Blueberry Boost Accelerator seeks CPG companies

Joanie Spencer, editor-in-chief of Commercial Baking

BACK TO ALL NEWS

Blueberry Boost Accelerator seeks CPG companies

12 Jun 2025

Maddie Lambert

Maddie Lambert is a copywriter and editor from Joplin, MO. She graduated from Missouri Southern State University with a Bachelor of Arts in English – literary studies. When she’s not poring over the magazine or lost in the pages of a new novel, you can find Maddie exploring her local bookstores, spending time with her husband, or sharing her latest literary discoveries with fellow book enthusiasts.

FOLSOM, CA — The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) partnered with VentureFuel to launch the Blueberry Boost Accelerator, a new program designed to support emerging startups that innovate around the fruit staple.

The nine-week accelerator connects early-stage, revenue-generating companies prioritizing blueberries as a top ingredient with CPG leaders to fast-track growth through mentorship and tailored commercialization guidance. Participants will receive brand assets, including video commercials and sales materials, gain a more robust media presence, and connect with buyers and investors.

Startups will finalize their pitches with one-on-one support and showcase their products at The Blueberry Convention, set for Oct. 8-10 in Seattle. The grand prize winner will receive $20,000, and the runner-up will win $10,000. Eligible companies must have a 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,” said Kasey Cronquist, president of USHBC. “Blueberries are packed with possibilities, from health and nutrition to snacking, culinary creativity, functional ingredients and beyond. This program is about uncovering the next generation of ideas that will help blueberries earn a larger role in consumers’ everyday lives.”

The Blueberry Boost Accelerator is seeking CPG products across a range of categories, including snacks, frozen and confectionery.

Applications are now open and will be reviewed through July 11. Visit the Blueberry Boost Accelerator website for more information.