By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council has partnered with VentureFuel to launch the second year of the Blueberry Boost Accelerator. The program supports startups creating innovative products that feature blueberries as an important ingredient.
The accelerator will run for eight weeks and focus on early-stage companies that are already generating revenue. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis until June 12, 2026.
Through the program participants will work closely with industry professionals from the blueberry food retail and consumer packaged goods sectors. The goal is to help startups grow faster by offering hands on mentorship, commercialization support, and business guidance.
“USHBC is focused on advancing blueberries toward becoming the world’s favorite fruit by driving demand through innovation, collaborative partnerships, and continued research. Through our accelerator, we’re bringing together forward-thinking startups and industry leadership to identify breakthrough ideas and unlock meaningful growth for the category,” said Kevin Hamilton, Vice President of Global Marketing and Communications, USHBC.
“Blueberries are bursting with opportunity, from health and wellness to snacking, culinary exploration, and functional applications. This program is designed to surface bold, next-generation ideas that expand how and where blueberries show up with real-world applications that will influence future product development, and ultimately make blueberries an even more essential part of consumers’ everyday lives,” said Kevin Hamilton.
Companies selected for the accelerator will receive professional brand development tools including marketing content and sales materials. Startups will also benefit from media exposure and connections with buyers investors and industry leaders.
Each participant will receive one on one coaching to improve their business pitch. Finalists will present their products at The Blueberry Convention held in Monterey, California from September 22 to 25. The top company will receive a cash award of twenty thousand dollars with ten thousand dollars awarded to the runner up.
“We are thrilled to see the Blueberry Boost Accelerator enter year two! Blueberries are a highly versatile, innovation-friendly ingredient that aligns perfectly with today’s demand for foods and products that are good for you without sacrificing great taste,” said Fred Schonenberg, founder and CEO of VentureFuel.
“We’re just beginning to explore what’s possible across new products and applications, building upon the strong foundation of blueberries and the love consumers show for them across occasions and formats,” said Fred Schonenberg.
Startups producing snacks, frozen items, beverages, wellness products, meals, sauces, personal care and pet items are encouraged to apply. Additional resources are available through the official program and blueberry industry websites.
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Categories: National