The OZblu Global Conference returned in the last week of July after a hiatus due to Covid, bringing together the breeder of blueberries OZblu Nature Select with growers, customers, investors and guests for the first time in three years.
Delegates from more than 12 countries attended the Cape Town event, hosted by United Exports, a global agricultural company specializing in OZblu berries.
The blueberries OZblu are known for their size, taste, texture and shelf life. OZblu genetics, now grown in more than 19 countries, come from the Nature Select breeding program managed by Dave and Leasa Mazzardis. United Exports holds the exclusive marketing and sublicensing rights to the OZblu brand.
OZBLU AND MARKET TRENDS
With the theme "The Future of Customer-Driven Innovation," the event included market insights; customer insights on responding to trends; cultivation trends at blueberry; a grower panel; exhibits on agronomic, research and development issues; and further innovations in the latest set of genetics.
One of the main consumer trends to be explored was theevolution of e-commerce toward q-commerce (fast, on-demand delivery) and how this is shaping the food supply chain. Other trends in the spotlight were merchandising and environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG).
United Exports saidESG is a core value for the company, and ESG sustainability manager Rowen Markie presented the many projects and areas of impact in recent years. "We can only change if we measure, monitor and adapt," he said.
Roger Horak, founder of United Exports, expressed his enthusiasm and clarity of purpose after the conference:
OZBLU HAS A GREAT STORY: FIRST-RATE VARIETIES, A TALENTED GO-TO-MARKET TEAM, AND AN INNOVATIVE AND UNIQUE CUSTOMER-DRIVEN STRATEGY. THE FUTURE LOOKS REALLY BRIGHT AND 'BLUE'!
Roger Horak, founder of United Exports
Source:Fruitnet
Fruitnet is part of the NCX Media network.
