USA Blueberries Scientific Nutrition Seminar Concludes Successfully in Nagpur

Nagpur, India | April , 2026 – The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC), in collaboration with NetProFaN – Nagpur Chapter, the Indian Dietetic Association (IDA) – Nagpur Chapter, and IAPEN India – Nagpur Chapter, successfully organized the scientific nutrition seminar titled “Blueberries for Better Health: Evidence to Practice” on April 2, 2026, at Hotel Centre Point, Nagpur.

The seminar brought together leading healthcare professionals, nutritionists, dietitians, academicians, culinary experts, and students to explore the science-backed health benefits and practical applications of blueberries in preventive healthcare and Indian dietary practices.

Advancing Evidence-Based Nutrition

The program commenced with opening remarks by Ms. Haiying Zhang, Director – Global Business Development, USHBC (virtual), followed by a recorded scientific session by Dr. Leslie Wada, PhD, RD, Senior Director of Nutrition & Health Research, USHBC, highlighting global clinical research on the health benefits of blueberries. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Kavitha Reddy, CEO & Founder of Sreya Nutrition, Hyderabad, who emphasized the integration of blueberries into clinical nutrition and Indian diet plans.

The seminar was conducted by Mr. Raj Kapoor, Managing Director, Assocom India Pvt. Ltd., and India Representative of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC), who highlighted the Council’s ongoing initiatives in India and the importance of science-based nutrition education and industry collaboration.

Expert Panel Discussion

A thought-provoking expert panel discussion titled “Translating Blueberry Science into Daily Clinical Practice” provided valuable insights into integrating scientific research into clinical nutrition and preventive healthcare in India.

Panelists:

Dr. Kavitha Reddy – CEO & Founder, Sreya Nutrition, Hyderabad

Dr. Kavita Bakshi – Convener, Indian Dietetic Association (IDA), Nagpur Chapter

Dr. Rita Bhargava – Secretary, IAPEN India – Nagpur Chapter; HOD, Department of Dietetics, Care Hospital, Nagpur

Dr. Kavita Gupta – Secretary, Indian Dietetic Association (IDA), Nagpur Chapter; Director, DCRC, Nagpur

Dr. Shakti Sharma – Associate Professor & Head, Department of Home Science, Sadabai Raisoni Women’s College, Nagpur

Moderator:

Dr. Renuka Mainde – Corporate Nutritionist & Convener, NetProFaN – Nagpur Chapter

The panel highlighted the growing importance of functional foods in preventive healthcare and discussed practical approaches for incorporating blueberries into Indian dietary patterns, clinical nutrition, and lifestyle disease management.

Nutrition Science Spotlight

Blueberries are widely recognized as a functional food due to their rich content of anthocyanins, flavonoids, vitamin C, and dietary fiber. Scientific evidence indicates that regular consumption of flavonoid-rich foods such as blueberries supports cardiovascular health, cognitive function, metabolic wellness, and gut health. These nutrient-dense berries are low in calories yet high in antioxidants, making them an ideal addition to balanced diets and preventive healthcare strategies.

Culinary Innovation and Industry Engagement

Dr. Nilima Joshi shared innovative recipe ideas incorporating blueberries, while students from Food Technology colleges showcased a diverse range of blueberry-based dishes, demonstrating creativity and practical applications in product development. Chef Vikram Gandhe, 2026 MasterChef Winner, inspired the audience by sharing his journey in MasterChef 2026 and his experience working with blueberries during the competition. He also provided valuable insights and practical tips for developing innovative blueberry-based products.

A live culinary demonstration by Chef Gaurav Gomase further highlighted the versatility of blueberries in Indian and fusion cuisine. The seminar also featured special guest appearances by 2026 MasterChef Winners Chef Vikram Gandhe and Chef Ajinkya Gandhe. The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session and networking dinner, fostering meaningful dialogue and collaboration among healthcare professionals, academicians, and industry stakeholders.

Blueberries Go Big™ – A Global Campaign

The seminar aligned with USHBC’s global “Blueberries Go Big™” campaign, highlighting the powerful impact of small berries—delivering BIG nutrition, BIG flavor, BIG versatility, and BIG health benefits. The initiative reinforces the message “Better Eats. Better Health. Better Life.” and promotes healthier dietary choices among consumers and healthcare professionals worldwide.

Key Outcomes

Enhanced awareness of science-backed health benefits of blueberries among healthcare professionals and nutritionists

Adoption of blueberries in clinical nutrition, dietetics, and preventive healthcare practices

Integration of blueberries into Indian dietary patterns and culinary innovations

Strengthened collaboration between USHBC and India’s healthcare and nutrition community

Increased visibility of the global Blueberries Go Big™ campaign in India

About the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC)

Established in 2000, the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) is a federal agriculture research and promotion program with independent oversight from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). USHBC represents more than 2,500 growers, packers, exporters, and importers across North and South America and works to promote the growth, demand, and well-being of the global blueberry industry through science-based nutrition research, market development, and educational initiatives.