Vine grape production in the world is effected between 20-52 latitudes in Northern Hemisphere and 20-42 latitudes for Southern Hemisphere. Weather conditions do not allow the vine production areas spread any further towards north. Sultana raisin harvesting time is August and September in the Northern Hemisphere, March and April in the Southern Hemisphere. The major producers are USA, Chile, South Africa, Australia, Turkey, Greece, Iran and Afghanistan. vine yards are located only at certain locations of these countries.

In the Aegean Region of Turkey, like Izmir, Manisa, Turgutlu, Salihli, Alasehir, since the 18th century the major grape production is sultanas, which is a variety of seedless type. It has been a part of Sultan’s diet with its original taste and that is where this type inherited its name from.

Sultana raisin export is almost the only raisin export of Turkey. There is insignificant  export of other raisins with seeds. Around 75% of sultana production is exported.

Turkey’s Sultana Exports by Years: