Latest news with #USHBC
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
First-Ever Blueberry Boost Accelerator Seeks Next Generation of Food and Consumer Product Innovation
U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council and VentureFuel Team Up to Spotlight Inventive, Up-And-Coming Blueberry Products; Applications Now Open FOLSOM, Calif., June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC), in partnership with VentureFuel, today announced the launch of the Blueberry Boost Accelerator — a new program designed to discover and support emerging startups that are redefining the future of blueberries. Applications are now open and will be reviewed on a rolling basis through July 11, 2025, at 11:59 pm PT. The nine-week hybrid accelerator program will connect early-stage, revenue-generating companies of products using blueberries as a prominent ingredient with top blueberry, food and Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry leaders to fast-track growth through expert mentorship, tailored commercialization support and strategic guidance. Participants will receive professional brand assets like video commercials and sales materials; gain media exposure; and connect with buyers, investors and innovation leaders. Startups will refine their pitch with 1:1 support and showcase their product at The Blueberry Convention, Oct. 8-10 in Seattle, where the grand prize winner will receive $20,000 and the runner-up will win $10,000. To be eligible, companies must have a safe, 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 startups of CPG products across a wide range of categories, including but not limited to: Snacks Frozen Beverages (including alcoholic options) Confectionery Personal care items (e.g., skincare, cosmetics) Wellness/performance Ready-to-eat meals Sauces and dressings Pet products Interested entrepreneurs are invited to RSVP for a virtual information session on June 25 at 12 pm ET to learn more about the program, areas of interest and the application process. "Blueberries are beloved by consumers for their taste and health benefits, yet there is so much untapped potential when it comes to new formats, uses, and applications," said Fred Schonenberg, founder and CEO of VentureFuel. "Our accelerator connects the best startups working with blueberries with industry leaders and commercial opportunities to fast-track their innovations and unlock new growth opportunities for the category." The Blueberry Boost Accelerator underscores USHBC's commitment to leadership in the food system through innovation. By investing in new ideas, technology and entrepreneurs, USHBC continues to unite stakeholders to strengthen the industry's global competitiveness. For more information or to apply, visit For more resources on using blueberries as an ingredient or to find supplier, visit About the U.S. Highbush Blueberry CouncilEstablished in 2000, The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) is a federal agriculture research and promotion program with independent oversight from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). USHBC represents blueberry growers and packers in North and South America who market their blueberries in the United States and overseas, and works to promote the growth and well-being of the entire blueberry industry. USHBC is committed to providing blueberries that are grown, harvested, packed and shipped in clean, safe environments. Learn more at and About VentureFuelVentureFuel is an independent innovation advisory firm that helps the world's best organizations commercialize innovation to ignite change by working with startups. Its innovation programs help enterprise organizations learn, test, build and invest in emerging technology to solve their biggest problems today and unlock new sources of growth. VentureFuel provides organizations the tools to drive transformative change with less risk, more speed, and greater proximity to the consumer than traditional innovation models. Learn more at LinkedIn, X, and Instagram, and listen to The VentureFuel Visionaries podcast wherever you get your podcasts. PR ContactsAnna WalshA-Corner PR / VentureFuel396017@ USHBC396017@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Associated Press
27-01-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
USHBC Commends Trump FDA for Pulling Menthol Ban
WASHINGTON DC, DC, UNITED STATES, January 27, 2025 / / -- The United States Hispanic Business Council (USHBC) applauds President Donald Trump's decisive action to withdraw former President Joe Biden's proposed menthol cigarette ban. This critical decision underscores a commitment to protecting small businesses, preventing economic harm, reinforcing national security, and upholding the American principles of individual choice and accountability. The proposed menthol ban threatened the livelihoods of thousands of small business owners, leading to severe, unintended consequences. Convenience stores and other independent businesses, which rely on cigarette sales for up to 30% of their revenue, faced a direct threat to their economic stability. Further, state and federal governments collect over $31.5 billion annually from tobacco taxes, funding essential services such as education and infrastructure. Additionally, of the African Americans who do smoke, 84% smoke menthol cigarettes, and of the Hispanics who smoke, 51% smoke menthol cigarettes. A ban would criminalize otherwise law-abiding and tax-paying members of these communities. Finally, the vacuum created by prohibition would fuel illegal trade by the Mexican cartels and undermine public safety. Javier Palomarez, USHBC President & CEO, issued the following statement: 'Prohibition has never worked. By withdrawing this misguided proposal, President Trump has demonstrated a deep understanding of the challenges faced by small businesses. This decision prioritizes the prosperity of hardworking entrepreneurs and workers and preserves the significant contributions they make to our economy.' Javier continued by saying: 'I also commend former Senator Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR), House Small Business Committee Chair Roger Williams (R-TX), Congressman Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), and Dan Meuser (R-PA), among others, for their leadership. I praise their efforts for opposing a policy that would have violated state regulatory powers, violated individual freedom, and aided foreign terrorist and criminal organizations in the illicit cigarette trade.' As the leading advocate for the Hispanic business community, the USHBC remains steadfast in its commitment to collaborating with the Trump administration, as well as congressional Republicans and Democrats. Together, we aim to champion policies that support small businesses, strengthen local economies, and empower Hispanic entrepreneurs and their workers. To learn more, follow @myushbc and @JPalomarez on X. Visit to become a member today. About the USHBC Javier Palomarez is the President & CEO of the United States Hispanic Business Council (USHBC). The United States Hispanic Business Council (USHBC) is the leading voice for the Hispanic business community. A 501(c)6 non-profit organization, the USHBC focuses on improving access to contracting in the public and private sector, fair representation of Hispanics in business, media, and politics and ensuring Hispanics have a voice in the national dialogue. The USHBC is a nonpartisan organization. Katherine O'Hara The O'Hara Project X LinkedIn Legal Disclaimer:
