The South African raisin industry has officially reduced its 2025-26 production forecast to 86,500 metric tons. This is down 14 percent from the previously projected 100,495 metric tons.
Industry organization Raisins SA attributes the dip to downy mildew and hail damage in certain production areas. The revision follows a positive marketing year, where output topped 100,000 metric tons.
The Northern Cape, which accounts for at least 88 percent of the dry fruit’s annual production in the country, expects to harvest 66,442 metric tons. The Western Cape forecasts 15,058 metric tons, while neighboring Namibia is expected to harvest 2,000 metric tons.
The industry includes 773 growers operating more than a thousand farms.
South Africa currently ranks as the world’s sixth-largest producer of raisins, sultanas, and currants, and the largest in the southern hemisphere. The industry has set a long-term goal of surpassing 150,000 metric tons in annual production in the coming years.
“South African farmers’ tenacity to keep going and overcome challenges has been crucial to the sustained increase in production over many years,” says Wessel Lemmer, chief executive of Raisins SA. “With other leading exporters experiencing subdued production, and thanks to South African products having very low residue levels and top quality, we expect our crop to continue to be in high demand.”
Top producers such as Türkiye and China have experienced production dips in recent years, according to the International Nut & Dried Fruit Council (INC). The entity promotes sustainable production and consumption.
According to the group, Türkiye—the world’s leading exporter of the dry fruit—saw a 31 percent decline in shipments between September 2024 and February 2025. China, another key player, also experienced weather-related production challenges during a similar period, resulting in a smaller crop and lower quality.
Conversely, South African raisin production experienced stable weather and favorable drying conditions before the output revision. INC figures show the country increased raisin exports by 40 percent year-on-year to 77,991 metric tons.
Germany remains South Africa’s top export market, with the United Kingdom also a priority for exporters.
“We are seeing strong demand across both new and traditional markets, and look forward to offering our customers the full range of high-quality products over the coming months,” Lemmer adds.
*All images courtesy of Raisins SA.
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