What You Need To Know About the First-Ever Blueberry Boost Accelerator
June 6, 2025 The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC), in partnership with VentureFuel, has 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. The Blueberry Boost Accelerator is seeking startups of Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) products across a wide range of categories. Check out the slideshow below to see some product examples.
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Other product categories include, but are not limited to frozen; ready-to-eat meals; as well as sauces and dressings.
According to USHBC, the nine-week hybrid accelerator program aims to connect early-stage, revenue-generating companies of products using blueberries as a prominent ingredient with top blueberry, food and Consumer Packaged Goods industry leaders to fast-track growth through 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,” says Kasey Cronquist, President of USHBC.
Applications are now open and will be reviewed on a rolling basis through July 11, 2025.
For more information or to apply, visit blueberryboostaccelerator.com.
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