RAC harvests opportunities in Asia for California raisins

Enjoyed as a stand-alone snack, in cereal blends, as baking ingredient or as flavour enhancer to dishes, California raisins are moving up the consumption ladder in Asia.

All-natural and sun-sweetened, California raisins contain dietary fibre, potassium, antioxidants and essential nutrients.

State-run Raisin Administrative Committee (RAC) has successfully increased the demand for its products in the region by promoting California raisins' versatility and numerous health benefits.

Tasked to ensure stable market conditions for the California raisin industry, RAC was established through the federal Raisin Marketing Order in 1949. The agency supports 3,000 growers and 23 processors locally to promote domestic and global consumption. RAC works closely with state inspectors, such as those from the United States Department of Agriculture, who impose strict standards - making California raisins the cleanest, highest-quality brand.

RAC exports to 56 countries, mostly in Europe and Asia, and has funded marketing programmes in 19 countries worldwide. "We have successfully created the raisin industry in 17 of those countries," says Larry Blagg, senior vice-president for marketing. "We have helped develop a taste for raisins for non-native raisin consumers in the region."

In Japan, RAC commands a 90 per cent market share and supplies to large industrial baking companies including Yamazaki Baking, Fuji Bakery and Pasco. The agency also has a growing base in South Korea, with a market share of 98 per cent.