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Top Raisin Exporting Countries & Global Production Markets: A Complete Trade Guide (2021–2025)

Close-up of ripe grapes hanging on the vine surrounded by lush green leaves in a vineyard.

The global raisin industry is one of the most dynamic segments of the international dried fruit trade. Whether you are a bulk importer, food manufacturer, or procurement specialist, understanding who produces and exports raisins — and where demand is growing — is essential for smart sourcing decisions.

This data-driven guide covers global raisin production volumes, the world’s top exporting countries, and the major importing markets, based on INC Global Statistical Review 2025 data spanning 2021 to 2025.

Quick Answer: What is global raisin production?

Global raisin production is approximately 1.3 million metric tons annually, with Turkey, India, and Iran as the top three producers.

Global Raisin Production: 5-Year Trend (2021–2025)

Global production of dried grapes — encompassing raisins, sultanas, and currants — has followed a gradual downward trend since 2021/22, with a notable recovery in 2024/25 before declining again.

Peak year

2021/22

1,369,300 MT

5-yr low

2025/26

1,196,560 MT

Total decline

−12.6%

from peak

Production volume Estimated

Source: INC Global Statistical Review 2025

Key Insight: Production has declined approximately 12.6% from its 2021/22 peak of 1.37 million MT to an estimated 1.20 million MT in 2025/26 — the lowest point in five years. This supply contraction is expected to exert upward pressure on global raisin prices, creating a favorable environment for producing countries that maintain output stability.

Quick Answer:Which country produces the most raisins in the world?

Turkey (Türkiye) produces the most raisins globally, contributing approximately 20% of world supply.

Leading Raisin Producing Countries

The global raisin supply is concentrated among five key nations that together represent the vast majority of world output.

Largest producer

🇹🇷 Türkiye

~262,717 MT · 20%

2nd largest

🇮🇳 India

~223,000 MT · 17%

Top 5 combined

~78%

of global supply

Türkiye India Iran China USA

Source: INC Global Statistical Review 2025 — Average 2020–2024/25

Türkiye leads global production driven by its dominant sultana raisin output, particularly from the Aegean region. India has emerged as the second-largest producer, with the Nashik region in Maharashtra being the primary grape-growing hub. India’s raisin output has grown steadily supported by expanding domestic demand and increasing export volumes.

India's Raisin Production: A Rising Export Power

India produces approximately 223,000 metric tons of raisins annually, representing 17% of global output. Nashik (Maharashtra) and Sangli are the primary production hubs. The Thompson Seedless variety dominates Indian raisin production, prized for its golden color and natural sweetness. Indian exporter are exporting Indian raisin across the world. 

Export Perspective: India exported 62,192 MT of raisins in 2025 — approximately 7% of global export volume — positioning itself as a competitive mid-tier exporter with significant growth runway. India’s competitive advantages include lower production costs, favorable agro-climatic conditions, and growing APEDA-certified export infrastructure.

Top Raisin Exporting Countries (2025)

Quick Answer: What are the top raisin exporting countries?

Turkey, South Africa, Uzbekistan, China, and Iran are the world’s top five raisin exporters by volume.

Global raisin exports have remained consistently above 800,000 metric tons annually between 2021 and 2025, confirming sustained international demand. The 2025 export volume reached 872,906 MT

Global leader

🇹🇷 Türkiye

217,878 MT · 25%

India's rank

🇮🇳 #6 Exporter

62,192 MT · 7% share

★ Highlighted

Total global exports

872,906 MT

2025 volume

Source: INC Global Statistical Review 2025

Market Concentration: Türkiye alone controls 25% of global raisin exports — approximately one in every four metric tons traded internationally originates from Turkey. This market dominance makes Turkey the anchor supplier for most European and Middle Eastern importers.

Emerging Exporters to Watch

  • Uzbekistan (79,300 MT, 9% share): Central Asia’s rising dried fruit powerhouse, offering competitive pricing on Kishmish varieties.
  • India (62,192 MT, 7% share): Expanding rapidly with Golden and Malayar Seedless; strategic focus on GCC, Southeast Asia, and European markets.
  • Afghanistan (62,034 MT, 7% share): Growing export capacity leveraging abundant natural drying conditions; popular in Middle East and South Asian markets.

Major Raisin Importing Markets (2024–2025)

Quick Answer: Which countries import the most raisins?

The United Kingdom, Germany, and the Netherlands are the world’s three largest raisin importing countries.

Largest importer

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

86,632 MT

Top 3 combined

218,127 MT

UK + Germany + Netherlands

Emerging markets

Brazil & Russia

65,886 MT combined

Source: INC Global Statistical Review 2025

Why Europe Dominates Raisin Imports

Europe’s outsized demand for raisins is driven by three major food industry segments:

  • Bakery & Confectionery: Raisins are a core ingredient in breads, muffins, fruitcakes, and chocolate confections.
  • Breakfast Cereals: Muesli and granola production across the UK, Germany, and Netherlands consumes large raisin volumes.
  • Snack Food Manufacturing: Health-oriented snack brands increasingly feature raisins as a natural, no-added-sugar ingredient.

Emerging Import Growth Markets

Brazil (33,815 MT) and Russia (32,071 MT) represent significant emerging import markets. Growing health consciousness and rising disposable incomes are driving demand for natural dried fruit snacks in both markets. For Indian and Central Asian exporters, these represent high-priority target markets given competitive logistics advantages.

Global Raisin Export Volume Trends (2021–2025)

Peak year

2022

888,148 MT

Lowest year

2023

817,446 MT

Latest (2025)

872,906 MT

−1.7% vs 2024

5-yr floor

>800K MT

every year

Source: INC Global Statistical Review 2025

Global raisin export volumes have shown remarkable resilience, remaining above 800,000 MT in every year since 2021. The 2022 peak of 888,148 MT represents a high-water mark driven by strong post-pandemic food ingredient restocking by European and North American buyers.

Global Raisin Market Outlook & Trade Opportunities

1. Supply Contraction Creates Price Upside

With production at a five-year low of 1.196 million MT in 2025/26 and exports remaining above 870,000 MT, the supply-demand gap is tightening. Importers should expect upward price adjustments and may benefit from forward contracting with established exporters.

2. India's Export Growth

India exported 62,192 MT in 2025 — a significant volume relative to its 17% global production share. With expanding cold chain infrastructure, APEDA certifications, and growing B2B export networks, India is positioned to increase its global market share, particularly in GCC countries, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe.

3. Growing Natural Snack Demand

Consumers globally are shifting toward clean-label, natural food ingredients. Raisins, as a zero-additive natural sweetener and ingredient, benefit directly from this trend. Bakery, cereal, and snack food manufacturers in Europe and North America are expected to sustain strong import demand.

4. Emerging Supplier Competition

Uzbekistan and Afghanistan are increasing their combined share of global raisin exports — together accounting for approximately 16% of the global market in 2025. Their competitive pricing on Kishmish varieties is creating alternative sourcing options for cost-sensitive importers.

Conclusion

The global raisin market is a resilient, high-volume commodity trade worth billions of dollars annually. With global exports consistently exceeding 800,000 metric tons and European importers leading demand, the market offers strong, stable opportunities for international buyers and sellers alike.

Türkiye remains the dominant force in both production and exports, while India, South Africa, Uzbekistan, and China compete for the remaining market share. On the demand side, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Netherlands are the anchor import markets, supported by growing demand from Brazil and Russia.

For food industry professionals and trade buyers, monitoring production trends, supply fluctuations, and emerging exporter growth is essential for optimal procurement strategy in the raisin category.

FAQs

Q1. Which country is the largest producer of raisins in the world?

Türkiye (Turkey) is the world's largest raisin producer, contributing approximately 20% of global supply (~262,717 MT average). It is particularly dominant in sultana raisin production from the Aegean region.

Q2. What are the top raisin exporting countries?

The top raisin exporting countries in 2025 are: Türkiye (25%, 217,878 MT), South Africa (10%, 84,915 MT), Uzbekistan (9%, 79,300 MT), China (9%, 78,839 MT), and Iran (8%, 65,506 MT). India ranks 6th with 62,192 MT.

Q3. Which countries import the most raisins?

The United Kingdom is the largest raisin importer (86,632 MT), followed by Germany (71,094 MT) and the Netherlands (60,401 MT). Brazil and Russia are significant emerging importers.

Q4. What is global raisin production volume?

Global raisin (dried grape) production is approximately 1.2–1.4 million metric tons annually. The 2025/26 estimated volume is 1,196,560 MT — the lowest in five years — following a peak of 1,369,300 MT in 2021/22.

Q5. How much raisin does India export?

India exported approximately 62,192 metric tons of raisins in 2025, representing around 7% of global export volume. India is the 6th largest raisin exporter globally and the 2nd largest producer with a 17% production share.

Q6. Why is Europe the largest raisin importing region?

Europe imports large volumes of raisins due to strong demand from its bakery, confectionery, breakfast cereal, and natural snack food industries. The UK, Germany, and Netherlands alone account for a combined import volume exceeding 218,000 MT annually.

Q7. Is Turkey the largest raisin exporter?

Yes. Turkey (Türkiye) is the world's largest raisin exporter with 217,878 MT exported in 2025, controlling approximately 25% of the global raisin export market.

Q8. What are the best raisin varieties for export?

The most traded raisin varieties globally include Thompson Seedless (Golden/Sun-dried from India and USA), Sultana (Turkey), Kishmish (Uzbekistan, Afghanistan), and Cape Seedless (South Africa). Thompson Seedless dominates international food ingredient supply chains.
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