As consumer demand increases for nutritious wild blueberries, and with annual harvest time fast approaching in Maine, Jasper Wyman & Son (Wyman’s) is expanding its wild blueberry supply and freezing operations. On July 15 it acquired the wild blueberry assets of Ellsworth, Maine-based Allen’s Blueberry Freezer, which includes 2,800 acres of land, substantial freezing capacity, and more than 50,000 square feet of cold storage space.
“Roy Allen and his team have been strong leaders in the wild blueberry industry for decades and they’ve built an excellent team that we’re excited to welcome into the Wyman’s family,” said Tony Shurman, president and chief executive officer of Wyman’s.
“When evaluating this opportunity for our company, Wyman’s was a logical choice,” stated Allen. “It would be in the hands of good people, who live and work in Maine, treat their employees well, care about Maine’s wild blueberry heritage and its industry, and who have a business that is poised for continued growth. Wyman’s checked all the boxes for us.”
Wyman’s, a family-owned business, founded in Milbridge in 1874, has seen a significant increase in demand in recent years. As consumers have discovered the health and taste benefits of wild blueberries, which are featured prominently in the company’s range of offerings, Wyman’s has grown to become the leading brand of frozen fruit in America, and also has a strong position in the ingredient and food service channels. To support this growth, the company has made significant moves to increase supply, adding millions of pounds of wild blueberries through new agreements with top quality growers – and now acquiring the wild blueberry assets of Allen’s.
Believing that there is significant upside remains for the industry as a whole, Sturman noted that “wild blueberries have undeniable and meaningful benefits over ordinary blueberries that most of the world has yet to discover. We’re fortunate to harvest this remarkable berry and to have excellent partnerships in our efforts to share it with consumers far and wide.”
