GROWING
Growing and dried naturally under the Australian sun
The rich red soils along the mighty Murray River, through NSW, Victoria and South Australia, provide ideal growing conditions, while the hot desert sun dries fruit naturally, sealing in the goodness.
Australian dried grape production is innovative, adopting world’s best practice efficient irrigation and mechanised farm management systems.
In an ever-changing landscape, Australian growers strive for innovation, ensuring their processes are efficient, sustainable and fair. This guarantees a product that is not only good for you, but healthier for our environment, too.
FRUITY FACTS:
“In the 12-month period ending June 2020, a total of 5511 tonnes ($31,687,378) of Australian dried grapes were exported globally, compared to 5367 tonnes ($25,047,569) the previous year.”
SEE HOW IT’S DONE
Australian Sultanas growers are at the forefront of innovation.
Most growers now use what’s called a “trellis drying” process. Put simply, this means the fruit is dried naturally by the sun while still on the vine. The hot sun draws the moisture out, sealing in the natural goodness. No sulphur is used in drying of Australian dried grapes.
From the vine to the plate, the quality of fruit is ensured throughout the whole process – from planting, growing, drying, harvest, and processing and packing, to get the best possible product for you, the consumer.
VINES COME TO LIFE
From early September, grapevines go through a series of growth stages throughout spring. Over spring and early summer, the grapes grow and ripen, and their sugar content increases.
DRYING AND HARVEST:
Harvest begins in late summer to early autumn (February/March) when grapes are ripe. Most growers use trellis drying, which allows the grapes to dry naturally on the vine before being mechanically harvested.
PREPARING FOR SALE
The dried fruit is taken to a local, state-of-the-art processing company for grading, cleaning and packing. Fruit is checked carefully to ensure it meets rigorous quality standards, then it is cleaned and all unwanted vine material is removed. Fruit is then packaged for sale in Australia and overseas.
TO YOUR HOME/PLATE
A natural and efficient mechanised process means your hands are the first and only to come into contact with your fruit.
OUR PLANTING REGION
Australian Sultanas are grown, dried and processed in the region along the Murray River, spanning three states – VIC, NSW, and SA.
The fertile red soils, climate and golden sun, as well as irrigation from the mighty Murray, make the region a perfect place for growing and drying fruit.
