Fruit, edible; grapes, dried

HS code 080620 covers the trade of dried grapes, also known as raisins. Raisins are a popular dried fruit product with a wide range of culinary and industrial applications. As a significant agricultural commodity, the raisin industry plays an important role in the global food supply chain, providing a shelf-stable, nutrient-dense ingredient for various food and beverage products.

Raisins are typically produced by drying fresh grapes through a combination of natural and artificial methods. The most common technique involves sun-drying, where freshly harvested grapes are spread out and exposed to sunlight for several days to weeks, depending on the climate and desired moisture content. Alternatively, mechanical dehydrators can be used to accelerate the drying process in a more controlled environment.

The primary inputs for the raisin industry include fresh grape varieties suitable for drying, such as 080610 Fruit, edible; grapes, fresh. Producers also require access to land, water, and labor resources to cultivate, harvest, and process the grapes. Specialized equipment, such as drying racks, dehydrators, and packaging machinery, are essential for the efficient production and preparation of raisins for distribution.

Raisins produced under HS code 080620 are a versatile ingredient used in a wide range of food products, including baked goods, cereals, snacks, and confectionery. They are also consumed as a standalone dried fruit snack. The raisin industry's outputs may be further processed or incorporated into other 200690 Vegetables, fruit, nuts and other edible parts of plants, prepared or preserved, n.e.c. in 20.06 or 210690 Food preparations, n.e.c. products.