Raisins for export are packed in food-grade poly bags placed inside corrugated master cartons (5 kg, 10 kg, or 12.5 kg). A standard 20 ft container holds approximately 20 MT and a 40 ft container holds 26–28 MT of raisins.
Global demand for raisins — including Thompson Seedless, Golden Raisin, Dark and Green raisins — has expanded significantly across the US, EU, Middle East, and Southeast Asian markets. For importers, distributors, and private-label food brands, selecting the right packaging configuration is not just a logistics decision. It directly affects shelf life, compliance, container efficiency, and landed cost.
This blog covers raisin packaging option used in international export trade, including food-grade pack formats, container stuffing capacities for both 20 ft and 40 ft containers, and best practices trusted by experienced buyers worldwide.
Why Raisin Packaging Important in Export Trade
Raisins are a hygroscopic commodity — they absorb ambient moisture and release it under varying storage conditions. Improper packaging leads to clumping, fermentation, mold growth, and weight loss, all of which result in rejection at destination ports.
For international buyers, the right packaging must satisfy multiple requirements simultaneously:
- Preserve product quality through long ocean transit times (20–45 days)
- Meet importing country food contact material regulations (EU, FDA and FSSAI)
- Maximize container fill efficiency to reduce freight cost per kilogram
- Support private-label, retail-ready, or further processing requirements
- Enable accurate weight verification and customs compliance
Standard Raisin Packaging Options for Export
1. Master Carton Packing (Most Popular for B2B Export)
The dominant B2B export format is food-grade poly bags closed and placed inside strong corrugated cartons. This configuration balances handling efficiency, moisture protection, and stacking strength.
| Pack Size | Inner Bag | Carton Layers |
| 5 kg net | Food-grade poly bag | Double-wall corrugated |
| 10 kg net (Most Suitable) | Food-grade poly bag | Double-wall corrugated |
| 12.5 kg net | Food-grade poly bag | Double-wall corrugated |
The 10 kg and 12.5 kg master carton is the global standard preferred by importers in the US, UK, Germany, UAE, and Australia. It balances ease of handling for warehouse staff with optimal pallet configuration.
2. Retail-Ready and Private-Label Packing
For food brands and retailers importing for shelf sale, Satdal International supports private-label packing in smaller consumer units:
- 200 g, 250 g, 500 g, 1 kg retail packs with branded labels
- Vacuum-sealed or nitrogen-flushed pouches for extended shelf life (Check Available)
- Resealable zip-lock stand-up pouches in food-grade multilayer film
- Custom carton artwork, barcodes, and nutritional labeling per destination market
Minimum order quantities (MOQ) apply for retail-ready configurations. Contact our export team for private-label specifications.
Food-Grade Packaging Standards for Raisin Export
All packaging materials used in raisin export must comply with applicable food contact material regulations. At Satdal International, our packaging meets the following standards:
| Regulation / Standard | Applicability |
| EU Regulation 1935/2004 | European Union import markets |
| FDA 21 CFR 177 | United States FDA compliance |
| FSSAI Food Safety Standards | Export from India |
| BRC / IFS Packaging Standards | UK and EU food retailer requirements |
| ISO 22000 / HACCP | Food safety management in packing |
All inner poly bags are food-grade approved, free from plasticizers and heavy metals, and manual closed. Documentation including CoA, phytosanitary certificate, and packing list is provide with every shipment.
Container Stuffing: 20 ft vs 40 ft for Raisin Export
Container selection directly determines your freight cost per kg. Below is the standard loading guide used by Satdal International for raisin container shipments.
| Pack | 20 ft Container | 40 ft Container |
| 10 kg Box | 2000 cartons | 2600–2800 cartons |
| 12.5 kg | 1,450 – 1500 cartons | ~2,080–2,240 cartons |
| Palletized loading | 10–11 pallets (15 -18 MT) | 48 pallets Double (27 MT) |
| Typical transit (India–EU) | 35-45 days | 35-45 days |
| Reefer option | Available | Available |
| Best suited for | Trial orders / SME buyers | Large orders / distributor stock |
Buyer tip: A 40 ft container consistently delivers a lower freight cost per kilogram compared to a 20 ft container on the same lane. For established importers with consistent demand, 40 ft FCL loading is the preferred choice.
Palletization and Stuffing Method
Cartons are stacked on EUR pallets (1200 mm × 800 mm) or custom dimensions per buyer request. Standard stack height is 5–6 layers. Stretch wrap is applied to each pallet for transit stability. Desiccant sachets are placed inside containers to control humidity during ocean transit.
- Non-palletized (floor-loaded) containers: maximizes cargo density, reduces freight cost
- Palletized: preferred by buyers with automated warehouse handling
- Reefer containers: recommended for summer shipments to high-humidity destinations
Carton Marking and Export Documentation
Each export carton is printed or labeled with the following information as standard:
- Product name (e.g., Raisin Sultana Thompson Seedless, Golden Raisin)
- Net weight / gross weight
- Lot number and production date
- Country of origin: India
- Importer / consignee name (customizable)
- HS Code (typically 0806.20 for dried grapes)
- Storage instructions and best-before date
Custom carton printing with buyer branding, logos, and barcodes is available on request with minimum order volumes.
How to Choose the Right Raisin Packaging for Your Order
The optimal packaging format depends on four buyer variables:
| Buyer Profile | Recommended Packaging |
| Wholesale distributor (resale, unbranded) | 10 kg & 12.5 kg master cartons, 20 ft & 40 ft FCL |
| Food processing / manufacturing | 10 kg & 12.5 kg master cartons, 40 ft FCL |
| Retail / private-label food brand | Consumer packs (200 g–1 kg), custom labels |
| First-time importer / trial order | 10 kg cartons, 20 ft FCL or LCL |
| Confectionery / bakery manufacturer | 10 kg cartons, 40 ft FCL |
Conclusion
Raisin packaging for export is a commercial decision with direct impact on product quality, container efficiency, import compliance, and total landed cost. Whether you are importing Thompson Seedless raisins in 10 kg & 12.5 kg master cartons for retail redistribution, or loading a 40 ft container the right configuration must be matched to your specific market requirements.
Satdal International offers full packaging flexibility across all major export formats — food-grade carton packing, and retail-ready private-label units — backed by international certifications, transparent documentation, and on-time container stuffing from Gujarat, India.
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FAQ Section
Q1. What packaging options are available for raisin export?
Raisins for export are available in 5 kg, 10 kg, 12.5 kg food-grade master cartonsRetail private-label packs in 200 g to 1 kg consumer units are also available on request.
Q2. What is the standard raisin export pack size?
The global standard for B2B raisin export is the 10 kg and 12.5 kg net weight master carton, consisting of a food-grade poly inner bag inside a double-walled corrugated outer carton. This size is preferred by importers across the US, UK, EU, UAE, and Australia.
Q3. What is Container Stuffing and loading capacity?
A standard 20 ft FCL container holds approximately 20 metric tonnes of raisins when packed in 10 kg master cartons.
Q4. How many MT of raisins fit in a 40 ft container?
A 40 ft FCL container holds approximately 26 to 28 metric tonnes of raisins in standard carton packing.
Q5. Is raisin packaging food-grade certified for export?
Yes. Export-grade raisin packaging uses food-contact approved polyethylene bags certified under EU Regulation 1935/2004 and FDA 21 CFR 177. All inner poly bags are free from plasticizers, solvents, and heavy metals.
Q6. Can I order raisins with custom private-label packaging?
Yes. Private-label raisin packing is available in consumer pack sizes from 200 g to 1 kg with custom printed labels, barcodes, nutritional information, and destination-market compliance. Minimum order quantities apply.
Q7. What documents are provided with raisin export shipments?
Standard export documentation includes commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificate, certificate of analysis (CoA), bill of lading, and fumigation certificate where required.
Q8. What is the shelf life of exported raisins?
Properly packed raisins in food-grade cartons have a shelf life of 12 to 18 months from the packing date when stored at 10–15°C with relative humidity below 65%.
