The Florida Blueberry Growers Association has launched a new consumer-focused website.

The site, www.blueberriesfromflorida.com, is part of the Bartow-based association’s entrance into consumer marketing to strengthen awareness of the Sunshine State’s blueberries.

The first phase of the campaign includes the website which includes information on the health benefits of blueberries and links to scientific health research, according to a news release.

To expand the site’s audience, the association is linking with social media channels, including a blueberry blog.

It plans to tailor the social media content to the intended audience, according to the release.

The site also includes recipes and other sections feature information on growing, harvesting and cooking the fruit as well as upcoming Florida blueberry events.

“Our goal is to create more awareness of Florida blueberries,” association president Bill Braswell, owner of Auburndale, Fla.-based Polkdale Farms and farm manager of Bartow-based Clear Springs Packing LLC, said in the release. “We want to educate consumers about our unique season and we want consumers to know there are fresh Florida blueberries available.”

The Packer