BAR
HARBOR, Maine (November 8, 2000) -- Frozen
fruit is going to become a household staple once
consumers taste Frozen Wild Blueberries - Nature's
#1 Antioxidant Fruit™. Available for the
first time in many major supermarkets, Frozen Wild
Blueberries are emerging as the new, blue health
superstars. "Frozen Wild Blueberries are a hot
discovery for consumers looking for simple, great-tasting
ways to stay healthy and boost their antioxidant
intake," said Susan Davis, MS, RD, nutrition advisor
to the Wild Blueberry Association of North America
and Registered Dietitian.
According to the USDA, blueberries - fresh, frozen or dried - rank
#1 in antioxidant activity when compared with 40 other commercially
available fruits and vegetables. (Source: Journal of Agricultural
and Food Chemistry 44:701-705; 3426-3431, 1996; 46:2686-2693, 1998.)
That means more protection against aging, heart disease and cancer. "There's
more good news for those worried that Frozen Wild Blueberries may
not be as good as fresh," said Davis. "According to the FDA, frozen
fruits and vegetables are as healthy as fresh - and they may even
retain their nutritional value longer."
"All it takes is one-half cup of Wild Blueberries
a day to satisfy one of the 5-A-Day servings for
fruits and vegetables - and by choosing Wild Blueberries,
you've also given your body a concentrated source
of dietary antioxidants," said Davis. "You can
include Frozen Wild Blueberries in anything you
like to eat - whether you toss a handful on cereal
or make a smoothie, the options are limitless.
Frozen Wild Blueberries are really the ultimate
in convenience. They're always on-hand and ready
to use."
The Power of Blue
According to Ms. Davis, an easy way to eat healthy is to think color
when you go to the supermarket. Research focused on the pigments,
or phytochemicals, that give fruits and vegetables their color is
indicating that more is at play than vitamins and minerals in the
battle against disease and aging. "Preliminary research on blue foods
shows Wild Blueberries pack a considerable health punch," said Davis. "With
color becoming a marker for good health, Wild Blueberries are a smart
health choice."
The Perfect Frozen Fruit™
"Look no further than your supermarket freezer case for Wild Blueberries - the
Perfect Frozen Fruit™," said John Sauvé, Executive Director of the
Wild Blueberry Association of North America (WBANA). WBANA expects consumers
to be impressed with the superior quality and taste of Frozen Wild Blueberries. "For
great taste and antioxidant power, there's no better choice than a daily dose
of Frozen Wild Blueberries. They're perfectly healthy, perfectly easy and perfectly
delicious."
According to Sauvé, New England consumers
should look in their Sunday circular on December
10th for a free-standing insert and money-saving
coupon featuring Frozen Wild Blueberries. The introductory
promotion is being sponsored by WBANA and Wyman's,
one of the largest processors and retailers of
Frozen Wild Blueberries. "Frozen Wild Blueberries
are great tasting, convenient, and a great value
compared to other fruit choices," said Ed Flanagan,
President of Wyman's and the WBANA Board of Directors.
According to Mr. Flanagan, awareness of the blueberry
health story is the driving force behind consumer
demand. "We get calls all the time, asking 'where
can I find Frozen Wild Blueberries?' With questions
like that I fully expect that Wild Blueberries
are going to become the hottest, healthiest frozen
fruit to hit the supermarket in a long time."
Perfectly Healthy
According to the USDA, one serving (one-half cup or 100 grams) of Frozen
Wild Blueberries delivers the natural antioxidants the body needs
every day. Scientists attribute these benefits to anthocyanins and
other natural compounds (phytochemicals) found in Wild Blueberries.
Anthocyanins (from two Greek words meaning "plant" and "blue") are
responsible for the intense blue color of Wild Blueberries. "That's
why we encourage people to add blue to their diet, and get their
Daily Dose of BlueÄ by choosing Frozen Wild Blueberries," said
Sauvé.
Blueberries, Cranberries and UTH While cranberries
have long been associated with the promotion of
urinary tract health, scientists have discovered
that blueberries may also stand out for their ability
to prevent urinary tract infections. According
to the National Kidney Foundation, urinary tract
infections are the second-leading cause of lost
workdays for women and are responsible for millions
of doctor visits and more than $1 billion in associated
health care costs annually. "Women can take simple
preventative steps to avoid this painful problem," said
research scientist Amy B. Howell, Ph.D. of the
Rutgers Blueberry Cranberry Research Center in
Chatsworth, New Jersey. Dr. Howell was the lead
investigator on a study, funded in part by Ocean
Spray Cranberries Inc., that identified the specific
compounds in blueberries and cranberries that promote
urinary tract health. (Source: New England Journal
of Medicine, October 8, 1998.) "I'm really excited
that women now have dietary choices for fighting
this disease. Whether you choose to drink a 10-ounce
glass of cranberry juice or eat one-half cup of
Frozen Wild Blueberries, you're taking the right
step toward preventing urinary tract infections
and promoting good health."
"You don't have to compromise on taste when choosing
a disease-fighting diet," said WBANA's Sauvü. "Frozen
Wild Blueberries are naturally great tasting. Whether
you put them in or on something, they're great
right out of the bag."
Perfectly Easy
Frozen Wild Blueberries are convenient, easy to use and available year-round.
They're cleaned, washed and individually quick frozen within 24 hours
of harvest to seal in their goodness and best blueberry flavor. The
freezing process guarantees the consistency and superior quality
of the fruit. Simply add frozen berries to your favorite recipes,
sprinkle them on salads, cereal or ice cream, or blend them into
smoothies or yogurt. There's no coring, pitting or peeling - it's
the perfectly easy Daily Dose of BlueÄ.
Perfectly Delicious
For more intense blueberry flavor than the cultivated variety, sweet
and tangy Frozen Wild Blueberries are the perfect choice. Known as
the "little" or "small" blueberries, Wild Blueberries have a concentrated
taste preferred by bakers and chefs around the world. "Even Martha
Stewart has given Frozen Wild Blueberries high marks," said Sauvü,
referencing the 2000 summer issue of Living that featured Wild Blueberries. "We're
very proud of our product, and are pleased to see such reputable
sources such as Martha Stewart stand up and take notice."
WBANA
Wild Blueberries, which are commercially harvested only in Maine and
Eastern Canada, are smaller in size and more extraordinary in taste
than their cultivated cousins. Frozen Wild Blueberries can be found
year-round in supermarkets across the United States and Eastern Canada
for convenient at-home use.
WBANA is an international trade association of
growers and processors of Wild Blueberries from
Maine and Canada, dedicated to bringing Frozen
Wild Blueberries to consumers worldwide.
SOURCE: Wild Blueberry Association of North America
CONTACTS: John Sauvü, Wild Blueberry Association of North America,
(207) 288-2655 or Susan Till, SWARDLICK MARKETING GROUP, (207) 775-4100.
WEB SITE: www.wildblueberries.com |
