Food firms know the blueberry is a versatile product—the wee fruit stars in bakery and snack products from muffins at breakfast, to pies for dessert in the evening, and other items enjoyed throughout the day. The Blueberry Boost Accelerator—an eight-week virtual program that encourages emerging food firms that incorporate blueberries with mentorship, guidance, and networking—aims to encourage the use of the humble berry in even more items.

During a May 14 information session, experts guided prospective applicants through the application process, eligibility requirements, and timeline. U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC)’s Inez Be (director of marketing) and VentureFuel’s VP of Innovation Pritam Bhattarai shared insights. Also, Dylan Paul, founder of dessert producer Pluff and the 2025 competition winner, offered his firsthand experience in last year’s program. Access the informational session here.

To learn more about the 2026 program, we connected with:

• Kevin Hamilton, VP of global marketing and communications at USHBC
• Fred Schonenberg, CEO of VentureFuel 

Jenni Spinner: Please tell us about the USHBC—how it got started, its mission, etc.

Kevin Hamilton: The USHBC was established in 2000 as the national research and promotion organization representing blueberry growers, packers, and importers. Our mission is to grow consumer demand for blueberries through research, promotion, and innovation while supporting the long-term success of the industry. We bring the industry together around shared insights and initiatives that inspire new ways for consumers to enjoy blueberries. Ultimately, our goal is simple: to make blueberries the world’s favorite fruit.

JS: What’s the Blueberry Boost Accelerator—and how did the inaugural event go last year?

KH: The Blueberry Boost Accelerator is an eight-week program created by the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council in partnership with VentureFuel to help emerging brands develop innovative consumer products featuring blueberries. At its core, the program is about expanding opportunities for blueberries beyond the produce aisle and creating new sources of long-term demand for growers.

The inaugural program exceeded expectations. We saw strong interest from founders who recognize that blueberries naturally align with today’s consumer focus on health, functionality, and convenience. What was especially exciting was seeing blueberries incorporated into entirely new categories and consumption occasions. Consumers increasingly want products that deliver nutrition, convenience, and great taste, and blueberries are uniquely positioned to meet that demand.

JS: How are VentureFuel and the USHBC partnering on the 2026 edition?

KH: USHBC and VentureFuel continue to work closely together to grow and evolve the program for 2026. USHBC brings deep category expertise, consumer insights, and strong industry relationships, while VentureFuel brings extensive experience helping startups scale through innovation programs and strategic partnerships. Together, we’re giving founders access to mentorship, commercialization guidance, industry connections, and visibility with key decision-makers. Our shared goal is to help innovative brands grow while introducing consumers to new ways to experience blueberries.

JS: What qualities or qualifications are you looking for in the Accelerator applicants, in order for them to move on to the finals?

Fred Schoenenberg: We’re looking for founders with bold ideas, strong execution, and products with clear market potential. Ideal applicants already have revenue traction or products that are commercially ready and positioned for growth. We’re especially interested in brands addressing consumer interests like health and wellness, convenience, sustainability, and functional nutrition. Creativity matters, but so does a strong business foundation and a meaningful use of blueberries within the product experience.

KH: Of course, our program is especially interested in finding entrepreneurs and products who are taking blueberries to the level of CPG and food product innovation, and using the ingredient in ways that have the potential to delight consumers, help them with their wellness goals, or both.

JS: Tell us about the awesome things that the winner and runner-up will receive, and how those awards will help them boost their own blueberry-centric items.

KH: The winning companies will receive cash awards, industry exposure, and mentorship designed to help accelerate their growth. Finalists also gain access to experts across branding, retail, manufacturing, and product innovation who can help them navigate key commercialization challenges. One of the most valuable aspects of the program is visibility. Finalists pitch live at the Blueberry Convention in front of industry leaders, potential partners, and decision-makers who can help bring these products to a larger market.

JS: What’s your favorite use of blueberries? Please share a dish, a specific CPG product, etc.

KH: Personally, my favorite way to enjoy blueberries is on their own as a tasty and nutritious snack. We also know that there is a ton of opportunity for blueberries to play a role as a value-added ingredient. The CPG space is continuously innovating at a fast pace to meet ever-changing consumer tastes and preferences, and blueberries’ versatility and outstanding nutrition profile mean they can uplevel products in every category.

JS: Anything to add?

KH: We believe this is an exciting moment for food and beverage innovation as consumers continue seeking products that combine great taste, functionality, and clean ingredients. The Blueberry Boost Accelerator is designed to help entrepreneurs bring those ideas to market and expand what’s possible with blueberries.

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