Patrick O’Neil has joined the Wild Blueberry Association of North America, bringing 25 years of experience at Ontario Pork. He led the marketing division there for a decade,

“I have learned so much about the industry in just a few short weeks,” said O’Neil. “I look forward to working with all of WBANA’s grower and processor members, stakeholders and global partners, while doing my part of let the world know about the many extraordinary health benefits of wild blueberries, and the key role that the wild blueberry industry plays for our country’s economy.”

Neri Vautour, outgoing executive director of New Brunswick, is retiring at end of June 2024, following more than 20 years successfully directing the association. His notable achievements include steering international market growth and spearheading significant marketing efforts in Japan, China, Europe and the UK, in addition to here in Canada. Vautour played a key role in leading ongoing global health research on wild blueberries, while communicating their key benefits internationally.

WBANA is an international trade association of growers and processors of wild blueberries from Québec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, and Maine, dedicated to bringing the wild blueberry health story and unique wild advantages to consumers and the trade worldwide. The Canadian affiliate of the Wild Blueberry Association of North America (WBANA Canada) is implementing measures to support the development and expansion of international wild blueberry markets. Increased demand for the wild blueberry is helping to boost production and create jobs in many regions of Eastern Canada. Blueberries are the country’s most important fruit crop, occupying more than half of all fruit-growing acreage in Canada. Wild blueberries are exported to more than 30 countries, including the United States, Japan, and Germany. For more information, news, recipes, and related health information visit www.wildblueberryassociation.ca and @canadianwildbb.

Source:  Wild Blueberry Association of North America summer 2024 newsletter