We all scream – for the winning Pure Michigan ice cream flavor

DETROIT - Pure Michigan, Hudsonville Ice Cream and the Detroit Tigers kicked off the official start of summer by announcing Pure Michigan Double Berry Pie as Michigan's next great ice cream flavor at tonight's Tigers home game at Comerica Park.

The winning flavor features vanilla ice cream and swirls of blueberries and strawberries surrounded by real pie crust pieces. The flavor was submitted by Linda Ann Stewart of Taylor, Michigan who drew her inspiration from Michigan lighthouses. Stewart described the flavor as "rays of blueberry and strawberry," with the pie crust pieces representing golden sand around the state's lighthouses.

"We love partnering with Pure Michigan and this year's flavor competition has been no exception," said Caryn Beatty of Hudsonville Ice Cream. "We received an overwhelming number of Michigan inspired ideas that highlighted Michiganders' great pride for their state. Linda Ann's combination of fresh produce was a unique entry that wonderfully embodies the taste of Pure Michigan."

"Pairing Hudsonville ice cream with Michigan blueberries and strawberries is a great way to get a taste of Pure Michigan agriculture," said Jamie Clover Adams, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director. "With June being dairy month, and the kick-off of Michigan's fresh fruit season, I thank MEDC and Hudsonville for their ongoing support of the state's food and agriculture industry."

In addition to winning a two night stay at Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, a year's supply of Hudsonville ice cream and Pure Michigan merchandise, Stewart and her family were invited to throw out the first pitch prior to tonight's game between the Detroit Tigers and the Boston Red Sox.

"Enjoying a Hudsonville Ice Cream during the summer months is a natural for Tigers fans and part of the Comerica Park experience," said Steve Harms, Tigers' Vice President of Corporate Partnerships. "The Pure Michigan Double Berry Pie flavor is certain to be a hit."

More than 7,000 flavor suggestions were submitted during the course of the two weeks to determine the next great Pure Michigan ice cream flavor. Other flavors submitted included Michigan Chardonnay Cherry Fudge, Pure Maple Syrup Sundae and Pictured Rocks Swirl. Pure Michigan Double Berry Pie was chosen as the winning flavor by Hudsonville based on its inclusion of Michigan produce and unique flavor combination.

"This flavor speaks to the spirit of Pure Michigan we wanted to tap into with this contest - from highlighting our vast agricultural offerings to drawing on our shoreline and natural beauty for inspiration," said George Zimmermann, Vice President of Travel Michigan, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. "This is an engaging and fun way to celebrate Pure Michigan as America's perfect summer destination."

Pure Michigan Double Berry Pie will be available as a limited edition flavor in grocery stores beginning in October, 2013.

Pure Michigan is a brand on the rise, representing business, talent and tourism initiatives across Michigan. These efforts are driven by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which serves as the state's marketing arm and lead agency for business growth, jobs and opportunity with a focus on helping grow Michigan's economy.

For more on the MEDC and its initiatives, visit: MichiganAdvantage.org. For Michigan travel news, updates and information, visit michigan.org.