Maharashtra grows most of India's grapes, and a large share of the crop from the Sangli and Nashik belts is dried into raisins. For an exporter based in Pune, that means supply is a few hours away by road and the country's largest container port, Nhava Sheva, is close as well.
Raisins are also a forgiving first product. They are not perishable like fresh fruit, they ship in ordinary dry containers, and they are familiar to buyers everywhere. This guide covers the basics of getting started.
Why Sangli and Nashik
The dry climate of Sangli district, particularly around Tasgaon, suits grape drying, and the area has a long-established raisin trade with cold storages and auction markets. Sangli raisins hold a Geographical Indication tag. Nashik, known mainly for fresh table grapes, also produces raisins in quantity.
Buying close to the source gives you a wider choice of grades and lets you inspect the goods yourself before they are packed.
Varieties and grading
Most Indian raisins are made from seedless grapes such as Thompson Seedless and its local selections. Buyers usually describe what they want by colour and size.
- Green raisins, which are the most common Indian type
- Golden or yellow raisins, treated to keep a lighter colour
- Black raisins, made from dark grape varieties
- Long and round shapes, which are priced differently
- Size and colour grades, where uniform, bold berries earn a premium
What buyers check
Importers judge raisins on uniform colour and size, moisture level, cleanliness and the absence of stems, stones and damaged berries. Many markets also set limits for pesticide residues and for sulphur dioxide in treated raisins, so ask the buyer for the specification in writing and get a lab test before shipping.
Always send a sample from the same lot you intend to ship, and keep a sealed reference sample yourself.
Registrations you need
Along with the standard exporter registrations, food products have a few extra requirements.
- Importer-Exporter Code and GST registration
- APEDA registration, which gives you the RCMC for agricultural and processed food exports
- FSSAI licence for handling food products
- Phytosanitary and lab test certificates as required by the destination country
Processing and packing
Raisins bought from farmers or traders are usually cleaned, destemmed, washed, sorted and graded at a processing unit before export. As a merchant exporter you can use an existing processing unit rather than building your own.
Bulk raisins are commonly packed in corrugated cartons with a food-grade inner liner. Retail and private-label packs in smaller pouches are worth offering to grocery chains. Label each carton with the product, grade, net weight, lot number and country of origin, and follow the labelling rules of the destination market.
Where to sell
Indian raisins sell in the Gulf countries, parts of Europe, Russia and neighbouring Asian markets, and wherever there is a large Indian community. Use free trade data tools such as Trade Map to see which countries import the most under the raisin HS code, 0806.20, and at what average price.
Remember that you are competing with large producers such as Turkey, Iran and the United States. Indian exporters usually win on price, on specific colour and taste preferences, and on flexibility with smaller orders and custom packing.
Costing a shipment
Work out the full cost before you quote. Missing one item can turn a profitable order into a loss.
- Purchase price of the graded raisins
- Processing, sorting and packing material
- Lab testing and certificates
- Transport from the processing unit to the port
- Customs agent, port and documentation charges
- Bank charges and the cost of export credit insurance
- Your margin, and for CIF quotes, ocean freight and insurance
Start small
A full container is a large commitment for a first shipment. Begin by visiting the Sangli and Nashik markets, collecting samples of different grades and comparing prices from several suppliers. Send samples to interested buyers, and aim for a small trial order with an advance payment. Once the buyer is happy with the quality, larger and repeat orders follow much more easily.
This article is general information for readers starting out. Rules, fees and procedures change, so confirm the current requirements with the relevant authority, your bank or a qualified adviser before acting.