Katie and Ben Reneker’s interest in the elderberry started at home and quickly grew into their wider elderberry farming community. When their two boys grew to school age, the family started looking into ways to chase off classroom bugs and discovered their fondness for an immune-supporting morning shot of elderberry syrup. Because the products she found came from Europe, Katie was surprised and delighted when she began identifying these captivating plants growing wild in her local commu
Katie and Ben Reneker’s interest in the elderberry started at home and quickly grew into their wider elderberry farming community. When their two boys grew to school age, the family started looking into ways to chase off classroom bugs and discovered their fondness for an immune-supporting morning shot of elderberry syrup. Because the products she found came from Europe, Katie was surprised and delighted when she began identifying these captivating plants growing wild in her local community. What she had understood to be an exotic fruit was suddenly within reach.
An opportunity to create a business that aligned with her values of sustainability emerged. Katie soon began working to create Carmel Berry Co., one of the first elderberry brands to source domestically. From the beginning, Katie has tirelessly championed new elderberry growers, and she also offers workshops, mentorships, and grants. She thoroughly enjoys every opportunity to be out in the fields or community, sharing her enthusiasm for elderberries!
