Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — Raisins are the latest casualties of a lackluster economy, as a shortage of grapes and an increased demand for the fruit has forced some small businesses to try to compete with larger companies.
According to a recent U.S. Department of Agriculture report, a cold, wet spring in 2011 delayed grape harvests by prolonging the fruit's growing period. The fall in grape supplies led to grape prices in August 2011 double those of August 2010.
The shortage has been magnified as grapes have come into vogue recently with an exploding wine market and as large companies such as McDonald's have incorporated them into menus in an effort to be more health-conscious.
Now, suppliers are saying the grapes may not last through the season.
In a story played out many times over, small businesses are trying to remain competitive in a market dominated by larger corporations. Small companies such as DrunkenRaisins, which offers a product marketed at sufferers of arthritis and inflammation pain, may only order 3-4 tons annually. In contrast, large scale suppliers may order more than 40 tons.
The demand pressures small businesses to increase their inventory or risk running out by June or July, when another crop won't be available until October.
–Larry Wright
The problem that arises is a need among small businesses for funds to build up a raisin inventory before large corporations put too large a dent in the grape crop.
"Suddenly McDonald's is buying golden raisins for breakfast, and the wine industry is putting a great deal more demand on grape suppliers," said Larry Wright, owner of DrunkenRaisins. "The demand pressures small businesses to increase their inventory or risk running out by June or July, when another crop won't be available until October."
For now, DrunkenRaisins and like-minded companies are simply trying to maintaining their current prices while reducing the cost of packaging and production. It is a short-term fix, though.
"We may have to re-evaluate that in July when the supply starts to diminish but that's our plan at this time," Wright said.
The company produces gin-soaked raisins, which are believed by some to alleviate pain associated with arthritis.
Originally a folk remedy that would not quit, the theory behind soaking golden raisins in gin has recently garnered the attention of the scientific community, which has tried to find an explanation for why the home remedy seems to have worked for so many.
Both grapes and gin are laden with anti-inflammatory compounds, scientists found. Grapes are rich in the antioxidants resveratrol and catechins, which fight inflammation. Gin, when made from juniper berries, plays host to a plethora of inflammation-fighting compounds, including menthol and rutin.
The sulfur dioxide used to keep golden raisins golden possesses anti-inflammatory compounds, as well.
Wright said during the process, the liquid is drained off the raisins, after which the raisins are spread in a pan and put in the oven, allowing the alcohol to be drawn off.
In the case of commercially-produced products such as DrunkenRaisins, the alcohol used in production evaporates during what Wright jokingly calls the "sobering process."
Wright said during the process, the liquid is drained off the raisins, after which the raisins are spread in a pan and put in the oven, allowing the alcohol to be drawn off.
"We recommend eating 8-9 raisins a day," Wright said. "There's really almost nothing left — less than a drop."
Still, Wright recommended discussing with a doctor the potential benefits and side effects of a DrunkenRaisin regimen.
"Many who discuss it with their doctors do end up coming back, though," he said.
