Aronia for everyone?

In 2018, Aronia fruit was our featured topic at the CREC Field Day. People had great interest and many acres were planted across the US, especially in Nebraska and Iowa.  Earlier in 2016, North Dakota could count 90 acres being grown, with 70 acres certified by USDA.

During this period, some North Dakota growers created and released a fruit-water product called ax-water and other Pride of Dakota businesses make jam, jelly, barbeque sauce and wine from North Dakota fruit. National demand for aronia was surging and hopes were high.

What does the aronia market look like today? For sure, not what everyone had hoped. Many acres go unharvested each year. There are many reasons, but the availability of cheap juice from other countries really hurt the attempts to grow a US market. Like many new products, a lot of money was invested and not a lot was returned. 

The people who have done the best were able to integrate their fruit into a whole business by growing, processing and creating their own products and market because the wholesale market never developed.

Aronia harvest season has just wrapped up.  Hopefully you will be able to enjoy some locally-produced jellies and wines.  If you have berries or can buy frozen fruit, you can make ice cream, add them to quick breads, or brighten your oatmeal or yogurt. Have you considered planting your own shrub? All you need is one!

Kathy Wiederholt
Kathy.Wiederholt@ndsu.edu
Fruit Project Manager