Superfoods Summit in Tokyo

Blueberries bring the world together!   Check out the wonderful group of visitors from Benin in West Africa who are promoting the super-grain Fonio.  This tiny grain from the millet family is valued throughout the region.  It contains some very important amino acids for the body and the main excitement comes from the fact that it helps the body secrete insulin - which has great benefit for diabetics and prevention.   We discussed the combination of the two superfoods -- blueberries and fonio!

Berrylicious Ice Cream!

Check out this new blueberry ice cream launched in India!   Very Berry is a pioneer in bringing new blueberry products to market!

News from the Far Field - India

The AAHAR exposition in Delhi is the largest food trade show in India.   This year, blueberries were exhibited by companies who have developed new products in the past year.  

• VK Nuts - Pioneered imports of dried blueberries
• Rajguru, Pune, Dried Blueberries
• Orchard Brands - Locally produced blueberry fillings with US blueberries!   
• Mala- Local Fillings.

Check out the booth for Delight Nuts.  Raj  Kapoor (USHBC-India)  on left and friendly dried blueberry seller on right!

USA Blueberry Promotions in China

1.3 billion Chinese are discovering the goodness of blueberries.    Sales of dried blueberries are on the rise as well as frozen and juice.    Currently the Chinese government is evaluating the future of allowing US blueberries into China for the first time.  Our country negotiators at USDA-APHIS (Animal Plant Quarantine Service) are doing a tremendous job of representing the US blueberry market entry effort!  We are also getting support from the trade such as grocery stores and food-service operators.  Let's keep positive and -- think blueberries!

Blueberries in Emerging Markets

The USHBC strategic plan directs us to keep a steady effort in the major potential usage markets abroad, and this has led us to Asia where we promote in Japan, Korea, Taiwan and others.    At the same time we are also encouraged to explore new markets with longer term potential, such as India.   In November 2014, USHBC conducted its first trade mission to one of these markets of the future: Turkey.  We were pleasantly surprised to see great enthusiasm for fresh, frozen and dried blueberries everywhere,   Turks have a "food as medicine" philosophy.   Blueberries are considered a beneficial food for a whole range of health reasons.   Blueberries are especially popular with the young generation who read about "super fruits" in newspapers, magazines and internet blogs.   

Blueberry Cosmetics Continue to Rise

Blueberries are hot in the multi-billion dollar natural cosmetic field!
Asia leads the way and the trend is now rising in North America!   Keep an eye out for new blueberry skin care products!  Source: Mintel Global New Products Database (GNPD)

Nivea Launches new Blueberry Lip Balm!

Available all over North America!