The New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s Jersey Fresh program plans to promote the Garden State’s blueberries from mid-June through July “to reach as large an audience as possible to let them know these colorful gems are in season and waiting for them,” said Joe Atchison III, assistant secretary.
Jersey Fresh blueberries will be featured in digital billboards along some of the busiest roads in the country during peak season, Atchison said.
“These boards allow us to reach a large number of travelers when they are on the road and sometimes sitting in traffic,” he said. “They are colorful and promote the highest-value crop that is harvested in New Jersey.”
Ten-, 15- and 30-second radio spots also are planned as traffic and weather sponsorships on weekends, Atchison said. The spots will run on a variety of stations throughout the state and along the famous Jersey Shore.
NJDA will observe National Blueberry Day on July 8 along three of New Jersey’s oceanfront boardwalks with Jersey Fresh tents, branded giveaways and free pints of Jersey Fresh blueberries for visitors.
The department also partners with the New Jersey Blueberry Industry Advisory Council and assists with its promotions using additional billboards, an airplane banner flying along the shoreline and a digital sign on a boat that travels the coast, Atchison said.
“We also have social media throughout the season showcasing the farm operations, selected recipes and other fun and informational posts about Jersey Fresh blueberries,” he added.
