Retail Perspectives on the Future of Blueberries

The Business of Blueberries

In this episode of “The Business of Blueberries,” host Kasey Cronquist, president of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) and the North American Blueberry Council (NABC), is joined by Rod Borden and Ben Bowditch of Lunds & Byerlys. Borden is the director of produce and Bowditch is the produce category manager for the grocery retailer that has 28 stores in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. Tune in to hear how National Blueberry Month and our power periods help keep blueberries top of mind with consumers thanks to support from retailers like Lunds & Byerlys.

“Our berry category runs about 18% of our distribution of our department, so it is by far our No. 1 category. When you talk about the berry piece of our business, it undoubtedly is the most important business that drives not only our quality perception, but I would say for us sales. ” – Rod Borden

Topics covered include:

• An introduction to Borden and Bowditch, and Lunds & Byerlys.
• An exploration of the blueberry industry from the retailer’s perspective.
• Partnerships retailers can offer to producers.

Crop Report

The Blueberry Crop Report is an update on crop conditions and markets throughout important blueberry growing areas. Today you’ll hear from Jason Smith in British Columbia, T.J. Hafner in Oregon, Alan Schrieber in Washington, Brody Schropp in Michigan and Mario Ramirez in Mexico. This was recorded on September 7, 2023.