U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council and VentureFuel Team Up to Spotlight Inventive, Up-And-Coming Blueberry Products; Applications Now Open
Folsom, CA (June 2, 2025) — The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC), in partnership with VentureFuel, today announced the launch of the Blueberry Boost Accelerator — a new program designed to discover and support emerging startups that are redefining the future of blueberries. Applications are now open and will be reviewed on a rolling basis through July 11, 2025, at 11:59 pm PT.
The nine-week hybrid accelerator program will connect early-stage, revenue-generating companies of products using blueberries as a prominent ingredient with top blueberry, food and Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry leaders to fast-track growth through expert mentorship, tailored commercialization support and strategic guidance. Participants will receive professional brand assets like video commercials and sales materials; gain media exposure; and connect with buyers, investors and innovation leaders. Startups will refine their pitch with 1:1 support and showcase their product at The Blueberry Convention, Oct. 8-10 in Seattle, where the grand prize winner will receive $20,000 and the runner-up will win $10,000. To be eligible, companies must have a safe, working product prototype that has been reviewed under USDA oversight.
“USHBC’s vision is to make blueberries the world’s favorite fruit by fueling demand through innovation, partnerships and research,” said Kasey Cronquist, president of USHBC. “Blueberries are packed with possibilities — from health and nutrition to snacking, culinary creativity, functional ingredients and beyond. This program is about uncovering the next generation of ideas that will help blueberries earn a larger role in consumers' everyday lives."
The Blueberry Boost Accelerator is seeking startups of CPG products across a wide range of categories, including but not limited to:
- Snacks
- Frozen
- Beverages (including alcoholic options)
- Confectionery
- Personal care items (e.g., skincare, cosmetics)
- Wellness/performance
- Ready-to-eat meals
- Sauces and dressings
- Pet products
Interested entrepreneurs are invited to RSVP for a virtual information session on June 25 at 12 p.m. ET to learn more about the program, areas of interest and the application process.
"Blueberries are beloved by consumers for their taste and health benefits, yet there is so much untapped potential when it comes to new formats, uses, and applications,” said Fred Schonenberg, Founder and CEO of VentureFuel. “Our accelerator connects the best startups working with blueberries with industry leaders and commercial opportunities to fast-track their innovations to unlock new growth opportunities for the category."
The Blueberry Boost Accelerator underscores USHBC’s commitment to leadership in the food system through consumer-driven innovation. By investing in new ideas, technology and entrepreneurs, USHBC continues to unite stakeholders to strengthen the industry’s global competitiveness.
For more information or to apply, visit blueberryboostaccelerator.com. For more resources on using blueberries as an ingredient or to find supplier, visit foodprofessionals.blueberry.org/for-food-manufacturing.
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. Visit us at www.blueberry.org
About VentureFuel
VentureFuel is an independent innovation advisory firm that helps the world's best organizations commercialize innovation to ignite change by working with startups. Its innovation programs help enterprise organizations learn, test, build and invest in emerging technology to solve their biggest problems today and unlock new sources of growth. VentureFuel provides organizations like Hershey's, Comcast, Dick's Sporting Goods, AARP Foundation and the State of California the tools to drive transformative change with less risk, more speed, and greater proximity to the consumer than traditional innovation models. Learn more at: www.venturefuel.net, LinkedIn, X, and Instagram. You can listen to The VentureFuel Visionaries podcast on Apple, Spotify, Simplecast or wherever you get your podcasts.
