South Africa has set the goal of becoming the world’s third-largest raisin producer as it continues to increase plantings and improve efficiency.

The ambition comes as new figures from the International Nut & Dried Fruit Council (INC) confirm South Africa’s position as the largest grower in the southern hemisphere, with 89,700 marketable tonnes produced in 2023/24.

That puts it comfortably ahead of Chile (57,000 tonnes), Argentina (30,000 tonnes) and Australia (7,309 tonnes).

South Africa has seen a steady increase in production since the turn of the century as farmers expand their operations, invest in new technology and cultivars, and adopt more efficient growing techniques.

In 2000, South African raisin production was just 38,142 tonnes, but that rose to 50,628 tonnes in 2010 and 85,080 tonnes in 2020.

Weather permitting, output is expected to increase again in 2024/25, with healthy vines reported and a crop in the region of 90,000-110,000 tonnes forecast.

Suppliers believe they have a key point of difference due to the fact that climatic conditions allow South Africa to produce near zero-residue product and an unrivalled portfolio that includes everything from Thompsons and Flame to Goldens, Currants and Sultanas.

“These traits make our product well suited for all markets, giving huge potential for further growth and for the South African industry ultimately to take its place among the top-three producers in the world,” said David van der Merwe, chairman at industry body Raisins SA.

South Africa currently ranks sixth for global production, but with major businesses such as PepsiCo investing significant sums in expanding production to supply the burgeoning healthy snacking segment, there is considerable potential for further growth.

India and Turkey both produced in excess of 200,000 tonnes in 2023/24 despite severe weather issues impacting the Turkish crop in particular, while Iran, the US and China each had a crop of between 150,000-155,000 tonnes.

Raisins SA is supporting the South African sector’s growth through a wide range of initiatives, from educational facilities such as the Vine Academy and Model Farm, to the collaborative sharing of best practice, sustainability advice, transformation projects to bring new black farmers into the industry, and working with the government to expand market access.

“We believe the work that the industry has done over the past 20 years to expand and modernise raisin production stands us in excellent stead to be counted among the top global suppliers,” added Van der Merwe.

“The industry has continued to grow despite all the challenges that growers have faced over the past three years, and we are excited to work with new and existing customers to excite consumers, manufacturers and chefs about delicious, healthy raisins.”