The global demand for dried vine fruits has been rising by an average of 4 per cent annually, and the UK is a major consumer. A total of 113,000 metric tonnes was imported into the country in 2007 - 60 per cent sultanas and 30-40per cent raisins.

Of the 21 varieties of raisin imported from nine different countries into the UK, the leading exporter is California, accounting for over half of the supply. Various factors contribute to the California raisin's popularity - the quality first and foremost, but competitors experiencing problems with their supplies and the weak dollar have also had a positive effect on the trade recently.

California Raisins are grown within a 50-mile radius of Fresno in the San Joaquin Valley. Conditions in the region are ideal for producing raisins, and the stable climate guarantees a consistent quality and good supply of crop - a major advantage over its Mediterranean competitors, who are slightly more weather-dependent. The raisins are made from Thompson seedless white grapes, in a combination of flat, well-drained soil and steady sunshine at key times of the year. The whole growing process takes three years, from planting the vine to the first harvest and irrigation involves a combination of dams and controlled water supplies. This system is more reliable than that of the Mediterranean, which relies heavily on rainfall. Vineyards in the San Joaquin Valley face East-West and the grapes are harvested when fully mature, so they are all a similar shape, size and colour. Since the chance of rain in the region is minimal in September, they can be left to dry naturally in the sun, resulting in darker raisins, with a more chocolatey flavour.

Snacking accounts for the remaining 30-40 per cent of dried fruits shipped to the UK - with a strong focus on children, mothers and healthy eating in general - and the demand continues to rise steadily year on year. Dried fruit is an excellent supplement to a healthy balanced diet. It is a good source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants; the natural sugars provide a slow release of energy and it even contains phytochemical compounds that promote healthy teeth and gums. A 14g portion of raisins can contribute to a small child's ‘5 a day' regime or 28-30g portion for adults. With new laws in place for healthy vending in schools, raisins make a great healthy alternative to sweets and chocolate snacks in canteens and vending machines.

Imports of California Raisins into Europe in 2008 were up 49 per cent on 2007, at 40,251 metric tonnes, with the UK responsible for around 45per cent of the share. With an annual per capita consumption of around 4.5kg per person, the market for dried fruit in the UK is the largest in Europe, and continues to grow steadily.

It's been over a year since the sale of chocolate, crisps and fizzy drinks in school vending machines was banned.  As well as promoting a healthier lifestyle, cutting out snacks that are high in fat, sugar and salt leaves room for food that will benefit kids' brains as well as their bodies.

Being naturally sweet, California Raisins are a tasty alternative for kids. The natural sugars release energy slowly after eating, and so help maintain concentration for longer in class, plus they're full of essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and trace elements. California Raisins come in handy snack packs with a long shelf life, so they make a perfect vending product, and they transport easily, too.

www.ukraisins.com

Printer friendly version

Email this article to a friend

Bookmark this

---