Turkey
According to the Aegean Exporters’ Association, 2021/22 Turkish dried grape production is estimated at 290,000 metric tons, 7% up from the previous season. Exports year to date (September 1, 2021-February 12, 2022) amounted to 121,643 MT, which represents an increment of 7% as compared to the same period in the 2020/21 marketing year. Shipments to Europe, the main market for Turkish dried grapes, added up to 65,868 MT, 12% up from 2020/21. Asia, the second top importing region, amounted to 12,781 MT, also 12% up from the prior season.
China
The Chinese 2021/22 crop is estimated at about 220,000 MT, composed of 80% green raisins and 20% Sultanas. Since the crop is bigger this season, prices are around 30-40% below last year.
Spring Festival sales were about 25% down compared to last year, as affected by the pandemic, less tourism and a slower economy overall. International shipments are also down by 25% from 2021.
Spring Festival sales were about 25% down compared to last year, as affected by the pandemic, less tourism and a slower economy overall. International shipments are also down by 25% from 2021.
USA
California’s raisin-growing region, like most areas in California, received little rain last year. While rainfall was less than normal the last two years, raisin growers had water to irrigate their crops. The growing area also experienced a record for the most 100-degree Fahrenheit (38-degree Centigrade or higher) days in one year in 2021. Due to the lack of rain during winter/spring combined with the high heat during the growing season, raisins are generally smaller in size but, aside from this, the quality is good. Disruptions in getting export orders out remain as the industry continues to struggle in securing containers and bookings from steamship lines.
Iran
As reported by the Iran Dried Fruit Exporters Association, through the beginning of January 2022, Iran had exported 50,000 MT of dried grapes and domestic consumption was anticipated to reach 40,000 MT (mostly of Sundried and Sultana raisins). Therefore, with a total supply of 200,000 MT for the season, 110,000 MT remained available for shipping until the end of the marketing year. The remaining stock was composed of 55,000 MT of Sultana, 45,000 MT of Golden and 10,000 MT of Sundried raisins.
South Africa
As per Raisins South Africa, the crop has developed well, with minor frost damages at the start of spring, and was initially forecasted at 78,000 MT of the marketable product (86,000 MT farmer’s stock). The Orange River valley, where 88% of South Africa’s raisins are grown, experienced high flows since January 2022 with above-average rainfall upstream in both the Vaal and Orange catchment regions. The high flow level damages were limited to 2-3% of the total hectares. However, showers towards the end of January and early February had a significant impact. Thus, the initial crop forecast was adjusted downwards to 65,000 MT of the marketable product (72,000 MT farmers’ stock). Raisins SA will continue to monitor the remainder of the harvesting season until final product delivery to processors concludes towards the end of April.
For the period January-December 2021, raisin exports performed well with minimal carry-over stock. Logistics have been somewhat difficult, but this is a global phenomenon experienced across all major product exports.
For the period January-December 2021, raisin exports performed well with minimal carry-over stock. Logistics have been somewhat difficult, but this is a global phenomenon experienced across all major product exports.
Argentina
The province of San Juan, the largest producer of raisins in Argentina, has recorded intense heat waves along with a major drought during the southern hemisphere summer, causing a decrease in the estimated production and resulting in a marketable balance of 40,000 to 45,000 MT.