Topics in this issue of Behind the Blue:
- Message From the USHBC Chair
- The Great American Blueberry Challenge
- Tammy Brannen Board Profile
- Destination Chile
- Asia Fruit Logistica
- Retail 6 Report
- Election Update
A Message From the USHBC Chair!
By Shelly Hartmann
I am delighted to celebrate National Blueberry Month, a special time dedicated to honor the delicious blueberry fruit that brings so much joy to our lives. This year’s festivities reached new heights with the Major League Eating Contest for blueberries in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The event not only showcased our collective love for blueberries but also highlighted the competitive spirit and vibrant community enthusiasm they inspire. I am proud to share that Brian Bocock and I had the privilege of serving as judges at this prestigious contest, adding an extra layer of excitement to the occasion. With so many wonderful activities, National Blueberry Month has truly been a spectacular celebration!
Go Blueberries!
The Great American Blueberry Challenge Inspires Blueberry Fanatics—and Professional Competitive Eaters—to Win Big for National Blueberry Month
Blueberry eating competition sets a world record; $10,000 still up for grabs in nationwide social media contest for everyday blueberry lovers
In one of the most exciting celebrations of National Blueberry Month yet, the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) is shining a spotlight on how – and how much – people love blueberries. The Great American Blueberry Challenge, which kicked off at the start of the month to inspire blueberry lovers nationwide to share creative ways to grab a boost of blue, culminated in the first-ever blueberry eating championship on Saturday, July 13. USHBC, in partnership with Major League Eating, invited professional competitive eaters from across the country to gather in Grand Rapids, Mich. to eat as much blueberries as possible in the span of eight minutes, setting a world record of 18.475 lbs.
Patrick Bertoletti took the top prize in the competition, earning a cash prize as well as the inaugural title of blueberry eating champion. An impressive total of 82.769 lbs of blueberries were devoured by the competitors during the event, with a final ranking as follows:
- First place: Patrick Bertoletti, 18.475 lbs
- Second place: Geoffrey Esper, 16.044 lbs
- Third place: James Webb, 15.319 lbs
- Fourth place: Nick Wehry, 12.600 lbs
- Fifth place: Gideon Oji, 12.569 lbs
The Great American Blueberry Challenge eating championship took place during the Advil Targeted Relief Major League Pickleball (MLP) Mid-Season Tournament, as part of USHBC’s partnership with MLP. Also featured at the event were special guest officiants Shelly Hartmann, chair of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, blueberry grower and owner of True Blue Farms in Michigan; and professional pickleball player Anna Bright of the MLP St. Louis Shock.
“While we work to generate excitement for blueberries all year long, we think National Blueberry Month makes July the biggest and best month of the year, and we know that many blueberry superfans feel the same way! What better way to capture that enthusiasm than with a thrilling spectacle that turns ‘grab a boost of blue’ into a literal sport – while at the same time engaging pickleball players and fans as the Official Fruit of Major League Pickleball,” said Hartmann. “Whether you enjoy blueberries for an active lifestyle, or simply because they’re delicious, we hope to inspire and grow even more love and passion for blueberries year after year.”
While the sport of professional competitive eating comes with the cautionary advice of “do not try this at home,” blueberry fans still have a chance to win big – a grand prize of $10,000 plus runners-up prizes – by celebrating National Blueberry Month in a different way that can be just as fun and more creative. The Great American Blueberry Challenge social media contest runs through July 31 and is specifically for everyday consumers. USHBC invites people to think of an idea that shows off a creative, unique or even downright wacky way to enjoy blueberries – for example, seeing how high you can blow a blueberry up in the air, or eating blueberries with chopsticks while blindfolded. To enter, participants must share their video on Instagram, tagging @blueberries and including #BlueberryChallengeContest in the post. More information is available at GreatAmericanBlueberryChallenge.com.
To learn more about blueberries and explore delicious recipes, swaps and other inspiration, visit Blueberry.org.
Meet Tammy Brannen, Georgia Council Member, Health and Research Advisory Board
1. What was your first job in blueberries?
My first job in blueberries was helping plant blueberries at my family farm. My family’s farm name is Peacock Family Farms; Peacock is my maiden name. My mom, dad, and two sisters helped work at the farm. We originally had property; my dad cut the timber and replaced it with blueberries.
2. What makes you passionate about the industry?
I am passionate about blueberries because they are a healthy food source, good for you, and a huge crop here in Alma, Georgia. Every year, the city puts on a big blueberry festival that everyone attends, which is also good for the economy.
3. What do you love about your job?
The most rewarding aspect of my job is working with my family. My husband, children, and I all work at Creekside Berry Farms.
4. What’s one of your goals for being on the board?
One of my goals for being on the health board is to learn more about blueberries, improve health, share scientific results from studies, use the information in conversations, and educate people. I have a background in nursing so being on the health board aligns well with that.
5. If you weren’t in the blueberry business, what would you be doing?
If I weren’t in the blueberry business, I would be a Registered Nurse. I used to work in the Geriatric Program with seniors.
*Destination Chile: A journey to explore the Chilean blueberry growing region this December!*
Brought to you by USHBC and NABC!
Join fellow blueberry industry members as we embark on a journey to explore the Chilean blueberry growing regions. There is no better time to visit and learn more about this growing region. Recently impacted by the increasing supply of other growing regions, come see how Chile is responding to the challenge.
Chile has over 18,000 hectares of highbush blueberries planted and an ongoing commitment to finding new and better varieties. You will see this firsthand and have ample opportunities to get to know fellow blueberry experts with boots on the ground in Chile. What will the Chilean blueberry industry look like five years from now? You’ve got to be there to find out!
For more details, keep reading and make sure to secure your seat today as this trip is limited to 40 people!
Schedule of Events
Monday, December 9
- Welcome dinner in Chillan
Tuesday, December 10
- Chillan area travel to include Fall Creek Nursery
Wednesday, December 11
- Los Angeles area travel to include orchard and packing tours of Hortifrut Virquenco and Volcan Foods
Thursday, December 12
- Angol area travel to include orchard and packing tours of Frusan Angol
Friday, December 13
- Optional Free Day
- Attendees Fly Home/Extend Travel
Registration Fee
$1,950
What does your registration cover?
Your registration fee covers all travel related expenses once you get into Chile.
This includes:
- Your hotel reservations checking in on Monday, December 9 and out on Friday, December 13.
- Group ground transportation.
- All organized meals between 12/9-12/13.
- All group activities and tours.
After you register, what else do you need to do?
Book your flights! We will be reaching out with more details on flights to book by September 1.
*Schedule is subject to change due to weather or other extenuating circumstances*
Asia Fruit Logistica
We are excited to announce that the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) will exhibit at Asia Fruit Logistica (AFL) on September 4-6, 2024, at Asia World-Expo in Hong Kong.
Asia Fruit Logistica covers the entire fresh produce industry value chain and its service support companies, showcasing the latest innovative products and ideas. This event offers a unique opportunity to develop new business, make top-level contacts, and gather essential market information on every aspect of the fresh produce trade throughout Asia and around the world.
Our participation aims to foster partnerships and facilitate discussions on opportunities within the blueberry industry in Asian markets. Representatives from key Asian markets will be on-site to assist with discussions involving importers, retailers, and business partners.
Event Details:
- Show Dates: September 4-6, 2024
- Location: Asia World-Expo, Hong Kong
- USHBC Booth: Visit us at Booth 5C02, located in Hall 5
- Markets Covered by USHBC Representatives: Representatives will be available to discuss blueberry markets in China, South Korea, Japan, the Philippines, India, Malaysia, and Vietnam.
For more details or to arrange meetings with our market representatives, please contact Haiying Zhang, Director of Global Business Development, at [email protected].
USHBC Blueberry Category Retail Sales Report Period 6
Category Monthly Retail Sales Reports – Now Available!
Stay informed with the latest insights on U.S. consumer blueberry and competitive berry purchases. Our comprehensive reports provide valuable data to help you understand market trends and consumer behavior.
Take advantage of the latest Retail 6 report, packed with in-depth analysis and critical findings. Read it now and stay ahead of the curve!
USHBC Election for Regional Council Members
Thank you to everyone who participated in the voting for Regional Council Members. The election period has ended, and all ballots have been counted. The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council has forwarded the results to the USDA for final verification. Please stay tuned for the official USDA results. Council Members and Alternates will serve a term of three years beginning January 1, 2025. Members and Alternates can serve for a maximum of two consecutive terms.
