Blueberries New Zealand teams up with Kiwi Olympic medalist Eliza McCartney

Blueberries NZ's new brand ambassador Eliza McCartney with chairman Dan Peach.

Blueberries New Zealand has teamed up with a record-breaking athlete, to further pole vault this super-fruit's profile globally.

Olympian Eliza McCartney was announced as Blueberries NZ's new brand ambassador at an high tea event in Auckland to launch the 2016/17 season of the nutritious fruit.

The group's chairman, Dan Peach, says the industry is absolutely delighted to be working with Eliza.

A punnet a week of fresh New Zealand blueberries will provide loads of antioxidants, vitamin C, essential minerals, energy and dietary fibre.

Eliza McCartney

"Eliza is a sporting superstar, who enjoys eating this nutritious superstar of the fruit world; it's a great match.

"One of nature's lollies, blueberries are a fun and healthy staple to nourish and inspire the next generation of Kiwi champions," says Peach.

Blueberries New Zealand have high hopes of growing exports in future years in the Asia specific region and believe partnering with McCartney will help to achieve these goals.

McCartney says she loves eating fresh New Zealand blueberries as they are a strength and conditioning superfood helping develop mental and physical endurance for everyday people of all ages.

"On the track and field, in the kitchen, school grounds or office, blueberries are a guilt-free and convenient food to include for snacks, breakfasts, lunch or dinner," says McCartney.

"A punnet a week of fresh New Zealand blueberries will provide loads of antioxidants, vitamin C, essential minerals, energy and dietary fibre," she says.

McCartney will feature in Blueberries New Zealand's marketing campaign over the next six months, showing Kiwis more fun ways to eat blueberries.

This will include sharing her own Eliza Energiser smoothie and an amazing Blueberry & Smoked Chicken Super Salad.

- For more ideas and recipes, visit the website blueberriesnz.co.nz/ or, for health benefits, blueberriesnz.co.nz/home/health