Overview

Raisins are the most popular dried fruit in the United States, accounting for about two-thirds of total dried fruit consumption. Raisins are primarily produced in California’s San Joaquin Valley and are sun dried.

In 2012, nearly 1.9 million tons (fresh basis) of raisin-type grapes were produced, a 13 percent decrease from 2011 (ERS 2012). Reduced production and other factors kept grower prices for raisin grapes strong; they averaged a record $1,940 per ton. As a result, the value of production reached more than $725 million in 2012.  (NASS 2013)

The United States is generally the largest raisin producer in the world, although Turkish production did surpass U.S. production in 2006. Historically, U.S. and Turkish production combined have accounted for 80 percent of global production figures.  (FAS 2009)  February 2013 . . . Raisins

 

Other Links

• American Society for Enology & Viticulture, Department of Viticulture and Enology, University of California-Davis - This society of wine and grape professionals promotes the industry through information, research and education.
• American Vineyard Foundation - This California-based organization funds research in viticulture and enology.
• California Raisin Marketing Board, Fresno, California.
• Department of Viticulture and Enology, California State University, Fresno.
• Department of Viticulture and Enology, University of California-Davis
• Food Availability (Per Capita) Data System, Economic Research Service (ERS), USDA.
• Fruit and Nut Research and Information Center, University of California-Davis - This Web site provides links to other related resources.
• Fruit and Tree Nuts Outlook, ERS, USDA.
• Fruit and Tree Nuts Yearbook: Dataset, ERS, USDA.
• Global Ag Trade System, FASonline, USDA.
• National Raisin Company, Fowler, California - This company is one of the largest independent raisin processors. The company works with an organic grower group in the production of Bonner Organic Raisins.
• Noncitrus Fruits and Nuts, National Ag Statistics Service (NASS), USDA.
• Raisin Administrative Committee - Raising production and distribution data is listed under the Marketing Policy link. From the Packers link, a list of California raisin packers is provided.
• Raisins: World Markets and Trade, Foreign Ag Service (FAS), USDA.
• Sample Costs to Establish a Vineyard and Produce Dried on Vine Raisins, San Joaquin Valley, University of California-Davis, 2003.
• Sun-Maid Growers of California - This coop has about 1,000 grape raisin growers. Sun-Maid is one of the most recognized trademarks in today's crowded marketplace. Consumers associate the brand with natural and nutritious dried fruit products.
• Sun-Maid, Kingsburg, California - Sun-Maid is a grower-owned cooperative that was formed in 1912. It owns a 130-acre processing facility. The Web site also markets gift packs, specialty items and bulk items from the Growers Store. 

Links checked January 2013.