The Washington Blueberry Commission has strengthened its position in Southeast Asia after successfully hosting trade seminars in Thailand and Indonesia, highlighting growing demand for premium imported fruit in the region.
The events were held in Bangkok on 27 April 2026 and in Jakarta on 29 April 2026. They brought together nearly 100 participants, including importers, distributors, retailers, food service professionals, media representatives, and industry stakeholders. The goal was to increase awareness of Washington Blueberries and build stronger trade relationships across two fast-growing consumer markets.
The seminars focused on market education and long-term commercial engagement. Organizers presented insights into the export potential of Washington Blueberries and discussed opportunities for deeper cooperation with regional partners. The initiative reflects a broader strategy to expand the product’s global footprint and strengthen demand in Asia.
Alan Schreiber, Executive Director of the Washington Blueberry Commission, attended both events as a key representative. He emphasized that Washington State produces high-quality blueberries that align with rising consumer demand in Southeast Asia for healthy and premium food options. He highlighted the importance of building consistent trade relationships to support long-term growth in the region.
Bryan Sakuma of Sakuma Brothers Farms also participated, offering insights from a grower and exporter perspective. He explained Washington’s production capacity and how the supply chain supports international markets. His contribution helped attendees better understand how Washington blueberries reach global buyers and maintain consistent quality standards.
A major focus of the seminars was product experience. Attendees took part in presentations, tastings, and discussions that showcased the versatility of Washington Blueberries in different formats, including fresh, frozen, and dried products. The sessions were designed to demonstrate how the fruit can be used across retail, food service, and manufacturing sectors.
One of the key highlights was live culinary demonstrations in both countries. In Thailand, the session was led by Chef Arttasit Pattanasatienkul, also known as Chef Big, a well-known culinary figure and winner of Top Chef Thailand 2023. In Indonesia, Chef Degan Septoadji, a respected chef and television personality, led the demonstration and shared insights into ingredient quality and usage.
Chef Degan noted that Washington frozen blueberries stood out for their texture and consistency compared to other products available in the Indonesian market. He highlighted their ability to retain shape and structure, making them suitable for a wide range of culinary applications, including desserts and modern fusion dishes.
In Bangkok, the seminar was hosted at The Athenee Hotel and attracted a strong turnout from importers, retailers, food service companies, and media professionals. The event positioned Washington Blueberries as a premium ingredient suitable for multiple categories, including bakery products, beverages, desserts, breakfast foods, and health-focused offerings. Media and influencer engagement further expanded visibility beyond the event itself.
In Jakarta, the event was held at Park Hyatt Jakarta and created a focused business-to-business platform. It allowed direct interaction between producers and key industry players, including importers and retail operators. The Indonesian market, which is showing increasing interest in high-quality imported fruits, was identified as a key growth area.
The seminar included guided tastings and detailed product education sessions, which helped strengthen understanding of Washington Blueberries among trade partners. Organizers said the response from participants was highly positive, with strong interest in future cooperation and product expansion.
Across both countries, the events highlighted the rising demand for premium fruit products in Southeast Asia. Consumers in Thailand and Indonesia are increasingly seeking healthier snacking options and higher-quality imported ingredients, creating new opportunities for international suppliers.
The Washington Blueberry Commission said the success of the seminars reflects its long-term commitment to building market awareness and strengthening trade partnerships in the region. The organization aims to continue investing in education and engagement efforts to support sustained growth in Southeast Asian markets.
With growing interest from retailers, chefs, and distributors, Washington Blueberries are positioning themselves as a key player in the region’s evolving food and beverage industry, supported by strong supply chains and increasing consumer demand for premium fruit products.
