Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormDried
Industry PositionValue-Added Processed Fruit Product
Market
Raisins (dried grapes) in Guatemala are primarily an import-supplied, shelf-stable processed fruit product sold for direct consumption and as an ingredient in home baking and foodservice. Retail availability is supported by modern grocery chains and e-commerce, including Walmart-format banners (Paiz, Maxi Despensa, Despensa Familiar) and local supermarket chains, with a mix of private label and international brands. Market access and on-shelf continuity depend heavily on meeting Guatemala’s sanitary registration and Spanish-labeling expectations for processed, prepackaged foods. Product differentiation in-market commonly centers on pack format (single-serve packs, boxes, jars), “golden/bleached” vs. natural styles, and free-flowing presentation.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market
Domestic RoleConsumer snack and baking ingredient category supplied mainly through imported packaged products
SeasonalityYear-round retail availability due to shelf stability and continuous import sourcing.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Free-flowing presentation is commonly supported via light coating with raisin oil or other edible vegetable oils (as permitted by Codex).
- Buyer acceptance focuses on cleanliness (washed/unwashed), minimal stems/cap-stems for non-cluster styles, and absence of objectionable matter.
Compositional Metrics- Moisture limits in Codex: 18% maximum for most styles/types; 19% for seeded (seeds removed) style; 31% for Malaga Muscatel type.
- For bleached/golden raisins, Codex specifies a maximum sulphur dioxide level (1,500 mg/kg) immediately following treatment.
Grades- Common commercial differentiation is by style/type and defect tolerance (e.g., stems/cap-stems, immature/undeveloped, damaged, sugared, seeds) as framed in Codex defect definitions and allowances.
Packaging- Consumer packs: small boxes, pouches, multi-packs, and larger jars for household use.
- Bulk packs: cartons/bags for repacking or bakery/foodservice use (explicitly covered in Codex scope).
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Overseas processor/packer → ocean freight (containerized) → Guatemala customs clearance (SAT) → sanitary registration/market authorization workflow (MSPAS/SNRSA-G as applicable) → importer/distributor warehousing → retail (modern trade and local chains) → consumers
Temperature- Not a cold-chain product, but quality is moisture- and heat-sensitive; storage and transit conditions should prevent moisture uptake that can compromise stability and defect rates.
- Maintain sealed, moisture-barrier packaging to keep product moisture within buyer/Codex expectations and reduce mold risk.
Shelf Life- Shelf stability depends on moisture control and packaging integrity; breaks in sealing/handling can accelerate quality loss (stickiness, sugaring, mold risk).
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighIf the product lacks the required MSPAS sanitary registration/authorization for processed foods (or if the label documentation does not meet the expected Spanish-label compliance during the registration/marketing authorization process), market entry can be blocked or severely delayed in Guatemala.Confirm the product’s risk category and MSPAS requirements early; prepare the MSPAS file set (including label and, if needed, Spanish complementary label/translation) and align importer/distributor responsibilities in writing before shipment and listing.
Food Safety MediumNon-compliance with raisin compositional/additive limits (e.g., sulphur dioxide limits for bleached/golden raisins) or poor moisture control can trigger importer rejection, withdrawal, or regulatory scrutiny.Specify Codex-aligned parameters in supplier specs (moisture, defects, SO2 for bleached raisins); require COA for key parameters and maintain lot-level documentation for each import batch.
Logistics MediumOcean freight and port-to-warehouse delays can increase landed cost and reduce promotional flexibility; prolonged exposure to humid conditions during transit/handling can also degrade product quality.Use moisture-protective packaging and container practices; schedule buffer inventory for key retail periods and avoid extended dwell time in uncontrolled environments.
FAQ
Does Guatemala require a sanitary registration before packaged raisins can be commercialized?Yes. MSPAS describes the sanitary registration as the document issued by its food regulation and control department before a processed food or beverage can be commercialized in Guatemala; importers typically need to align labeling (including Spanish labeling where applicable) within that process.
What additives or treatments are commonly recognized for raisins in international standards?Codex allows raisins to be cleaned (washed or unwashed), and notes that they may be dipped in an alkaline lye and oil solution to aid drying; it also permits ingredients such as raisin oil or other edible vegetable oils for free-flowing raisins and lists maximum levels for certain additives including sulphur dioxide for bleached raisins.
Why do “golden/bleached” raisins often need extra compliance attention?Codex distinguishes bleached raisins and sets a specific sulphur dioxide maximum level for bleached raisins, and it also indicates that if raisins are bleached the name should include a meaningful term such as “Bleached” or “Golden”; this makes formulation control and accurate labeling especially important.