#United States #Seattle #Blueberry Boost #Pluff #Bonny

Blueberry Innovations Shine Bright

In a significant showcase for the blueberry industry, the first-ever Blueberry Boost Accelerator Pitch Competition was held as part of The Blueberry Convention 2025 in Seattle. Organised by the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) in collaboration with VentureFuel, this competition highlighted groundbreaking products that utilize blueberries in new and exciting ways.

Celebrating the Winners

The grand prize of $20,000 was awarded to Pluff, a company that has developed a high-protein whipped mousse dessert, while Bonny, known for its prebiotic fiber supplement powders, claimed the runner-up spot and a $10,000 prize. The competition aimed to fuel innovation in the food and beverage sectors by elevating blueberries as a hero ingredient.

During a nine-week accelerator program, the participants, which included four startup brands, benefited from expert mentorship and guidance, paving the way for commercial growth and product development in a competitive landscape. Each of the companies was encouraged to think outside the box and explore novel applications of blueberries in their offerings.

Industry Experts on the Panel

The pitch competition featured a panel of industry experts including Kasey Cronquist, president of USHBC, and Amira Khatib, vice president of Bluestein Ventures, who evaluated the presentations based on innovation, market potential, and feasibility. Pluff's pitch, showcasing a mousse-style dessert with a striking nutritional profile—20 grams of protein and only 4 grams of sugar—was particularly well-received. Founder Dylan Paul expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating that the prize money would enable them to scale up and enter retail markets within the next year.

Bonny’s approach of utilizing blueberries as a natural flavoring agent in its prebiotic fiber powders impressed many. CEO Jessica Postiglione shared how being part of this program opened her eyes to the prospects within the blueberry product industry. She expressed her excitement about the future and emphasized that the provided funds will be vital for increasing their inventory.

A Thriving Community

Alongside the competition, all participants showcased their products at The Blueberry Convention's Blueberry Row, which allowed them to connect directly with blueberry growers and stakeholders, creating an interactive community focused on blueberry innovations. The event not only facilitated networking but also enabled the exchange of ideas and collaboration across the industry.

As stated by Cronquist, this initiative underscores the incredible potential of blueberries, transitioning them from just a fruit to an essential ingredient across various sectors. Moreover, it displayed how innovation in food and beverage sectors can drive impactful changes in agricultural practices and product development.

Fred Schonenberg, founder of VentureFuel, highlighted that these startups are reshaping consumer experiences through creativity and collaboration within the industry. The pitch winners exhibited how blueberries can serve as a launching pad for novel ideas that attract diverse consumer demographics, thereby enhancing the overall blueberry market.

Looking Ahead

The success of this event shows promising prospects for the burgeoning blueberry product industry and signifies a shift towards health-conscious, innovative food options. As Pluff and Bonny lead the charge, it will be exciting to see how their contributions, along with other innovative products, unfold in the marketplace. For more details about the competition and its winners, visit blueberryboostaccelerator.com.

With the continued support from USHBC and collaboration through programs like the Blueberry Boost Accelerator, the future appears bright for blueberries. As innovators continue to explore unique applications, consumers await the next wave of blueberry-based products that could transform their diets and wellness routines.