Key Takeaways
- The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) and VentureFuel have introduced the Blueberry Boost Accelerator to support startups utilizing blueberries in consumer products.
- The nine-week program offers mentorship, commercialization support, and exposure to industry stakeholders.
- Participating companies must be early-stage, revenue-generating, and have a safe, working product prototype reviewed under USDA oversight.
- Winners will be selected at The Blueberry Convention in Seattle in October 2025, with $20,000 awarded to the grand prize winner.
- Applications are open through July 11, 2025, and a virtual information session is scheduled for June 25.
Overview of the Blueberry Boost Accelerator Initiative
The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC), in collaboration with innovation advisory firm VentureFuel, has announced the launch of the Blueberry Boost Accelerator, a new initiative aimed at supporting startups that are integrating blueberries as a core ingredient in their product lines. The program is designed to identify and mentor early-stage companies within the consumer packaged goods (CPG) sector, with the goal of accelerating the development and commercialization of blueberry-focused products.
Applications for the program are open through July 11, 2025, and eligible companies must already be generating revenue and possess a USDA-reviewed product prototype. The accelerator will run for nine weeks and include both virtual and in-person components, culminating in a live pitch competition at The Blueberry Convention from October 8–10 in Seattle.
Blueberry Boost Accelerator Program Structure and Support for Startups
Startups selected for the Blueberry Boost Accelerator will gain access to mentorship from professionals across the blueberry, food, and CPG industries. In addition to tailored business support, companies will receive brand development assets—such as commercials and sales materials—alongside opportunities to connect with buyers, investors, and media representatives.
Finalists will pitch their products during The Blueberry Convention. The grand prize winner will receive $20,000, and the runner-up will be awarded $10,000. Companies across diverse product categories—including snacks, frozen foods, beverages, wellness items, pet products, and personal care—are encouraged to apply.
A virtual information session will be hosted on June 25 to provide further details about the program’s goals, selection criteria, and potential benefits for applicants.
Focus on Innovation and Industry Collaboration
According to USHBC, the accelerator aligns with its broader strategy of increasing blueberry consumption by fostering innovation and developing new use cases. The program supports the council’s goal of expanding blueberries’ role across multiple consumer markets, emphasizing both health-related and culinary applications.
Fred Schonenberg, CEO of VentureFuel, noted that the accelerator is intended to uncover novel ways of incorporating blueberries, stating that the initiative will “fast-track innovations and unlock new growth opportunities for the category.”
