BAR HARBOR, Maine (August 8, 2001) -- For two days, top US and Canadian health, nutrition and food science researchers will gather in Bar Harbor, Maine to share their latest Wild Blueberry research. Now in its fourth year, the summit is organized by the Wild Blueberry Association of North America (WBANA) to provide a forum for scientists who are working with Wild Blueberries to hold discussions about current findings and future collaborations. Meetings will take place on August 9th and 10th.

"Wild Blueberry research is hot," said WBANA Executive Director John Sauvé. "Because of the blueberry’s status as the #1 antioxidant fruit, researchers naturally want to work with Wild Blueberries to explore their potential. As a result, we’ve seen preliminary discoveries in the areas of cancer, heart disease, urinary tract health and aging."

"As the only true-blue food, we’re optimistic that consumers will want to add delicious Wild Blueberries to their diet once they realize the positive impact on their overall health and well-being. We’ll be reminding consumers to get their Daily Dose of Blue™ by encouraging them to pick up Frozen Wild Blueberries any time of the year in their local supermarket. By adding one-half cup a day of Frozen Wild Blueberries to their diet, our customers can not only satisfy one of their recommended 5 A Day serving requirements, but also receive the added benefits of Nature’s #1 Antioxidant Fruit™."

The following researchers will be attending the summit: James A. Joseph, Ph.D., and Barbara Shukitt-Hale, Ph.D., Neuroscience Laboratory, USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University; Ronald Prior, Ph.D., USDA-ARS, Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center; Mary Ellen Camire, Ph.D., and Dick Cook, Ph.D., Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Maine, Orono; Amy Howell, Ph.D., Blueberry & Cranberry Research Center, Rutgers University; Willy Kalt, Ph.D., Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Nova Scotia; Mary Ann Lila Smith, Ph.D., Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; and Daneel Ferreira, Ph.D., National Center for Natural Products Research, University of Mississippi.

Sauvé noted that Wild Blueberries are currently in the spotlight because of a new national discussion about the important role color could play in the ongoing struggle to get consumers to eat more fruits and vegetables. Research has shown that the plant chemicals that give fruits and vegetables their vibrant colors are also the compounds responsible for various health properties. In the case of Wild Blueberries, the plant compound anthocyanin is thought to be the key to what makes the Wild Blueberry such a potent ally in the fight against diseases of aging.

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 Sauvé, Wild Blueberry Association of North America, (207) 288-2655 or Susan Till, SWARDLICK MARKETING GROUP, (207) 775-4100.

WEB SITE: www.wildblueberries.com