Winner of SFA's 2018 Award in Business Leadership, Christopher J. Patton, MA, MBA is one of the key leaders engaged in the development of native elderberry as a viable specialty crop. Ripe American elderberry (S. nigra canadensis) possesses proven antioxidant, antiviral and immune building properties. He markets nationally and exports the River Hills Harvest brand of US grown native, minimally processed, retail elderberry products: pure premium juice, jelly, jam, syrup and a honeyed-elderberry, cinnamon-clove health cordial.
He is also president of Midwest Elderberry Cooperative (MEC), which markets US grown native (Sambucus nigra candensis) elderberry and elderflower ingredients to River Hills Harvest and other food/beverage manufacturers. MEC is structured to provide a vehicle for outside investment as well as for proportionate grower participation in the large aggregated crop processing required for commercial ingredients. Thus, MEC acts as an interface and shock absorber between its members and the global marketplace. In addition to their own value added activities, MEC also facilitates access to relevant university and government programs.
Product Categories
Beverages
- Cold Non-Carbonated Beverages: Juice/Cider
Lifestyle
- Fair Trade
- Functional (antioxidants)
- Organic/Natural
Spreads & Syrups
- Flavoring Syrups
- Jams
- Jellies