The Council for blueberries in Folsom is promoting a new focus on heart health.
The Council for blueberries in Folsom, California, encourages consumers to make smart choices for the heart, like taking some blueberry, in February for American Heart Month.
According to a press release, a growing body of scientific evidence shows that blueberries can be part of dietary patterns that improve heart health, especially as part of an overall healthy lifestyle.
The blueberries are Heart-Check certified through the American Heart Association's Heart-Check Food Certification Program, the release said. Each serving (a handful or a cup) is a good source of fiber, which supports heart and digestive health, according to the release. Fresh or frozen, blueberries provide a number of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin K and manganese.
To promote more of the heart-healthy blue blueberries , theU.S. Highbush Blueberry Council is sharing recipes made from blueberries, nutritional information, research and more throughout the month, the release states. Health professionals who are part of the Council's "Blue Crew" will also contribute original recipes, blog posts and social media content as part of the campaign.
"Heart health is a serious topic, but we get consumers to enjoy healthy habits by, for example, taking a quiz to find heart-healthy recipes made with blueberries . A dash of blue makes every meal more nutritious and delicious," Kasey Cronquist, president of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, said in the release. "We are always excited to partner with trusted health professionals and share simple and tasty ways to enjoy blueberries, in support of healthy hearts and happy taste buds."
The February promotion is the council's first "period of strength" for 2023, which is part of Grab a Boost of Blue, a strategic positioning and call to action supported by new tools and consumer research for retailers, the statement said.
The Heart Health Month toolkit, available now, contains plug-and-play social posts and digital ads, tip sheets, recipes and other resources. The toolkit will be promoted in U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council newsletters for health professionals and consumers, along with a new consumer landing page. The "Blueberries and Heart Health" page provides information on the health of blueberries and engages fans with an interactive quiz to find Heart-Check-certified recipes that suit their preferences.
The Council is also engaging consumers through American Heart Month activations with 10 major retailers at blueberries. In addition to lively displays at blueberries, the activations include a variety of consumer communications and resources specific to each retailer, such as ads, audio and in-store announcements, emails, social media activations, broadcast segments with local media, and more.
Several partnerships will also help amplify communication about blueberries and heart health in February and beyond. During America Heart Month, the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council will send an e-blast to the 80,000 WebMD consumers focused on heart health, guiding them to the landing page and quiz, as well as a research-focused e-blast to SmartBrief's eatrightPRO audience of registered dietitians and nutrition professionals.
The Produce for Better Health website will also feature an advertisement on blueberries and a recipe at blueberries. Later this year, the blueberries council will participate as a sponsor in the American Heart Association's 2023 Heart Challenge/Wall Street Run & Heart Walk in New York City.
Source: The Packer
