Blueberry picking a family affair for Bennetts of Sudbury

With many blueberry vendors set up on the side of roads and highways in the northeast, one Sudbury seller and her family have opted for a morepersonal delivery service.

With brimming blueberry baskets in tow, Holly Bennett and her young son, niece, and nephew, spend some of their summer days selling to businesses in downtown Sudbury.

On Friday, CBC News caught up with them outside Cafe Petit Gateau on Durham Street, where Bennettmanaged to sell four litres of berries to the owner and one of her employees.

Its best to go in the morning, Bennett said. Even just walking down the street, there are a lot of people of different ages who buy the berries.I think theyre intrigued by the fact they are from close to home.

Bennett told her story toCBC Reporter Hilary Duff:

Points North4:54Blueberry picking a family business

Sudbury woman Holly Bennett grew up picking blueberries with her dad. Now she picks and sells them with her own family. She goes around downtown Sudbury selling to local businesses.

Bennett is ripe to the blueberry business. The 26yearold has been picking blueberries with her dad since she was fiveyearsold, and now carries on the tradition with her own six-year-old son.

They [the kids]have fun and love doing it, Bennett said. Theyre fascinated by the amount people are willing to pay for the berries.

That amount ranges from $10 a litre at the beginning of the season, to eight or five dollars near the end of summer.

Bennett said this summer hasnt been bad picking, butthe season started later than usual, and gypsy moth caterpillars are taking their toll.

The family goes out picking in the New Sudbury area, and alongside the highway heading out to the Valley and Garson.

Its fun getting out there, Bennett said. We go all around Sudbury, and close to Sagamok First Nation where were from. Its a little bit steeper out there, but there are a lot of berries and theyre bigger and bluer.

As for the blueberries that dont get sold at the end of the day?

We just keep the rest for ourselves, Bennett laughed. I love it.