A MAINE WILD BLUEBERRY VALUE-ADDED PRODUCT FOR PROFITABILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY OF SMALL AND MID-SIZED GROWERS

Wicked Wild's primary goal is to develop a value-added product from wild blueberries (Vaccinium angustifolium). This will be achieved by determining what processing method and processes best preserves the wild blueberry's unique nutrient profile resulting in a product that has commercially acceptable microbial load, meets consumer expectations for taste, texture, price, nutrition, and health benefits. The selected manufacturing processes will be scalable. The question of shelf life will be explored.The goal is sell the value-added product at a market acceptable price that allows Wicked Wild to purchase wild blueberries from small to medium size growers at a price greater than that currently being offered by commercial processors. Obtaining a fair price for their crop will increase opportunities for small and medium-size farms to regain profitability.