Québec's wild blueberries, coming soon to a grocer near you

Province's blueberry farms will soon open to visitors!

DOLBEAU-MISTASSINI, QC, July 24, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Quebecers will soon have the opportunity to fall in love all over again with this wonderful blue berry, which will be hitting supermarkets and grocery stores across the province at the beginning of the second week of August. The long-awaited pick-your-own season of Québec's wild blueberries will also begin shortly, as public blueberry farms are gearing up to welcome visitors.

"With blueberry season right around the corner, wild blueberry growers will soon be ready to welcome pickers to their farms, said Gervais Laprise, Chief Executive Officer of the Syndicat des producteurs de bleuets du Québec (SPBQ). While Quebecers may have grown tired of the cool temperatures and numerous showers that defined May and June, they will be pleased with their effects on wild blueberries. Consumers will certainly appreciate their quality and natural sweetness!"

Let's go to the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region!
As part of Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean's 175^th anniversary, Quebecers are invited to visit the region and one of its countless blueberry farms to pick Québec's wild blueberries. This not-to-be-missed activity, a sure-fire hit for all ages, will satisfy any appetite and is a great way for tourists to join in the festivities. Visit SPBQ's website, at spbq.ca, to discover all pick-your-own sites. More adventurous blueberry lovers have the option of braving the immense boreal forest, where this little blue gem grows in abundance. Maps of the forestland are also available at SPBQ's website.

Fresh, juicy, sweet… and healthy!
Beyond their deliciousness, Québec's wild blueberries are a very healthy choice. Indeed, the antioxidants they contain help prevent issues related to aging, such as cardiovascular illness and some forms of cancer, as well as the onset of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. This summer, there is no reason not to enjoy the Québec's wild blueberries flavour and benefits! In order to prolong the pleasure and savour them year-round, make sure to swing by your local grocer's frozen foods section.

Wild blueberries, Canada's foremost fruit crop, represent over half of the country's fruit-growing lands and are exported to more than 30 countries, including the United States, Japan and Germany.

About the Syndicat des producteurs de bleuets du Québec
With a membership boasting over 300 Québec-based growers, the Syndicat des producteurs de bleuets du Québec aims to unite all blueberry growers and grower corporations, as well as co-op representatives residing in Québec, to study the protection and development of growers' moral and socio-economic interests, and support growers in their blueberry production and marketing activities.

For more information about Québec wild blueberry growing, the health benefits of this little berry, delicious recipes, blueberry farm locations across Québec, as well as maps of forest picking areas, visit spbq.ca.

SOURCE: Syndicat des producteurs de bleuets du Québec (S.P.B.Q.)

Bridget Ann Peterson
Massy Forget Langlois Public Relations
514-842-2455, ext. 26
[email protected]