In this episode of “The Business of Blueberries,” Kasey Cronquist, president of the U.S. Highbush Council (USHBC) and the North American Blueberry Council (NABC), reflects on 2025 and shares some of the most impactful insights that emerged from the last season of the podcast. Common themes of interest over the last year include quality, genetics and global supply and demand.

“ What's not to be excited about the blueberry industry?... I mean everything that drives consumption in an agricultural commodity, blueberries has it. Convenience, health, snackability, flavor, fun, photogenic. It's an awesome category, commodity fruit to be a part of.” – Wade Jackson

“I think what's great about this industry is we have really passionate people that love what they do. Obviously, you know, you've brought a good young team in that really is trying to push this thing and convince all growers, it's the right direction to take. But I'm just most excited about the momentum we have.” – Greg Willems

Episodes covered:

1. Episode 199: Wade Jackson on Berry Genetics at Family Tree Farms
2. Episode 200: Farming, Finance and The Future With JC Clinard of Frutura
3. Episode 218: Berry Business Leadership: A Conversation With Garland Reiter Jr.
4. Episode 204: Developments in Blueberry Breeding With Paul Sandefur, Ph.D.
5. Episode 191: Blueberry Industry Growth Drivers: Part 2 With Hector Lujan
6. Episode 205: Innovation, Impact and International Growth: The IBO’s Mission With Mario Steta
7. Episode 206: From Data to Decisions: AI’s Role in Blueberry Success
8. Episode 197: The Impact of Genetics on Blueberry Quality With Greg Willems

Crop Report

The Blueberry Crop Report is an update on crop conditions and markets throughout important blueberry growing areas.