Market
Raisins (dried grapes; HS 080620) in Brazil are mainly consumed as a packaged dried-fruit product and used as an ingredient in bakery and confectionery. Recent UN Comtrade-based data show Brazil functions primarily as an importing market for dried grapes, with Argentina as the leading supplier in 2022–2024. Market access risk is shaped by ANVISA food labeling/food safety expectations and MAPA/Vigiagro agricultural risk-based inspection procedures for plant products at entry. Although shelf-stable, raisins remain quality-sensitive to moisture uptake and contamination/foreign matter control during storage and distribution.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent consumer and ingredient market)
Domestic RoleRetail packaged dried fruit and an ingredient input for bakery, confectionery, and food manufacturing
Market Growth
Risks
Food Safety HighNon-compliance with Brazilian food safety expectations (e.g., pesticide residue or contaminant issues, mold/infestation, or undeclared sulfites where applicable) can trigger import holds, rejection, recalls, or costly rework (relabeling or reconditioning).Use approved suppliers with documented HACCP controls; conduct pre-shipment testing/COA review for key parameters and residues/contaminants; perform a label and ingredient/allergen check aligned to ANVISA requirements before printing.
Regulatory Compliance MediumDocumentation or labeling non-conformities (Portuguese labeling elements, nutrition presentation, origin/lot identification, and any required import licensing steps) can lead to port delays and storage-time quality loss.Run a pre-shipment compliance checklist covering Siscomex filings, MAPA/Vigiagro requirements applicable to the product form, and ANVISA labeling rules; keep controlled label masters and translation validation.
Logistics MediumPort congestion, extended dwell time, or poor humidity control during sea transit and warehousing can increase caking, mold risk, and infestation exposure, leading to claims or disposal.Specify moisture-barrier packaging, container cleanliness, and pest-control measures; set maximum dwell-time and require temperature/humidity-appropriate storage at destination.
Labor And Human Rights MediumIf any domestic sourcing, services, or subcontracted handling is used in Brazil, exposure to labor-rights non-compliance exists in parts of the broader agricultural economy and can create reputational and legal risk.Screen relevant Brazil-based counterparties against official enforcement disclosures (including the MTE register) and require supplier codes of conduct, worker protection evidence, and audit rights.
Currency LowBRL exchange-rate volatility can quickly change landed costs and retail prices for imported raisins, affecting demand and buyer willingness to contract forward.Use short pricing validity windows, consider hedging for larger programs, and diversify supplier origins to manage price shocks.
Sustainability- Water stewardship and drought exposure in viticulture supply chains (relevant when sourcing domestically or from water-stressed origins)
- Pesticide residue scrutiny for dried fruit supply chains
- Packaging waste management for consumer packs
Labor & Social- Brazil maintains an official register (“Lista Suja”) of employers found, after due process, to have subjected workers to conditions analogous to slavery; screening is relevant for any Brazil-based agricultural suppliers or service providers used in the supply chain.
- Seasonal labor conditions and subcontracting risks can be relevant in agricultural supply chains, including grape-related activities, requiring due diligence when any domestic sourcing is involved.
Standards- HACCP-based food safety management
- FSSC 22000 / ISO 22000
- BRCGS
- IFS Food
FAQ
Is Brazil mainly an importer or exporter of raisins (dried grapes)?Brazil operates mainly as an importing market for dried grapes (HS 080620). UN Comtrade-based data show significant annual imports in recent years, with Argentina as the leading supplier in 2022–2024.
Which Brazilian authorities are most relevant when importing raisins?ANVISA sets food labeling rules for packaged foods, while MAPA—through Vigiagro—conducts risk-based controls for imported plant products at entry. Customs procedures and any applicable import filings are handled through Brazil’s government customs and trade systems (e.g., Receita Federal/Siscomex), depending on the import regime.
What is the most critical trade-blocking risk for shipping raisins to Brazil?The biggest blocker is food safety and compliance failure (such as residue/contaminant issues, infestation/mold, or labeling problems like undeclared sulfites where applicable), which can result in detention, rejection, or recall. The practical mitigation is pre-shipment testing/COA review, strict supplier approval, and ANVISA-aligned label verification before shipment.