U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council Update
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Educational, fun, uniting and inspiring are just a few of the words that describe the industry’s time together at the 2024 USHBC/NABC Blueberry Convention in Tucson. A special thanks to over 300 attendees who took time away from their businesses and families to join us.
If you weren’t able to attend this year’s Blueberry Convention, don’t worry, we will be coming together again at The Blueberry Summit in Denver, Colorado, September 25-27, 2024.
North American Blueberry Council Update - Get to Know Us!
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Founded in 1965, the North American Blueberry Council (NABC) continues to serve as a collaborating organization that strives to unite the voice, advocacy and resources of the blueberry industry to accomplish together what no one company could accomplish alone.
An example of this mission-driven effort can be seen in the leadership role NABC played in establishing the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) in 2000 to establish the resources necessary to grow demand, and again in 2021 when it organized the United Blueberry Task Force to facilitate a conversation on what more is needed for the industry to grow and prosper.
The collective vision was formalized under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), and the United Blueberry Advisory Committee was formed to help continue to further grow and build upon that vision. Currently, a group of 14 companies are signatories of this MOU and committing their time, knowledge, trust and additional resources to better ensure that the industry’s dreams are matched with the necessary means.
Collectively, this additional leadership and support has significantly contributed to the following achievements:
● Launched an advocacy platform to help growers remain successful and competitive.
● Hired Washington, D.C.-based Monument Advocacy.
● Hired NABC’s first Director of Government Affairs, Alyssa Houtby.
● Launched Grab A Boost of Blue retail marketing programs resulting in measurable growth.
● Launched a fresh blueberry data platform.
● Launched a frozen blueberry data platform.
● Increased nutrition affairs efforts to drive awareness with policy makers and regulators about the health benefits of blueberries.
● Worked to improve the Department of Health & Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) dietary guidelines used for government procurement programs to include subcategories for fruits.
Since 2021, the MOU has raised $5,537,296. In 2023, the NABC was pleased to provide the USHBC with $2.8 million to increase consumer promotions and marketing to drive blueberry demand and improve the industry’s access to data and insights. The goal: Create a world-class industry database on supply, demand, historical price and inventory.
Add your voice to NABC’s mission to be the united voice, advocate and resource serving the interests of the blueberry industry today by becoming a member. Learn more at nabc.blueberry.org.