Blueberries are stepping out of the fruit bowl and into bold, unexpected new products thanks to the launch of the Blueberry Boost Accelerator, a program from the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) in partnership with VentureFuel. The initiative announced its first four startup participants this week, each reimagining the ways consumers can enjoy one of America’s favorite fruits.
The accelerator was designed to spotlight entrepreneurial brands using blueberries in innovative ways that span wellness, functional foods, and indulgent snacking. After a competitive selection process, the four companies chosen for the 2025 inaugural cohort are:
- Bonny (New York, NY) – A fiber-first wellness brand offering blueberry-infused prebiotic powders that make gut health flavorful and approachable.
- Farmer Bob’s “Beyond Berries™” (Salem, OR) – A playful frozen snack made from upcycled blueberries and raspberries blended with dates, creating a nutrient-dense, naturally sweet treat for families.
- Pluff (Orlando, FL) – A mousse-style, high-protein dessert debuting with a “Berry Blast” flavor that combines indulgent texture with functional nutrition in a low-sugar bite.
- Sorbatto’s “Blue Cream” (Wapato, WA) – A dairy-free frozen dessert that is 75% blueberries, offering an allergy-friendly, fruit-forward alternative to ice cream without added sugar or water.
Over the next nine weeks, the cohort will receive personalized coaching, expert-led sessions, and marketing support through VentureFuel’s innovation platform. The program will culminate in a live pitch competition at the Blueberry Convention in Seattle (October 8–10), where the winner will take home a $20,000 grand prize and the runner-up $10,000.
The initiative reflects a growing movement in food innovation, where traditional ingredients are being elevated into new formats to meet consumer demand for healthier, more functional, and fun options. For the blueberry industry, the program is also about broadening consumer perception of the fruit.
“Whether eaten by the handful or in a favorite recipe, blueberries are a delicious and special staple – and we’ve known they have huge potential in ingredient innovation,” said USHBC President Kasey Cronquist. “This cohort of inventive entrepreneurial brands is demonstrating how blueberries can add great taste, excitement and wellness benefits to products across categories.”
From gut health to indulgent desserts, the Blueberry Boost Accelerator underscores how a simple fruit can power creativity, nutrition, and new market opportunities.
Learn more at blueberryboostaccelerator.com.