The Office of Agricultural Affairs forecasts that China’s MY2013/14 raisin production (October–September) will increase by 10 percent to 165,000 tons, due to good weather conditions in Turpan, Xinjiang (the largest producing area). The average yield for Turpan’s grape production could also expand to 22.5 tons per hectare, which is nearly 15-20 percent higher than those from previous years. Larger-than-normal supplies of table grapes will contribute to Turpan’s raisin production compared to previous years. Table grape sales were negatively impacted by the June riots in Pichan County in Turpan, according trade sources.
China’s total production consists of green raisins (at 60 percent) and dark raisins (40 percent). Green raisins are mainly produced by individual farmers in special drying houses; and dark raisins are being produced more in factories with sun-drying yards. China is applying agents in its raisin production to shorten the drying process by 15-20 days and help reduce browning.
China has yet to implement a standard on drying agent applications, which have caused food safety concerns among consumers. Quality control is also difficult to monitor because small scale farmers dominate China’s raisin production. Sources note that Turpan is reportedly establishing a Raisin Processing Sector Association to help regulate raisin processing methods.
