry Month, USHBC announced the winners of America’s Best Blueberry Pie Contest. USHBC/NABC Vice President of Marketing and Communications Jennifer Sparks shares more about the contest that netted over 200 blueberry pie recipes from across the country.

Fall Event Registration

Have you registered yet for Innovate 2021: USHBC+NABC Tech Symposium and Fall Meetings? The action takes place at The Grand Hotel in Salem, Oregon, September 27-October 1, with a virtual attendance option also available. Register today at blueberryevents.org/.