The benefits of blueberries boosts demand

Five years ago, blueberries would have been considered the equivalent of a b-list actor, but now they are front and center on the A-list. You can find them in the leading role in many meals across the country, primarly because their many health benefits have been so widely publicized. Everyone from restaurant chefs to nutritionists to consumers are finding new ways to integrate blueberries into meal planning. In a recent article, a survey of the top 500 restaurant chains saw growth of 100% for blueberry mentions on the menu.

Last year, the Florida Blueberry Growers Association launched a consumer awareness campaign that has helped escalate the importance of blueberries for consumers.  The campaign was created to drive awarenss of Florida’s blueberries across the globe. In October, representatives exhibited at the Anuga Trade Fair in Cologne, Germany as the only fresh blueberry organization.  Later in the month, representatives attended the Produce Marketing Association Summit (PMA) in New Orleans.  The summit is considered the Super Bowl of produce marketing in the U.S. Every produce buyer in the U.S. attends, which leads to an audience of 30,000 – 40,000 buyers. In February of 2014, representatives attended the Fruit Logistica in Berlin, Germany where an average of 210,000 buyers from across the globe attend.

U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council Executive Director Mark Villata said the health benefits of blueberries is resonating most with consumers. He said it has struck a chord and has pushed the demand for blueberries to grow.  Villata says we will need rain to support the 2020 crop to keep up with demand. There is definitely an increase in production across the state and it’s the peak time for stepping out and picking your own at one of Florida’s many U-pick farms.

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