Jam Packd, a functional fruit spread designed to bring added nutrition to a pantry staple, has won the grand prize at the second annual Blueberry Boost Accelerator Pitch Competition, earning $20,000 to support its business growth.
Founded by husband-and-wife team Brian and Michelle Platt, Jam Packd also won the fan vote at the 2026 Blueberry Convention, where participants sampled products from the competing businesses. The company aims to reinvent the $13 billion-plus jam category by making blueberries a more versatile part of everyday eating.
Each jar of Jam Packd Blueberries starts with nearly two jars’ worth of blueberries that are cooked down into a spread. According to the company, each serving contains 8 grams of collagen protein, 6 to 7 grams of prebiotic fiber and 21 plant-derived vitamins and minerals.
The prize includes non-dilutive funding, meaning the founders do not have to give up company ownership in exchange for the award. The funding and business development opportunities are expected to help Jam Packd expand its market reach and introduce its product to more consumers.
Blue Rascal Distillery earned the competition’s $10,000 runner-up prize. The company showcases blueberries in premium brandy, liqueurs and craft spirits, with plans to use the funding to expand the reach of its blueberry-based beverages.
The pitch competition concluded the Blueberry Boost Accelerator, an eight-week hybrid program developed by the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council in partnership with VentureFuel, an innovation advisory firm.
The initiative supports entrepreneurs developing products that feature blueberries as a key ingredient across food, beverages and other consumer categories. By connecting emerging businesses with funding and opportunities for growth, the program seeks to expand how blueberries are incorporated into products beyond traditional fresh and frozen fruit offerings.
The accelerator’s second year reflects growing interest in functional foods and beverages that combine familiar ingredients with additional nutritional benefits. For entrepreneurs, the program also offers a platform to introduce new concepts to industry stakeholders and potential customers.
For Jam Packd, the win provides an opportunity to bring its approach to fruit spreads to a broader audience. Blue Rascal Distillery’s recognition similarly highlights how blueberries can be incorporated into products outside the traditional grocery aisle.
As the blueberry industry continues exploring new applications for the fruit, initiatives such as Blueberry Boost are helping emerging brands develop products that connect agricultural ingredients with evolving consumer interests.
Consumers can learn more about Jam Packd at jampackdjams.com and Blue Rascal Distillery at bluerascaldistillery.com. Information about the Blueberry Boost Accelerator is available at info.venturefuel.net/blueberryboostaccelerator.