FOLSOM, Calif. — During its recent Virtual Conference & Expo, held Sept. 28 to Oct. 1, the United States Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) honored 11 people whose work has helped the blueberry industry grow and flourish over the last two decades.
Awards were created to honor achievements throughout the industry, from the field to the consumer and every link in between. The award-winners, nominated by their peers, constitute a who’s who of the blueberry world, and collectively represent an astounding amount of knowledge and achievement.
The award recipients:
- Grower Innovation, Production: Rod Cook, Ag-View Consulting
- Grower Innovation, Sustainability: Tom Avinelis, Agriculture Capital
- Grower Innovation, Good Practices: Mike Makara, former chair, British Columbia Blueberry Council
- Grower Innovation, Community Involvement and Outreach: Lorrie Merker, MBG Marketing
- Marketing and Promotions: Kirk McCreary, former chair of the USHBC Promotion Committee and former MBG Marketing CEO
- Food Manufacturing and Advances in Blueberry Products: Joe Meduri, Meduri World Delights
- Frozen Blueberry Products: John Shelford, Naturipe Farms
- Export and Global Community Relations: Bryan Sakuma, Sakuma Brothers Holding Company
- Merchandising/Retail: Darrell Piliego, Publix Super Markets
- Foodservice: Andrew Hunter, Chef Andrew Culinary Development
- Genetic Research and Breeding with Nursery Propagation: David Brazelton, Fall Creek Nursery
“Our 20th Anniversary Awards are an opportunity to celebrate the incredible, hardworking, innovative people across the entire blueberry supply chain,” said Kasey Cronquist, President of USHBC. “While everyone has contributed in some way to growing the blueberry industry, our recipients deserve special recognition for their efforts over the last two decades. Their work has made a lasting impact, well positioning our industry for continued improvement, collaboration, and success for the next 20 years and beyond.”
A recording of the awards celebration, including acceptance comments from each of the award recipients, can be viewed online here. For more information on the USHBC, visit USHBC.org.
Editor’s Note: Descriptions of the award recipient’s background and achievements can be viewed here.
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About The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council
Established 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 was established by blueberry growers and currently has 2,500 growers, packers and importers. USHBC is committed to providing blueberries that are grown, harvested, packed and shipped in clean, safe environments. Learn more at USHBC.org.
