After a well-deserved summer break, we are back in the field, this time for a brief yet significant trip to trace the production chain of ARONVIT®, a unique and standardized extract rich in anthocyanins and polyphenols, obtained from selected aronia berries. Our destination? Poland, a country rich in history and culture, renowned for its extensive cultivation of this extraordinary “superfruit.” Poland alone produces 70% of the world’s aronia supply.
It was an exciting journey, not only a valuable opportunity to deepen our knowledge of the supply chain of this important ingredient but also a chance to collaborate with our esteemed partners, technologists, and growers, whose work and daily dedication we appreciate.
The First Aronia Harvest Experience
During the visit, Christian Artaria, CEO of Swisseutic, had the pleasure of participating in the aronia berry harvest, thanks to the generous invitation from GREENVIT. This experience allowed us to closely observe every stage of the harvest and post-harvest processes and to fully understand the care and attention necessary to ensure the high quality standards required to produce ARONVIT®, starting directly from the field. It is precisely thanks to this approach and the selected network of partners and farmers who meticulously manage the supply chain that we are able to ensure our products comply with the increasingly stringent European regulations.
The Impact of Climate Change on the Balsamic Period
One of the most significant aspects that emerged during the trip was the effect of climate change on harvesting times. The aronia berries, usually harvested between late summer and early autumn, this year reached maturity as early as August 15th due to the extremely hot and dry season that characterized this summer. This phenomenon reminds us how essential it is to adapt and optimize our production processes to respond to these climatic challenges, which inevitably also influence the phytochemical composition of the plants we use.
Aronia Berries
Aronia melanocarpa, commonly known as aronia or black chokeberry, is a shrub belonging to the Rosaceae family. Native to North America, particularly the eastern regions and Canada, it is also widely cultivated in Russia and Eastern Europe, with extensive cultivation in Poland alone covering 70% of the global demand. This shrub can reach a height of two or three meters, but in plantations, its height is usually limited to just over one and a half meters to facilitate mechanical harvesting, which helps control costs.
The plant produces small clusters of black fruits, similar to blueberries but distinguishable by their much tougher skin and more tannic taste. The berries are particularly rich in nutrients, including polyphenols, proanthocyanidins, and anthocyanins, which give the skin and pulp their characteristic purple color, similar to blueberries (Vaccinium myrtillus L.).
Aronia berries can be consumed whole, but most of the harvest is processed into juices, concentrates, dried berry powders, jams, fermented products, or extracts.
Looking to the Future
This trip to Poland has confirmed our commitment to maintaining the high quality of the ingredients and partners we carefully select. We are very pleased to rely on our collaboration with GREENVIT and to offer our customers quality products like ARONVIT®. Proud of our progress, we look to the future with optimism, knowing that our dedication and passion for excellence will always be the foundation for maintaining relationships of trust.