2025 was a good year for the aronia berry in Saxony - Saxony's organic berry boom breaks records with chokeberries leading the way
Saxony's soft fruit industry has seen a major boost in 2025, with organic farming dominating the sector. Over 80 percent of the region's 337 hectares of soft fruit fields now follow organic practices. This year's harvest reached 767 metric tons—far exceeding last year's 193 tons.
Chokeberries, also known as aronia berries, remain Saxony's top soft fruit crop. They accounted for nearly 45 percent of the total harvest, with 340 metric tons collected in 2025. Farmers have dedicated 149 hectares to their cultivation, making them the most widely grown berry in the region.
The surge in production aligns with rising global demand. Over the past five years, health trends and expanding markets in functional foods and beverages have driven interest in aronia berries. Saxony's exports now reach Germany, other EU nations, Russia, and increasingly North America and Asia. Key industries fuelling this demand include juice production, dietary supplements, and cosmetics. Beyond chokeberries, Saxony's berry farms also focus on currants and blueberries. Currants cover 116 hectares, while cultivated blueberries occupy 27 hectares. These varieties contribute to the region's diverse organic fruit output.
Saxony's 2025 soft fruit harvest marks a significant increase, with organic methods shaping most of its production. The dominance of chokeberries and their growing export market highlight the region's role in meeting global demand. With expanded cultivation and rising yields, the sector looks set to maintain its upward trend.
