Seoul Food & Hotel Action

Another big exhibition in Korea at the Seoul Food and Hotel.
A new spirit.  Lots of enthusiasm for USA blueberries!

Our Blueberry FoodTech Ambassador and one of his fellow Seoul University graduates.

Industry visitors stop by the USHBC booth,  

Mossy the Squirrel

We are always talking about the popularity of blueberries in animal and pet feeds.  The key -- the animals like the taste of blueberries.  Meet Mossy the Squirrel from Boise Idaho enjoying fresh blueberries.   Like they say on the internet -- it's trending and Mossy is a celebrity squirrel and big fan of blueberries!

Ultra-Awesome New Korean Products

Here are some really interesting new products we found in the supermarkets in Korea during the Seoul Food and Hotel Exposition 2018.  My favorite (above) is Fresh Blueberry Chip.  On the pack -- "honest project is a project that offers healthy food processed from trustable ingredient.

Breakfast Cereals:  Korean consume hot cereals which are normally a blend of puffed rice, pine nuts and other local ingredients.  Cold cereals are becoming popular and here is a series of new concepts from Peacock, a local supplier.  Note this is an added ingredient concept based on color.  This is the blue concept and it is loaded with freeze dried blueberries--lots of them!

More Cereals!  Here is a product from Post Cereals.  Note the graphic on box that explains that with the dried blueberry you get more blueberry per spoonful!

Race Day Secret!

We have been hearing for decades that blueberries are used in equine feed including race horses, cutting horses and others.   Check out this product and video from Southern Press and Packing Company in Georgia who are pioneering the use of blueberries in equine rations.  The company also makes an excellent blueberry juice under the Regenerate label!
Raceday Secret

Blueberries and Yogurts

7-11's Healthy Lifestyle Yogurt Drink is a hit in Japan

Several years ago, you would see one or two blueberry-containing yogurts in the dairy case.   Along came Greek Yogurt, specialty yogurts and drinkable yogurts.   Blueberries may not be the most common flavor.  But, blueberries sure do have a major presence in the category in North America and abroad.

Fruit Preps: For yogurts and yogurt drinks, adding blueberries not as easy as just adding blueberries.  Dairy products have very specific requirements obtain homogeneous flavor, texture, color and other specifications.  Most utilize fruit preparations or "fruit preps"  These are formulated products.
Here is an interesting report on the $8.2 billon fruit prep market worldwide.

Fruit Prep Report from Hexa Research

Manufacturers around the world look for high brix, frozen blueberries with soft skins for exuding juice.  Also, purees, puree concentrate and blueberry juice concentrate are used in the dairy sector.

Thank you "Big K"

It is that time of the year--a visit to Battle Creek, the home of Kellogg's.  It is a good time to connect with old friends make new, have an extra hot Indian curry with the R & D gang.  Most important -- it is a time to listen, learn and say thanks for all they do for highbush blueberries.

Kellogg's is a global company.  Although the headquarters are located in Battle Creek, Michigan-- they manufacture in 18 countries worldwide and distribute in over 180 countries worldwide.

Kellogg's has always been an innovator in cereals, bars and other items.   Look at all of the developments around the world.  Besides manufacturing, Kellogg's products can be found just about anywhere in the world.

Mintel Global New Product Database

Development: In 2015, Kellogg's announced that it was eliminating artificial colors and flavors in cereals and snacks by the end of 2018. This has led to use of real blueberry purees, puree concentrate, frozen blueberries, dried blueberries and other formats in new and existing products.

Check out Kellogg's new products for 2017 and 2018.  

Go Big K!

>Kellogg's continues to use more blueberry and more blueberry images on the packs.  

>Real blueberries are used in the USA products and most aboard, with a few exceptions which will be topic of conversation.  If we can only get the Real Blueberries ™  seal on the box!

>"Mora Azul" has become the description for blueberries in Latin America which is one of the most innovative areas of product development with blueberries.

>We are seeing the word "real" more and more.  

>Some of the most innovative new items are coming from Latin America and UK production centers.

So with this: Thank you Kellogg's -- See you Wednesday!

Thank you!

Happy May Day From China!

Happy May Day (International Worker's Day). This greeting is from the organizers of the upcoming Bakery China Exposition in Shanghai May 9-12.  USHBC will exhibit at this exposition which brings together bakers small and large from all over China.  Our goal is to connect with bakery suppliers who sell to bakeries and buy from importers.   We have met dozens of innovative bakeries all over China who are interested in blueberries and blueberry products.  Now is time to connect the dots on the supply chain.  Updates from the field next week!

Oh yes, you can guess from this poster who the organizer is.

The wording encourages all workers in the world to enjoy celebrate the holiday and take a day off!