Market
Raisins (dried grapes) in Argentina are produced mainly in San Juan Province, with additional production and exports from provinces including La Rioja and Mendoza. The sector is export-oriented; UN Comtrade-based WITS data for HS 080620 shows Brazil as the largest destination for Argentina’s dried grape exports (with additional shipments to markets including the United States and Germany).
Market RoleMajor producer and exporter
Risks
Food Safety HighMycotoxin contamination risk (e.g., ochratoxin A/aflatoxins) can trigger border rejection or recalls in strict destination markets; EU contaminants rules set maximum levels for mycotoxins in foods including dried fruits/dried vine fruits under Regulation (EU) 2023/915.Implement preventive controls (drying hygiene, rapid reduction to safe moisture, segregation of damaged berries), run accredited lot testing for relevant mycotoxins before shipment, and align sampling/COA expectations with the destination buyer and regulator.
Climate Water MediumProduction is concentrated in arid western provinces where vineyard performance and raisin output are dependent on irrigation; water availability shocks can disrupt supply volumes and quality consistency.Diversify sourcing across multiple provinces/suppliers, require irrigation and water-risk management disclosures, and contract buffer volumes for key programs.
Regulatory MediumFor imports of plant-origin products into Argentina, SENASA documentation/system requirements (including AFIDI formatting) can change and may cause clearance delays if paperwork and system outputs are not aligned.Confirm current SENASA import pathway and AFIDI requirements before shipment, and run a document pre-check with the customs broker using the latest SIGPV-IMPO outputs.
Logistics MediumSea-freight volatility and port/route disruptions can raise landed cost and extend transit time, increasing risk of moisture uptake/quality claims if packaging and container conditions are not robust.Use dry, clean containers; specify moisture barrier packaging and desiccants where appropriate; and build schedule buffers for peak shipping periods.
Sustainability- Irrigation water dependency in arid raisin-producing zones (company sources cite irrigation from Andean snowmelt water and drip/canal systems).
FAQ
Which provinces are most important for raisin production in Argentina?San Juan is consistently described as Argentina’s leading raisin-producing and exporting province, and official reporting highlights La Rioja as another notable province with expanding raisin-suitable grape varieties and export activity. Mendoza is also cited as a major viticulture province and appears alongside La Rioja and San Juan in raisin-related provincial context.
Where does Argentina export dried grapes (raisins) to?UN Comtrade-based WITS reporting for HS 080620 (dried grapes) lists Brazil as the largest destination for Argentina’s exports in 2024, with additional shipments to destinations including the United States, Germany, Peru, and Colombia.
What is the biggest compliance risk for raisin exports to the EU?Food-safety non-compliance related to contaminants—especially mycotoxins—is a key risk: EU contaminants legislation sets maximum levels for certain contaminants (including mycotoxins) in foods under Regulation (EU) 2023/915, and failures can result in rejection or enforcement actions.