The US Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC), in collaboration with VentureFuel, has launched the inaugural Blueberry Boost Accelerator, a new initiative aimed at supporting early-stage startups developing consumer products that feature blueberries as a central ingredient. Designed to spotlight the versatility of blueberries beyond traditional uses, the program is now open for applications and and will be reviewed on a rolling basis through July 11, 2025.
The Blueberry Boost Accelerator is a nine-week hybrid program that provides support for companies in the early stages of business development. These companies must already have revenue and a working product prototype that has been reviewed under USDA oversight. The program is specifically focused on products where blueberries play a prominent role and span across a wide variety of categories, including snacks, frozen goods, beverages (both non-alcoholic and alcoholic), confectionery, wellness and performance items, personal care products such as skincare and cosmetics, ready-to-eat meals, sauces and dressings, and pet products.
The Blueberry Boost Accelerator is designed to connect participants with individuals and organizations across the blueberry, food, and consumer packaged goods (CPG) industries. This includes structured mentorship, business support, and the opportunity to receive expert feedback on product development, branding, and commercialization strategy.
Program Offerings
Selected participants in the Blueberry Boost Accelerator will gain access to several forms of professional development and promotional tools. Each startup will receive personalized mentorship and strategic guidance from experienced figures within relevant industries. Companies will also be provided with branded marketing assets, such as video commercials and sales materials, which are intended to assist with expanding their market presence and customer engagement.
Participants will be introduced to a network of buyers, potential investors, and others involved in product development and distribution. In addition to these benefits, companies will refine their product pitches with the help of one-on-one mentorship, leading up to a presentation opportunity at The Blueberry Convention, which is scheduled to take place from October 8–10, 2025, in Seattle, Washington.
Recognition and Prizes at The Blueberry Convention
At the culmination of the program, participating startups will present their innovations during The Blueberry Convention, an annual industry event that draws stakeholders from across the blueberry sector. During the convention, a panel will evaluate the pitches and select two winners. The first-place winner will receive a cash prize of US$ 20,000, while the runner-up will be awarded US$ 10,000. This prize is intended to help the winning companies further develop their product and scale their business.
The idea behind the accelerator stems from the USHBC’s broader efforts to explore new applications for blueberries and enhance the fruit’s role in everyday life. According to Kasey Cronquist, president of the USHBC, the council sees great potential in supporting product innovation that uses blueberries not only for their nutritional benefits but also for their flexibility in different formats.
“USHBC’s vision is to make blueberries the world’s favorite fruit by fueling demand through innovation, partnerships and research. 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.”
Also read: Refined Oil Floods Indian Market, IVPA Seeks Policy Correction to Protect Domestic Refiners
Fred Schonenberg, founder and CEO of VentureFuel, echoed that sentiment, noting that while blueberries are already well-liked by consumers, the full range of their applications remains largely unexplored.
“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. Our accelerator connects the best startups working with blueberries with industry leaders and commercial opportunities to fast-track their innovations and unlock new growth opportunities for the category.”
To provide more information about the Blueberry Boost Accelerator, a virtual information session will be held on June 25, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. ET. During the session, entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to learn more about the program’s objectives, eligibility requirements, application process, and areas of product interest.
The Blueberry Boost Accelerator is the latest in a series of efforts by the USHBC to support development within the food system. By backing early-stage entrepreneurs and encouraging the creative use of blueberries, the council hopes to strengthen the overall competitiveness of the blueberry industry in domestic and international markets.