USHBC Referendum Passes, Blueberry Accelerator, Promo Committee Aligns and More

From the Chair: Making Bigger Opportunities Possible for All 

By Ellie Norris, USHBC Chair

We recently received the news from USDA that our industry has voted to continue the category-growing efforts of the USHBC. I’m thrilled because I know when we all come together we make bigger opportunities possible for everyone in the blueberry business. We have tremendous momentum on our side. No other organization can do for the industry what USHBC can do, and the work ahead is more important than ever.

I want to thank my fellow council members, our staff and so many others throughout the blueberry network for ensuring eligible voters were well-informed about our past, current and planned efforts, as well as the progress made by USHBC over the past 26 years.

That said, I recognize not everyone voted in favor of continuation. I certainly want to encourage those who have different views or new ideas to become more involved with the organization moving forward. We have always been and will always be industry-led, and open to diverse perspectives. New ideas, better thinking and challenging the status quo is welcome, and can make us even stronger.

As mentioned, we’ve got more work to do, and I hope many of you will join us at The 2026 Blueberry Convention in Monterey, California, from September 22 to 25. It’s a place to learn more about our future plans, share your thoughts and be a part of shaping what’s next. And I hope you’ll join us at our Committee Forums – new interactive sessions where you’ll have an opportunity to learn more about, share input on and discuss the work of USHBC’s Promotion and Industry Engagement committees.

I look forward to seeing you there! 

Meet the Innovative Startups Leading the Blueberry Boost Accelerator’s Second Cohort

Earlier this month, USHBC, in partnership with VentureFuel, announced the four companies selected for the second cohort of the Blueberry Boost Accelerator. Each startup was chosen by a selection panel of blueberry industry leaders for its bold use of blueberries in innovative products – offering novel, exciting ways for consumers to enjoy blueberries.

The Blueberry Boost Accelerator was launched in 2025 to fuel forward-thinking product innovation and elevate blueberries as a hero ingredient by supporting visionary startups. 

The 2026 cohort demonstrates how entrepreneurs are moving blueberries beyond the produce aisle and freezer case into products that span multiple high-growth consumer categories, from protein-rich pantry staples and better-for-you confectionery to children’s beverages and premium spirits. The new cohort also reflects several of the strongest trends shaping food today, including functional nutrition, healthier indulgence, convenient snacking, family-focused products and premium food experiences.

The 2026 Blueberry Boost Accelerator finalists are: 

• Jam Packd Jams Blueberries (Edina, Minn.) Husband-and-wife team and co-founders Brian and Michelle Platt’s functional jams are packed with collagen, protein, prebiotic fiber, superfoods and no added sugar. A 2026 NEXTY Award Finalist for innovation in functional foods at Natural Products Expo West, blueberry is their brightest, most fruit-forward and addictively spoonable flavor.
• Dr. John’s Healthy Sweets Blueberry Fruit Snacks (Comstock Park, Mich.) Dr. John’s was the first to craft a delicious sugar-free lollipop. Now, they are taking the company’s love of culinary science and confectionery art even further by creating a new fruit-based, tooth-friendly snack made with all-natural ingredients, and fortified with important nutrients. Blueberry will be the first flavor to launch their new fruit snack line. They are represented by VP of R&D/FSQA Kelly Glynn.
• Oodles of Doodles Blueberry (New York, N.Y.) Co-Founder and CEO Alisha Eason is reinventing children’s hydration with clean-label, fruit-flavored drinks. The newest flavor, blueberry, will launch later this year as a ready-to-drink beverage in both sparkling and still formats, as well as hydration sticks and vitamin-fiber juice boxes.
• Blue Rascal Distillery Blueberry Brandies (Hammonton, N.J.) Co-Owner Kelly Perone showcases blueberries in premium brandy, liqueurs and craft spirits inspired by New Jersey’s rich blueberry-growing heritage, demonstrating the ingredient’s versatility beyond traditional food categories.  

Throughout the accelerator, participating companies will collaborate with industry experts to refine their products, strengthen commercialization strategies and accelerate growth. The program is designed to not only help startups scale, but to create new opportunities for U.S. blueberry growers by expanding where, when and how consumers enjoy blueberries. 

It culminates this September with a live pitch competition at The 2026 Blueberry Convention where the winning company will receive a $20,000 grand prize, and the runner-up will receive $10,000.

To learn more about the Blueberry Boost Accelerator, visit blueberryboostaccelerator.com. To see the live pitch competition, and try these innovative products, register for The 2026 Blueberry Convention!

Promotion Committee Aligns Strategy to Drive 2027 Growth 

USHBC’s Promotion Committee and USHBC staff met in Chicago earlier this month for comprehensive discussions across all marketing promotions channels, including foodservice, food manufacturing, health research and nutrition, global export market development, consumer, retail, the USHBC website and more. 

The gathering, held at The American Egg Board’s headquarters, saw strong participation and engagement by committee members, and provided critical direction and input to guide the USHBC marketing team in finishing development of a successful demand-driving strategy for 2027. 

As part of the organization’s commitment to data-driven decision making, the team also did a deep-dive discussion with the committee on consumer and shopper research and insights around blueberry brand health and the consumer and shopper decision-making journey. By reviewing data-based results and the impact of our recent marketing efforts, as well as learning more about shoppers’ behaviors and motivations when considering blueberries, we’re ensuring that insights continue to lead our marketing strategy and programming. 

Interested in learning more about the Promotion Committee’s efforts and 2027 plans? Join the Promotion Committee Forum being held at The 2026 Blueberry Convention in September, which will be hosted by Promotion Committee Chair Nathan Sakuma and USHBC Global Vice President of Marketing and Communications Kevin Hamilton. This will be an opportunity to engage with the recent work to date, ask questions and learn more about what’s next in growing demand and value for blueberries in the U.S. and across the globe – working toward the vision of making blueberries the world’s favorite fruit.

Elevating Blueberries in School Nutrition

USHBC staff recently participated in the School Nutrition Association’s Annual National Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina. This year’s theme, “Power of School Meals,” drew more than 3,000 food service operators and 3,300 exhibitors.

In alignment with the 2025 Dietary Guidelines promoting whole foods, fruit  and vegetables, the USHBC team emphasized to attendees that blueberries – whether fresh or frozen – are an ideal solution for meeting fruit requirements.

As part of the closing session at the conference, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins addressed the audience and encouraged states to take a pledge to: 

• Replace breakfast pastries with whole-food breakfast options.
• Prepare meat and meat alternates using healthy cooking methods.
• Serve only 100% whole grain products.
• Improve smart snacks served in schools.
• Prioritize whole fruit.
• Serve whole milk.

While these are not formal regulations, many school districts have already begun implementing some of these recommendations.

Blueberries are uniquely positioned to help schools meet these pledges in both breakfast programs and smart snack offerings.

USHBC Call for Volunteers Is Open Through Sept. 20

Ready to lend your voice to the blueberry industry? USHBC is accepting applications for open seats on our committees, subcommittees, advisory boards and task forces. 

Volunteering with USHBC is one of the most effective ways to support our collective vision – making blueberries the world’s favorite fruit. We’re seeking individuals from all backgrounds and experience levels to bring diverse perspectives and expertise to a wide array of leadership positions. 

When you begin the application process, you can review all open vacancies. Every effort will be made to align your specific background and interests with available roles.

Explore available opportunities and submit your application before the Sept. 30 deadline. Appointments made by the USHBC Chair will begin on Jan. 1, 2027.

Convention Corner: Economic Report With David Magaña

We recently introduced our first keynote speaker for The 2026 Blueberry Convention, Sept. 22-25 in Monterey – giving you one more reason to attend.

You’ll want to be there to hear from David Magaña, senior vice president and senior analyst for RaboResearch Food & Agribusiness. During his session, “Shifting Rhythms in the Economic Forces Shaping the Future of Blueberries,” Magaña will deliver a forward-looking perspective on the trends shaping profitability, competitiveness and long-term opportunity across the blueberry value chain. He’ll also explore the shifting rhythms shaping the business today – from macroeconomics to production to inflation, global supply dynamics, trade flows and evolving consumer demand — and how these forces are composing a new outlook for the industry’s future. 

You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of the economic landscape ahead and what it may mean for growers, marketers, suppliers and industry leaders planning for the future. As an added resource, Magaña will provide a short summary of the session’s key points, giving attendees a useful takeaway to share with their teams after the convention. 

Don’t miss the chance to hear from one of the industry’s premier economic experts and connect with leaders from across the global blueberry community.

Schedule Highlights

Beyond the amazing content you expect at convention, this year’s event will feature these not-to-be-missed opportunities:  

Keynote and Awards Breakfast 

Join us for a special morning of inspiration and celebration as we gather for a featured keynote and recognize outstanding leaders in the blueberry industry. During this breakfast, NABC will present its annual awards, including the Elizabeth White Award honoring women in blueberries.

*NEW* Committee Forums

Committee Forums are new interactive sessions designed to connect you with the work of USHBC’s Promotion and Industry Engagement Committees, highlighting current projects and creating space for industry engagement and discussion.

NABC Crop Report 

Hear crop updates from growing regions across the blueberry industry, giving you a timely look at production conditions and the current state of the season.

Governance Meetings 

Participate in the USHBC Council meeting, the NABC Board meeting and the NABC United Blueberry Advisory Committee to get up-to-date on important industry topics, discuss priorities and help guide the organization’s work on behalf of the blueberry industry.

Tech Tuesday 

Explore emerging and advancing technologies shaping the future of the blueberry industry during this special education session organized by the BerrySmart Technology Task Force. Over the course of two hours, attendees will gain insight into innovations, tools and ideas designed to support on-farm efficiency, data-driven decision-making and long-term industry progress.

Meet, Eat & Explore 

Enjoy a relaxed, open lunch in the heart of the convention action. With seating throughout the common areas near Blueberry Lane and Blueberry Row, it’s the perfect chance to grab a bite, connect with exhibitors and spend time with fellow attendees. 

Blueberry Night at the Monterey Bay Aquarium

You’ll be talking about this one long after the convention ends! Join us for a one-of-a-kind strolling dinner as the blueberry industry takes over the aquarium. Enjoy chef-curated food stations, coastal views and access to incredible exhibits — all in a vibrant setting designed for connection and celebration.

Check out the convention schedule to see everything we have planned! 

Meet Our Exhibitors

Blueberry Lane and Blueberry Row are SOLD OUT! Here’s who you’ll be able to connect with at the convention:   

• A & B Packing
• Autofruit
• BeeFlow
• BeeHero
• Bonsai Robotics
• Burro
• Cailu
• Clean Ag Resources
• Crawford Packaging
• Ellips
• Fall Creek
• Fine Field 
• Harvest Hosts
• Highland Packaging Solutions
• Innov8.ag
• Jet PreCooler
• Koppert
• Meyer Optical Sorting
• Monte Package Company
• Multivac
• NNZ Inc.
• NorthScope
• Opti-Harvest
• Orchard Robotics
• Oregon Blueberry
• Oxbo International 
• Pacific Distributing Inc.
• Pacific Injection Molding
• Pinion
• Privi Life Sciences USA
• Punchbowl Automation
• Rainmaker
• Reemoon US
• Skysense
• Skyshield Solutions 
• SWAN Systems
• Thunderbird Plastics
• Tomra
• True Organic Products
• Unitec
• WECO
• WiseConn
• Yamaha Agriculture

Contact Mandy Boarman at [email protected] to learn about all exhibitor and sponsorship options.

Get Registered!  

Register today to save your seat at the largest gathering of the blueberry industry. 

More Ways to Stay in Monterey

The 2026 Blueberry Convention will take place at the Hyatt Regency Monterey. While the deadline for our group rate has passed, you can contact the Hyatt Regency Monterey directly to check availability and pricing. Be sure to mention the NABC Convention!

With strong interest in this year’s convention, we’ve expanded our housing options throughout Monterey. See the full list on the “Travel Information” tab on our Blueberry Convention webpage.

Unlocking the Power of Blueberry Industry Data

Registration is officially open for the 2026 Blueberry Data & Intelligence Summit.

Held in conjunction with The 2026 Blueberry Convention in Monterey, California, this dynamic day-and-a-half event will take place Sept. 21 (3-6 p.m.) and Sept. 22 (7:30 a.m.-1 p.m.) at the Hyatt Regency Monterey. 

Join fellow industry leaders for forward-looking conversations on the data, technology and intelligence driving our future. Be there to:

• Experience a live walkthrough of the latest version of the BerrySmart Insights platform.
• Discuss how AI is transforming market intelligence.
• Explore new tools and forecasting capabilities, and help shape the next generation of industry data resources. 
• Connect with fellow leaders committed to building a smarter, more informed blueberry industry.

Seating is limited. Register for the Blueberry Data & Intelligence Summit today. 

Registration for the summit is separate from the 2026 Blueberry Convention. If you plan to attend both events, please register for each event individually.

If you’re attending both events, be sure to adjust your hotel check-in date! Email Stacy Plarr at [email protected] for assistance. 

Access the Upgraded USHBC Data & Insights Platform

The USHBC Data & Insights platform has been upgraded to give you a faster, more comprehensive look at the global blueberry market.

Built specifically for the blueberry industry, this platform centralizes production trends, pricing data, retail performance and industry reports into one powerful interface. It also serves as the home of our expanded grower-sourced benchmarking tools.

Log in today to explore the updated platform features:

• Home Dashboard: Your starting point for live production and pricing trends, USDA shipping data, weekly market news and retail category performance.
• Reports Library: Access and download critical USHBC studies, reports and insights. Filter seamlessly by consumer insights, economics, foodservice impact or tech and innovation.
• Blueberry Industry Insights: View aggregated anonymized production, sales and pricing data from enrolled growers and marketers to benchmark your performance against the industry.

Visit the fully upgraded USHBC Data & Insights platform today!

Leadership Class Spotlight: Meet Abigail Sakuma

Class 4 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. 

For Abigail Sakuma, agriculture is both part of her heritage and a lifelong calling. A fourth-generation member of the Sakuma family, she grew up working at Sakuma Brothers Farms from a young age through college, gaining hands-on experience across nearly every facet of the business, from harvesting berries and managing quality assurance to working at the farm’s Fresh Market Stand. Those early years instilled in her a deep appreciation for the hard work, resilience and teamwork that drive the agricultural community.

Sakuma went on to attend New Mexico State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management. Before returning home, she built a diverse professional background spanning alcohol distribution sales, restaurant management and elementary education – roles that sharpened her leadership, communication and relationship-building skills.

In June 2025, Sakuma returned to Sakuma Brothers Farms and processing as sales operations manager. Today, as sales manager, she works closely with domestic and international customers to manage fresh and frozen berry sales, build long-term client relationships and align farm production with market demand. As she prepares to take full responsibility for both fresh and frozen sales in the upcoming season, she is also positioning herself to take on greater strategic leadership within the family business.

Now a fellow in Class 4 of the Blueberry Leadership Program, Sakuma sees the experience as a vital step in her professional journey.

“As a fourth-generation member of my family’s farm, I’m preparing to take on a larger leadership role at Sakuma Brothers, and I wanted to invest in becoming the best leader I can be,” Sakuma said. “The program provides an incredible opportunity to learn from industry leaders, build relationships with peers from across the country, and gain a broader perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing our industry.”

Sakuma has particularly values connecting with fellow professionals across every sector of the supply chain. Hearing diverse perspectives from different regions and business models has highlighted the collaborative spirit that defines the blueberry community.

Looking ahead, Sakuma is eager to continue building lasting industry relationships, while expanding her knowledge across production, research, marketing, and policy advocacy.