Early Raisin Harvest Lowers Per-Ton Revenue

September 21, 2026 · TarımTR

In Sultani seedless grapes, harvest timing and dry matter content directly determine yield. Harvesting before optimal maturity leads to a per-ton revenue loss of up to 5,000 Turkish Liras for producers.

In Sultani seedless grape cultivation, the yield calculation is one of the primary indicators followed by producers during the harvest and drying period. According to data from the Manisa Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, approximately 1 kilogram of dried product is obtained from 4 kilograms of fresh Sultani seedless grapes harvested at an appropriate dry matter level and subjected to correct drying conditions. Following this technical calculation, when 1,000 kilograms of fresh grapes are dried, the producer receives approximately 250 kilograms of dried raisins. Maintaining yield directly impacts business profitability.

The fundamental factor determining yield in raisins for drying is the water-soluble dry matter content at the time of harvest. Manisa Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry technical bulletins emphasize that a 4:1 yield ratio can be achieved in vineyards reaching a dry matter level of 22% to 23%. In contrast, for grapes harvested early with a dry matter level of 18% to 20%, the drying yield drops to approximately a 5:1 ratio. For products that have not reached sufficient maturity, only 1 kilogram of dried product can be obtained from 5 to 6 kilograms of fresh fruit.

When vineyard yield variations are calculated based on 1 ton of fresh product, the producer's yield loss becomes clear. While 250 kilograms of dried product are obtained from 1 ton of fresh grapes at the ideal 4:1 yield ratio, this amount decreases to 222 kilograms at a 4.5:1 yield ratio. With the yield dropping to a 5:1 ratio, the dried product received by the producer falls to 200 kilograms, and at a 6:1 ratio, it drops to approximately 167 kilograms. The difference in yield between a 4:1 and a 5:1 ratio alone creates a loss of 50 kilograms of dried raisins per ton.

The Turkish Grain Board (TMO) announced the official floor prices for its 2026 season dried seedless raisins, based on quality grades, starting September 15. According to TMO data, the purchase price for 7-grade raisins is set at 85 TL per kilogram, and for 8-grade, it is 90 TL. The upper grades, 9-grade raisins, are traded at 95 TL/kg, and 10-grade raisins at 100 TL/kg. The gross value of 250 kilograms of dried raisins obtained from 1 ton of fresh grapes with an ideal 4:1 yield ratio ranges between 21,250 TL and 25,000 TL.

A 50-kilogram product deficit, resulting from a harvest yield of 5:1 instead of 4:1, causes a significant decrease in producer revenue. Considering the TMO 2026 prices, a 50-kilogram loss for a 10-grade product translates to a gross revenue reduction of 5,000 TL per ton. A similar calculation using the 9-grade price results in a loss of 4,750 TL. Even without considering input costs, a decrease in yield directly reduces the producer's gross earnings.

During the drying of fresh grapes, a large portion of the free water in the berries evaporates and is released into the environment, causing a significant reduction in both the fruit's volume and weight. However, the higher the accumulation of sugar and dry matter in the bunches initially, the greater the amount of solid matter remaining. The Manisa Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry reports that harvests conducted before the dry matter content in the berries reaches the 22-23% range increase water loss and significantly reduce the final product tonnage.

Planning the harvest date in raisin viticulture solely based on traditional calendar days can lead producers to face significant yield losses. The Manisa Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry notes that a 5:1 yield is obtained from grapes harvested with 18-20% dry matter, while a 4-4.5:1 yield is achieved in vineyards reaching 22-24% dry matter levels. Therefore, producers must regularly check the sugar and dry matter levels in the berries using refractometer measurements when making harvest decisions and avoid harvesting before the target ratio is reached.

In raisin cultivation, profit calculation is determined not only by the fresh tonnage collected from the vineyard but also by the net yield and product quality obtained after drying. To achieve a 4:1 ratio and obtain 250 kilograms of dried grapes from 1 ton of fresh grapes, producers must adhere to the 22-23% dry matter threshold. Considering the purchase price ranges announced by TMO for 2026, between 85 and 100 TL, harvesting at the right time secures thousands of liras in product value per ton.

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