Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormDried
Industry PositionProcessed Agricultural Product
Market
Raisins (HS 080620 dried grapes) in Nicaragua are primarily an import-driven processed fruit product with no meaningful domestic production base evident in trade-focused sources. In 2024, Nicaragua imported dried grapes valued at about USD 945.62 thousand (344,226 kg), with Chile the leading origin, followed by the United States, India, Argentina, and Costa Rica. Market access is shaped by pre-customs permit workflows managed through Nicaragua’s VUCEN platform and public-health oversight functions of MINSA for regulated products. For retail sale, Spanish labeling alignment with the Central American RTCA 67.01.07:10 standard is a core compliance expectation. Given the country’s sanctions exposure, counterparties and payment routes can require heightened screening and documentation discipline.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market (net importer)
Market GrowthGrowing (2023–2024 trade proxy)imports increased between 2023 and 2024
SeasonalityYear-round availability primarily driven by imports; no meaningful domestic harvest season for raisins.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Codex CXS 67-1981 includes defect concepts and limits that relate to appearance/edibility/keeping quality (e.g., damaged, immature/undeveloped, sugared raisins, stem pieces/cap-stems, and seeds for seeded forms).
Compositional Metrics- Codex CXS 67-1981 sets a maximum sulphur dioxide level of 1,500 mg/kg for bleached raisins (maximum limit stated as applicable immediately following treatment).
Grades- Codex CXS 67-1981 distinguishes defect allowances for seedless types vs seed-bearing types (e.g., damaged, immature/undeveloped, sugared, and stem-related defects).
Packaging- Codex CXS 67-1981 covers raisins packed in bulk containers intended for repacking as well as product offered for direct consumption.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Exporter processor/packer → containerized shipment (typically sea freight) → Nicaragua importer pre-clearance (VUCEN-linked permits where applicable) → customs clearance → wholesale distribution → retail/bakery use
Temperature- Non-chilled, dry storage focus; quality risk is primarily driven by moisture uptake and hygiene/handling conditions rather than cold-chain breaks.
Shelf Life- Keeping quality is closely linked to defect control, sanitation, and preventing moisture pickup during storage and distribution (Codex hygiene principles referenced by CXS 67-1981).
Freight IntensityLow
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Sanctions Compliance HighNicaragua-related sanctions administered by OFAC can create a deal-breaking risk if any counterparty (or an entity owned 50%+ by a blocked person) becomes involved in the payment, shipping, or services chain, potentially leading to transaction blocks, bank de-risking, or severe delays.Screen all counterparties and beneficial owners against OFAC lists; add sanctions clauses and escalation steps in contracts; route payments via banks with clear Nicaragua compliance processes.
Regulatory Compliance MediumFailure to align prepackaged product labels with RTCA 67.01.07:10 (and related local enforcement practices) can lead to import clearance delays, relabeling costs, or market withdrawal.Pre-review Spanish label artwork against RTCA 67.01.07:10 before shipment; keep label specs and approvals in the importer’s compliance file.
Food Safety MediumSulphur dioxide is permitted for bleached raisins with a Codex maximum level, but undeclared sulphites or out-of-spec levels can trigger rejection, recall, or consumer safety incidents for sensitive individuals.Specify additive use and max limits in purchase specs; require COA including sulphur dioxide where relevant; ensure sulphite presence is declared on the label as required.
Logistics MediumAs a sea-freight supplied, small-volume market, Nicaragua can be exposed to container availability and freight-rate volatility that raises landed costs and disrupts replenishment cycles.Use forward booking and consolidate shipments; maintain safety stock at importer/wholesaler level for key retail and bakery customers.
Labor & Social- Sanctions and human-rights-related governance context can create elevated compliance expectations (counterparty screening, beneficial ownership checks) for companies trading with or through Nicaragua.
FAQ
Where does Nicaragua mainly source imported raisins (dried grapes) from?For HS 080620 (dried grapes), WITS/UN Comtrade data for 2024 shows Chile as the leading origin for Nicaragua, followed by the United States, India, Argentina, and Costa Rica.
What is the Codex maximum sulphur dioxide level for bleached raisins?Codex CXS 67-1981 sets a maximum sulphur dioxide level of 1,500 mg/kg for bleached raisins (noting the limit applies immediately following treatment).
What labeling framework applies to prepackaged foods sold in Nicaragua?RTCA 67.01.07:10 is the Central American technical regulation for general labeling of prepackaged foods and is published for use in Nicaragua; importers typically align Spanish labels to this standard for market sale.