Raisin suppliers in South Africa are aiming for high volume, top quality export despite production being impacted by unseasonal weather
Despite drying conditions for raisins in the Lower Orange River region of South Africa being hit by heavy rainfall and humidity during the10th week of 2025, crop development faced a delay by only two weeks, with suppliers still expecting a marketable crop in the region of 96,000-104,000 tonnes. The sector has continued to grow, thanks to the establishment of around 2,535 ha of new land for raisin production across both the Orange River and Olifants River regions between 2020 and 2022.
As South Africa continues to cement its place as a leading player on the global export market, it is looking to underline its unique selling points to buyers and consumers. Those include the fact that it features naturally sun-dried product with no-to-low pesticide residues, distinct colour and flavour and 12-month shelf life, all produced with social and environmental sustainability in mind.
“We want the market and consumers to think of South Africa as a reliable, sustainable source of superior-quality raisins,” said Wessel Lemmer, chief executive of industry body, Raisins SA.
South African raisin sector continues to progress
As South Africa continues to cement its place as a leading player on the global export market, it is looking to underline its unique selling points to buyers and consumers. (Image source: SA Raisins)
