UK imports of South African raisins soar

Exports of South African raisins to the UK have more than doubled over the past year, according to industry body Raisins SA.

The UK imported 9,100 tonnes of raisins from South Africa in 2024, representing a 137 per cent increase on the previous year and a near tripling of the 3,800 tonnes sent in 2022.

The record shipment means the UK has risen to become South Africa’s third-largest customer, after Germany and the US, and exporters believe there is still potential for further growth in the years ahead.

It comes as new figures underline the popularity of dried fruit in the UK.

The country is the world’s largest purchaser of raisins, sultanas and currants, importing 83,198 tonnes in 2023, according to new data from the International Nut & Dried Fruit Council (INC).

The UK is also the fifth-largest consumer, behind India, China, the US and Iran, with Brits eating some 81,221 tonnes of the dried grapes in 2023.

South African growth

The increase in shipments to the UK comes against a backdrop of rising production and investment in the raisin sector in South Africa, where the 2024/25 crop is forecast to top 100,000 tonnes for the first time.

Good weather conditions and ongoing investment in vineyards and technology are credited for the positive picture.

South Africa has also gained a reputation as a heavy hitter on the global stage, and has risen to become the third-largest exporter in the world.

INC figures show the country secured an 8 per cent share of the global export market in 2023, with its 63,210 tonnes leaving it not far behind second-placed Chile, which has a 9 per cent share on the back of 70,521 tonnes sold.

The clear market leader is Turkey on 35 per cent and 282,838 tonnes, although the south-east European country is still recovering from severe weather damage over the past two years which stunted its output.

“Having enjoyed a favourable year, South African raisin producers are continuing to invest in capacity and infrastructure in order to grow the industry further,” said David van der Merwe, chair of Raisins SA.

“With its ideal climate and plentiful supply of both water and skilled labour, there’s nowhere better and more affordable to produce raisins than in the Orange River region.”

The UK market has traditionally been dominated by Turkish supply, however South Africa believes that the recent weather issues in Turkey and volatility of climate change generally underlines the importance of having a dual-sourcing strategy.

“South African exporters have observed a significant increase in interest from UK buyers who are attracted to the fact that the country provides a one-stop-shop with all the major categories – raisins, sultanas and currants – offered, along with near zero-residue product and naturally long shelf life,” Van der Merwe added.

UK focus

Raisins SA hopes the UK market will ultimately import in excess of 15,000 tonnes across all South African raisin lines, with the intention of establishing long-term planned programmes rather than spot commodity purchasing.

To underline its products’ credentials, Raisins SA will focus its 2025 UK marketing campaign on highlighting the unique selling points of the South African crop and why it should appeal to consumers, retail buyers, chefs and bakers.

As well as continuing to spotlight these benefits within the trade, Raisins SA plans to ramp up its consumer push by engaging more closely with retailers, running on-pack promotions and targeting retailers’ print publications.

There will also be a competition to win a holiday to South Africa.

Over the past 12 months the industry body has placed articles in key trade publications, organised trips to South Africa for decision makers and updated its library of high-quality images.

A social media programme also ran alongside the campaign throughout the year.