Inspirational ideas: Aronia and other organic superberries in Centre-Val de Loire

Developing new products through collaborative short food supply chains offers opportunities for agri-food producers to diversify their crop range, optimise processes, tap into new markets, and increase farm income. A diversified product range also means that more people can become involved in the chain, creating more job opportunities and possibilities for knowledge sharing. The development of new products is particularly important in the context of changing consumer demands for healthy and sustainable products, and an increasing interest in locally grown food. Regional branding can also help create a product identity that attracts consumers and stands for quality.

The production of chokeberry (Aronia) and other “superberries” such as honeysuckle (Lonicera), sea buckthorn (Hippophae), serviceberry (Amelanchier) and elderberry is already well established in Poland, Germany, Switzerland and other countries. An Operational Group from the French region of Centre-Val de Loire now sees opportunities to develop these fruits for the organic market in France. “By growing these berries, organic fruit producers can diversify their crops”, says project coordinator Jean-Marc Delacour from regional growers association CDHR. “We are also seeing an increasing consumer interest in traceable organic food products that are rich in vitamins and antioxidants.”

The Operational Group is building a complete chain, from cultivar production to harvesting and processing for the organic market. The project has started with organic production of the ‘pilot fruit’, Aronia, which is rich in antioxidants and is very tolerant to pests and diseases. Experimental plots are also being planted for serviceberry, honeysuckle, sea buckthorn and elderberry.

“In addition to producing these new berry crops, the consumer products made from these berries, including jam, fruit juice and pastries, are almost non-existent in France”, Jean-Marc says. “We see this as a major asset to remain competitive and to develop the project successfully. Two of the project’s processors have now started developing experimental recipes for jam and pastries. We are also exploring the potential value of by-products of berry production: using berry residues after pressing for cosmetic or pharmaceutical purposes.”

Read more inspirational ideas in the EIP-AGRI brochure 'Innovation in short food supply chains. Creating value together'

Find more information on the Operational Group website or in the EIP-AGRI database