Sultanas

Sultanas (Vitis Vinifera L.) is a type of seedless dried grapes grown in the Aegean Region. Turkey is both the biggest grower and the leading exporter.


Main difference between sultanas and raisins is the dipping. After picking sultanas from vine trees, dipping is done to accelerate drying process. Dipping solution consists of water, olive oil and potassium. Dipped sultanas have lighter color than undipped sultanas which is described as raisins.

Sultanas are naturally sun dried. Afterwards they are winnowed by the growers for the aim of removing large pieces of stalks. Then sultanas are transported to packing house either in the plastic bins or bulk.


Upon arrival to the plant, raw material is sorted and calibrated in the pre-cleaning section. After calibration process, sultanas are washed, cap stemmed, cleaned, oiled, laser & x-ray scanned and metal detected.


All the processed sultanas must comply with the official Standard TS 3411 which is in force for the exports. TS 3411 defines sultanas in terms of color and size. Number 7 is the darkest color and 11 is the lightest color. Other types are 8, 9 and 10. The higher number indicates the lighter color. Another parameter is the berry count per 100 gram which groups Sultanas as Jumbo, Standard, Medium and Small.


Raisins are also subject to the same Standard in terms of sizing, packing and labeling.


Bulk packages start from 5 kgs up to 14 kgs per carton boxes.


Sultanas are also packed in retail packages of various weights starting with 25 grams.


Retail products are either Akça Brand or private label according to buyers’ request.