FOLSOM, CALIF. – A new blueberry emoji is now available on many smart devices, and the US Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) is encouraging industry members to take advantage of the new emoji as a marketing tool. 

In a recent national survey, 46% of adults associated a blueberry emoji with happiness, and another 19% associated it with being hungry. To encourage the use of the emoji, spread the joy and inspire purchase, the USHBC will be engaging consumers through a variety of social media content and promotions. 

“Consumers enjoy using emojis to add context – and pops of color – to their communications. We are thrilled that they now have such a vivid way to show their love for blueberries and spread a little happiness,” said Kasey Cronquist, president of the USHBC. “The USHBC is committed to helping blueberry growers, marketers and industry stakeholders grow demand for blueberries by using the new emoji to fuel consumer interest and grow market share.” 

To help the blueberry industry capitalize on this new marketing tool, the USHBC developed resources to support strategic use of the new emoji. The Emoji Toolkit provides best practices for emoji usage; predesigned, pre-written social posts; and downloadable large-size, high-res emoji files for promotions and signage. 

With the blueberry emoji’s release, blueberry fans will get to decide for themselves how they want to use it. Consumers already have some ideas about what messages with the blueberry emoji might mean. Respondents in a national survey by Pollfish indicated that if they see a blueberry emoji on its own, they might assume: 

  • It signifies happiness and hunger. 

  • The sender either wanted to eat blueberries or was already eating blueberries. 

  • They should add blueberries to their shopping list. 

  • The sender was making or eating dessert with blueberries in it. 

  • They were being asked to breakfast/brunch.