South Africa’s raisin industry is a lucrative one, ripe with opportunities. While we may not be the biggest producer globally, Mzansi does pack a pretty mean punch.
With raisin season just ended, Ferdie Botha, CEO of Raisins South Africa, joins the Farmer’s Inside Track podcast to discuss what the harvest, as well as opportunities for new producers to enter the industry.
While the past season was challenging for the industry, Botha points out that every sub-sector in agriculture has its unique woes and the raisin industry is not different. But that should not deter newcomers from joining the industry, he says.
Botha advises new growers considering entering the industry to pay attention to how and where raisins can be grown successfully. He says there are only a few places in the world in which food quality raisins can be grown.
According to Botha, South Africa is predominantly known for its supply of large, sweet, dark brown or purple raisins called Thompsons.
The second largest are Sultanas, a large, sweet, golden raisin. The third group consists of small, tart-flavoured black raisins made from black Corinth seedless grapes, also known as currants.
Further in the podcast Botha unpacks:
- Perfect geographical locations to produce raisins;
- Production regions in South Africa;
- Weather, irrigation and harvesting; and
- Opportunities and future developments.
ALSO READ: Raisins industry is striving towards inclusive growth
Want to know more? Listen to the full episode of Farmer’s Inside Track
Option 1: Click here to listen on Spotify (all mobile and other devices).
Option 2: Click here to listen on any Apple device.
Option 3: Click here to listen on Google Podcasts.
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