Wicked wild believes that the viability of maine's small and mid-size wild blueberry farms, like its own, depends on developing and selling value-added products that are transportable and have a…

Wicked wild believes that the viability of maine's small and mid-size wild blueberry farms, like its own, depends on developing and selling value-added products that are transportable and have a commercially acceptable shelf life. The business model of nearly all farms has most berries being sold to either a local CO-OP or a large processor, and in recent years, for less than the cost to grow. This century-old business model is no longer profitable nor sustainable and is forcing small growers to lease or sell their blueberry barrens to large processors or stop farming. To improve profitability, wicked wild seeks to develop an innovative wild blueberry value added product to be sold in new and traditional markets. The wild blueberry has a unique nutrient profile that is high in anthocyanin, a flavonoid that has proven health benefits. Because there is no similar wild blueberry value added product currently on the market, there is no known production method that preserves this important compound.wicked wild will work with a specialized CO-packer to determine which processing method will result in a wild blueberry value added product that maintains the highest level of nutrients. The test batches will be sent to commercial labs for nutrient analysis, as well as analysis of microbial load and shelf life/product stability. A commercial food scientist will oversee and report on the test results. The test batches that preserve the best nutrient profile will be sent to a food innovation lab for consumer sensory testing and acceptance. The results will be quantified and reported to the wicked wild team. Wicked wild will use processing costs, ingredient sourcing, market research that was previously conducted, and the results of consumer pricing expectations to calculate fixed and variable unit costs to determine profitability. Wicked wild will conduct a cost-benefit analysis on the impact of the value-added product on small to medium-size growers. They will determine what purchase price per pound will benefit growers while maintaining their own profitability. This project will result in a commercially viable wild blueberry value added product that preserves the berries' nutrition profile, has an acceptable microbial load, meets quantifiable consumer expectations, and is profitable. By offering a price per pound greater than the current price being offered by large processors, the project will confirm a pathway to profitability for maine's small to mid-size wild blueberry growers. The results will be shared with other small to mid-size maine wild blueberry farmers to help guide profitability and sustainability of their enterprises.