Topics in this issue of Behind the Blue:
- Apply to Join the Blueberry Industry’s First-Ever Leadership Program
- Engage with USHBC for National Blueberry Month
- March Is National Nutrition Month and Frozen Food Month!
USHBC is looking for up to 10 talented, passionate professionals from across the supply chain to become the first fellows in our new Blueberry Industry Leadership Program! Don’t miss your chance to join the inaugural class of the program, which will bring together rising professionals from across the blueberry supply chain. Apply by April 11.
The Blueberry Industry Leadership Program will span one year and take an interactive approach through hands-on training, learning experiences, engagement with key industry players and exposure to the many components of the produce supply chain.
Program commitment:
- The class will travel together four times over the course of one year (2022-2023). Candidates must commit to participation in the entire program, including attendance at all in-person and virtual events.
- Participation in the program requires a significant personal and company commitment.
- Fellow participation fee is $2,500. This is a one-time fee for selected fellows that covers all regular travel expenses for the trips and all content.
Fellows will experience:
- Immersive, personalized leadership training.
- Knowledge sharing from industry veterans and thought leaders.
- Deep dives into innovation and technology.
- Learnings on the impact of advancements in health and nutrition.
- Business relationship building to activate your network within the industry.
- Presentation and media training.
- Camaraderie among fellows to create a lifelong support network and better understanding of the industry.
Read more about the program in our press release and download a free flyer to share with anyone you think would be a good fit! If you have questions, reach out to Amanda Griffin, vice president of engagement and education, at [email protected], cc: [email protected].
The countdown to National Blueberry Month is on! USHBC is gearing up to make July 2022 the biggest and best celebration yet, using the month to spotlight the benefits of blueberries in a big way, while also promoting the availability of blueberries year round. This year, we’re adding a cause-related element to our National Blueberry Month campaign by partnering with the well-loved organization No Kid Hungry to provide kids in need with up to 500,000 meals.
As we were planning this cause-related activation, some industry stakeholders asked if they could also donate blueberry product to help feed kids this summer. We worked with No Kid Hungry to set up a voluntary opportunity for interested industry stakeholders to donate blueberries – fresh or frozen – to summer distribution centers across the country so blueberries can be enjoyed and appreciated by all kids in need.
If you’re interested in donating fresh or frozen product, please fill out this form by March 30. No Kid Hungry will then be in touch based on fulfillment and distribution logistics. To learn more about this opportunity or pass it along to a colleague or team member who might be interested, read our one-page flyer here.
Thank you in advance for your generosity! And, keep an eye out for the National Blueberry Month toolkit. It will be updated with 2022 plans and resources by April so you’ll have plenty of time to plan your promotions.
March is officially here, and it’s National Nutrition Month® – a major USHBC power period! This annual campaign from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics emphasizes the importance of making informed food choices and developing healthy eating and physical activity habits. This year’s theme is “Celebrate a World of Flavors,” a perfect opportunity to embrace global cultures, cuisines and inclusivity. With a huge variety of free new resources, USHBC’s National Nutrition Month toolkit will equip your consumers, community and partners with the necessary tools to illustrate how nourishing blueberries can be, driving demand during March.
March also happens to be National Frozen Food Month – the perfect time to educate our audiences on how blueberries, whether fresh or frozen, offer a delicious sweet-tart taste to complement a variety of global flavors and individual lifestyles.
The Frozen Food Month Toolkit includes banner ads, social posts and recipes featuring frozen blueberries and have been designed to encourage consumers to stock their freezer with blueberries, in addition to the refrigerator. Our Frozen Fact Sheet includes “20 Ways to Love Frozen Blueberries,” along with nutritional information and smart tips and tricks for families to make the most of this convenient staple.
If you haven’t already, don’t forget to sign up to become a participating marketer or stakeholder in our Grab a Boost of Blue program. We’d love to learn how you’re planning to use the logo and assets in your communications and are happy to feature your logo on our website.