MANILA, PHILIPPINES, April 15, 2026 – The culminating event of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council’s (USHBC) participation in the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) 2026 Agribusiness Trade Mission to the Philippines is tonight’s “Meet and Eat” dinner at The Split in BGC, Taguig. The dinner brings together media representatives and trade partners for an evening that blends culinary creativity with industry insight.
In addition to strengthening relationships with key stakeholders, the dinner will introduce new ways USA Blueberries can bring flavor, color and value to menus, product lines and consumer offerings. The evening celebrates the fruit’s growing presence in the Philippines and its potential to support continued category growth in the market.
Created 25 years ago by the blueberry industry, the USHBC exists to grow the entire category, give more consumers in the U.S more reasons to buy more blueberries, expand demand for U.S. blueberries in global markets and equip the industry for success. The USHBC serves domestic and international growers, importers, exporters and marketers, as well as others integral to the blueberry industry supply chain.
The Meet and Eat Dinner will feature a menu packed with blueberry‑inspired dishes and beverages that showcase the fruit’s ability to elevate sweet and savory applications. The evening’s lineup was developed to demonstrate blueberries’ adaptability across courses, cuisines and menu styles.
Beyond the culinary experience, the dinner provides a platform for USHBC representatives to share updates on the global blueberry industry, including production trends, export growth and the expanding role of USA Blueberries in Southeast Asia. Discussions will also touch on market development efforts in the Philippines, and opportunities for collaboration across retail, foodservice and manufacturing sectors.
Blueberries continue to gain popularity among Filipino consumers, chefs and manufacturers. Their vibrant color, refreshing sweetness and nutritional benefits make them a healthy, eye‑catching addition to everyday meals and a valuable ingredient for product innovation. From breakfast bowls and pastries to sauces, beverages and premium desserts, USA Blueberries offer year‑round versatility that inspires home cooks and food professionals.
“The Philippines remains an important market for U.S. blueberries,” said Kevin Hamilton, USHBC vice president of global marketing and communications. “Engagements such as these provide valuable opportunities to connect directly with partners, deepen our understanding of market needs and identify new avenues for growth across retail, foodservice and manufacturing. We’re committed to supporting the market through industry insights and collaborative marketing programs that help foster long-term growth.”
# # #
About the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council
Established in 2000, The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) is a federal agriculture research and promotion program with independent oversight from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). USHBC represents blueberry growers and packers in North and South America who market their blueberries in the United States and overseas, and works to promote the growth and well-being of the entire blueberry industry. USHBC was established by blueberry growers and currently has 2,500 growers, packers, exporters and importers. USHBC is committed to providing blueberries that are grown, harvested, packed and shipped in clean, safe environments. Learn more at ushbc.blueberry.org and blueberry.org
Philippines Representative: Synergy Asia Marketing Services Inc., synergyasia.biz
Philippines social media: Facebook/Instagram – @usblueberriesphl