Commission keeps eyes on the global prize
Commission keeps eyes on the global prize
The California Blueberry Commission continues its work to expand its presence in the global marketplace.
“We are constantly looking at export market opportunities,” Executive Director Alexander Ott said. “South Korea and Australia are good prospects.”
The commission was created by an act of the California State Legislature and approved by a grower-shipper referendum. The commission is funded through grower assessment and reauthorized every five years. The next referendum will take place in 2015.
Mr. Ott said the commission is also working with U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council to secure funds to further market exploration. “It’s all about movement,” Mr. Ott stated.
Other countries which may present California blueberry producers with future business opportunities include Mexico, the United Kingdom and Japan.
Data collected by the Blueberry Marketing Intelligence Resource Center, now in its third year of operation, has been invaluable to the state’s industry. The center, which houses an Internet-based and passcode protected program, serves as a focal point for information such as blueberry price point data, volume, inventory and destination shipment. Mr. Ott said data are updated on a daily basis to keep producers abreast of the most current information available.
“Growers really appreciate having access to the data,” he added.