Midwest Elderberry Cooperative

Midwest Elderberry Cooperative (MEC) is a grower-owned organization dedicated to the production, processing, and marketing of American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis). The cooperative provides a vertically integrated supply chain for high-quality elderberry ingredients used in the nutraceutical, functional food, and beverage industries. By coordinating small-to-medium-scale farmers, MEC ensures standardized quality and sustainable harvesting practices for elderberry-based health products. Their offerings include juice, concentrate, and dried flowers, primarily marketed for their antioxidant properties and immune system support. The organization also collaborates with academic institutions to advance research on the health benefits and cultivation of native elderberry species.