USHBC in the field in 2017

USHBC at New-York/New Jersey Food Technology event.

The USHBC Food Tech Team is in the field meeting with manufacturers to promote blueberries.
Our target audience is Research and development and food developers.  Our message is that with supply and strong consumer demand -- this is a great opportunity to add value to a product with blueberries.
We also meet with those very important food sellers who are always in the field interacting with food companies.  They are always happy to see the USHBC helping their efforts to sell.
>Innovation - Companies love to see new products from abroad.  We often tote examples of trendsetting products from far off lands.  These include beverages and gels from Asia, unique candies from Turkey and others.  The "Greek Yogurt" craze has become a showplace for blueberries and now we are seeing Bulgarian, Icelandic yogurts as well!  

>More fruit.  We meet with companies who traditionally use blueberries and are raising levels of blueberries to heighten consumer appeal.

>Ingredient Solutions - Food manufacturers are looking for products that are ready to use.  They want extricable, low-moisture, specific dimensions and other requirements.  We educate the industry on the vast array of offerings available. 
>Frozen>Dried>Liquid>Low Moisture
Each activity in the field we discover some new and exciting new blueberry ingredient designed to fit the needs of the food industry.  They use real blueberries! 
>Health Halo - Food processors are looking to capture positive messages for their current and new products.   They appreciate the latest health and food science research on blueberries.  Check out our continually updated research database.
http://www.blueberrytech.org/research/research-database.htm

>Trending - Food industry product developers look for trending-ingredients that tie to popular trends and these include:
>>ancient grains: ingredients like quinoa, flaxseed, teff are paired with an "ancient fruit" -- blueberries!

>>beauty-from-within (ingredients associated with skincare, hair and nails)  This trend started in Asia and has spread to North America.  Some say it uses small amounts, and yes sometimes.  But, products are also using extracts, powders and other high-value blueberry ingredients that require substantial amounts of blueberry to prepare.

>>clean labels: Some of the leading food processors in the world have pledged to eliminate artificial flavors and colors.   You will see more and more blueberry ingredients which provide color and natural flavor.

Each time we are in the field we work to strengthen the food industry connection to blueberries and blueberry products.   

Check out the current USHBC trade shows at: http://blueberrytech.org/admin/calendar.htm