B.C. blueberries are getting international recognition as the BC Blueberry Council heads on a whirlwind tour of trade shows.
Starting in Berlin, Germany from Feb. 7 to Feb. 9, the council will showcase its wares at the Fruit Logistica show to exhibitors and visitors from around the world.
“Trade shows such as the ones we are attending this spring are excellent opportunities for us to showcase BC blueberries for the international markets,” said Anju Gill, executive director of the BC Blueberry Council in a press release. “BC is considered the largest highbush blueberry production region in the world and comprises more than 95 per cent of Canada’s and over 20 per cent of North America’s highbush blueberry production.”
Later in February, from the 18th to the 22nd, the council will be in Dubai as part of the AgriGood Canada Pavilion at Gulfood 2018, the largest global trade show of its type. Last year the show attracted 97,000 trade-only visitors from 185 countries and this year, over 5,000 exhibitors are part of the sold-out event.
Next up is Foodex in Chiba, Japan where the council will be from March 6 to March 9. Along with an opportunity to connect with buyers from Japan, the show also attracts trade buyers from other Asian markets. BCBC will offer up samples of its freeze-dried, dehydrated and frozen blueberry products.
“At all of these exhibitions, we’re looking forward to reconnecting with current buyers, as well as building some new relationships and putting them in touch with suppliers that can fulfil their requests, whether they’re looking for blueberries in fresh, frozen, dried, powdered, juice or puréed formats,” said Gill.
With over 80 years of blueberry-growing experience, the BC Blueberry Council represents 600 highbush growers. Combined, these growers have more than 11,000 hectares of highbush blueberries planted in order to meet growing demand.
