USHBC Makes National News in Vietnam, Pollination Survey,National Blueberry Pancake Day

First introduced to the market in 2019, blueberries have been hugely successful in Vietnam, quickly becoming a top fruit in the southeast Asian country, especially after market access was achieved for fresh blueberries.

However, demand for blueberry ingredients has surged as well, USHBC was recently featured on the Vietnamese national news program “Eat Clean, Live Lean” for its recent collaboration with Hutech University in Ho Chi Minh City. Young chefs and students from the Vietnamese hospitality industry were invited to collaborate with USA Blueberries to incorporate blueberry ingredients into traditional Vietnamese dishes.

Check out the full news clip below.

In February 2019, U.S. fresh blueberries were granted market access to Vietnam and accounted for 60% of the Vietnamese fresh blueberry market by the first shipping season. USHBC does extensive work to drive demand for U.S. highbush blueberries with consumers, foodservice operators, food manufacturers and retailers around the world. In addition to technical export assistance, we conduct in-country market research and promotional programs. Visit ushbc.blueberry.org/for-exporters/ to learn more.

Specialty Crop Research Initiative Conducts Blueberry Pollination Survey

Researchers from multiple agricultural universities are conducting a cross-state survey with U.S. blueberry growers to learn more about pollination practices and challenges. The survey – which is being conducted by Michigan State University, the University of Florida, Oregon State University and Washington State University – is part of a $2 million grant-funded project from the Specialty Crop Research Initiative.

Growers from all states are encouraged to participate in the survey managed by Washington State University. By completing the survey, you’ll have the opportunity to win one of 12 gift cards valued at $50 each. The raffle form will be separate from the survey, so your survey responses will remain anonymous.

Reminder: Jan. 28 is National Blueberry Pancake Day, March is National Nutrition Month!

National Blueberry Pancake Day is this Friday, January 28! Don’t forget that USHBC has a National Blueberry Pancake Day graphic available for you to use in consumer promotions to commemorate this holiday on social media. To find all of USHBC’s National Blueberry Pancake Day resources, visit ushbc.org/blueberrydays.

National Blueberry Pancake Day is just one of the many moments on our promotional calendar that inspires consumers to Grab a Boost of Blue. In addition to these fun food holidays for consumers, our year-round marketing plan is packed with six “power periods” for building upon key buying periods and seasonal trends.

The first power period this year is National Nutrition Month in March! National Nutrition Month® is grounded in making informed food choices, such as filling half of our plates with fruits and vegetables, and establishing healthy eating and physical activity practices that have a positive impact on overall well-being.

It’s easy to take advantage of these FREE industry resources and promote blueberries to your customers in engaging ways!

To access these resources and take a look at what else is coming up, visit our Grab of Boost of Blue Industry Resources page. If you have questions, please reach out to Jenni Sparks, vice president of marketing and communications, at [email protected].