Topics in this issue of Behind the Blue:
- From the Chair: Recognizing This Season of Thankfulness
- Leadership Class Spotlight: Meet Brody Schropp
- USHBC Election Period Now Closed
- USHBC Shines at IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show
- Blueberries at the Crossroads
- Quarterly Retail Reports Headed Your Way
- USHBC Participates in CSNA Annual Conference
From the Chair: Recognizing This Season of Thankfulness
From the Chair
By Shelly Hartmann
As Thanksgiving draws near, I’m reflecting on the past year with deep gratitude. Being part of the blueberry community is truly a blessing, and I’m incredibly thankful for the resilience, dedication and support shared by so many in our industry.
This year brought its share of challenges, yet time and again, we came together to assess, strategize and take thoughtful action – all in pursuit of a common goal: helping the blueberry industry and its people flourish.
Was it always easy? Certainly not. Were we successful? Absolutely, in more ways than we could have anticipated!
During this season of thankfulness, I invite you to pause and reflect on the privilege of our work: delivering nutritious, high-quality blueberries to consumers, supporting our families, strengthening communities and sharing in a vision that unites us all.
I’m genuinely grateful for these things and for each of you.
Go Blueberries!
Leadership Class Spotlight: Meet Brody Schropp
Class 3 of the Blueberry Industry Leadership Program is in full swing and we’re excited to introduce you to a fellow from the class each month in Behind the Blue.
Meet Brody Schropp, MBG Marketing Great Lakes horticulturist!
1. Do you have any pets?
No, I do not have any pets.
2. Tell us about your family.
I’m the youngest of three brothers; one lives close to me in Holland, Michigan, and the other is in Cleveland. My folks live in Florida and greatly enjoy the 12 months of warm weather. I have also been with my girlfriend for the past eight years, and she works for the government in Michigan.
3. What’s your background in blueberries?
I’m a horticulturist for MBG Marketing. I work with growers and partner with them to navigate toward higher yields. Additionally, I conduct research to discover elevated practices in blueberry cultivation in hopes of improving grower profitability.
4. What’s your favorite blueberry form or dish?
Call me a traditionalist, but I like them fresh!
5. What’s the most surprising thing about the blueberry industry?
To me, the most surprising thing is globalization. For a perishable crop to be supplied 52 weeks a year, a lot of people from all over the world must be engaged and contributing.
6. What are you looking forward to most as part of the leadership class?
I’m looking forward to exposure to all the different facets of the blueberry industry. I spend a lot of time in the fields with growers, but I’m excited to explore everything that happens after the fruit is put in a clamshell better!
USHBC Election Period Now Closed
Thank you to all of those in our blueberry community who recently applied to serve on an USHBC committee, subcommittee, advisory board or task force! Your dedication and willingness to serve are much appreciated!
The Executive Committee is currently reviewing all applications, and final appointments will be made by USHBC Chair Shelly Hartmann in December.
If you applied to volunteer, watch your inbox in late December. Committee, subcommittee, advisory board and task force roles will begin in January 2025.
USHBC Shines at IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show
Last month, USHBC staff traveled to Atlanta to participate in the International Fresh Produce Association‘s Global Produce & Floral Show, where we showcased the remarkable impact and success of USHBC’s Grab a Boost of Blue program at retail!
This was the third time the USHBC participated in this show, and what a difference a year makes! It was great to see, hear and share how far we’ve come since launching Grab a Boost of Blue.
The event was a great opportunity to showcase the power and value of blues. Our World’s Favorite Fruit Reception was a highlight of the week, bringing together the united effort and industry stakeholders who see the inspiring possibilities ahead for blues.
Go Blueberries! 🫐🫐 🫐🫐
Blueberries at the Crossroads
Unless things change, blueberry industry data shows that supply will continue to outstrip demand over the next six years. All signs point to producers taking a hit in profit per pound soon – by as much as 44 cents.
Simply slowing production isn’t a viable option because it’s impossible to mandate or control industrywide.
So what is the plan? What can we do now to prepare? Check out this information sheet to get the details.
Quarterly Retail Reports Headed Your Way
To keep marketers and blueberry industry stakeholders informed of USHBC’s efforts in working with retailers across the country to promote blueberries, we’ll be sharing updates on our quarterly plans.
Our first update provides an overview of confirmed retail partners and promotional activities in the fourth quarter, and we’ll be providing additional information at a regular cadence so you can plan your marketing efforts.
Click here to download the PDF and feel free to share this information throughout your organization!
Have questions or are interested in collaborating? Reach out to the team at [email protected].
USHBC Participates in CSNA Annual Conference
This month, USHBC staff participated in the California School Nutrition Association (CSNA) Annual Conference, the premier event for school nutrition professionals. Held this year in Sacramento, the event featured educational sessions, networking opportunities and an expansive exhibition hall showcasing cutting-edge products and services.
USHBC Senior Director of Nutrition and Health Research Leslie Wada, Ph.D.; Communications and Content Coordinator Gabriella Gebhardt; and Nutrition Consultant and Past President of the CSNA Rene Yamashiro proudly represented the USHBC at the conference.
The team highlighted the nutritional benefits of blueberries and their versatility in school meal programs, and shared innovative ways to incorporate blueberries into healthy, delicious school menus.