Home Today Is Over 1 Million Raisinets Are Produced Every HOUR!

Over 1 Million Raisinets Are Produced Every HOUR!

raisin day

Raisins coated in a shell of either milk chocolate or dark chocolate have their special day of honor each March 24 on National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day.

Chocolate covered raisins have been popular with moviegoers for many, many years and they continue to be.  They are also a conventional bulk vending item across the country.

In some countries, chocolate covered raisins are known as Raisinets. Raisinets were the earliest and one of the most popular brands of the product.  Currently made by Nestle, they are the third largest selling candy in United States history.  The Blumenthal Chocolate Company introduced the Raisinets to the United States in 1927, and then in 1984, the brand was acquired by Nestle.  There are also a large number of other brands of chocolate covered raisins on the market. 

Raisins are an excellent source of calcium, potassium, iron, fiber and vitamin B.  When you combine the raisins with dark chocolate, you have a great tasting, healthy snack.

The history of Chocolate Covered Raisin Day celebrates the history of that self-same treat. One of the most common brands of chocolate covered raisins on the market is Raisinets, first introduced to the world in 1927. Such was its success that candy giant Nestle took the opportunity to add it to its holdings in 1984.

  • More than 1 million Raisinets are produced per hour.
  • Raisin – comes from the Latin racemus and means “a cluster of grapes or berries”.
  • It is believed that humans discovered raisins when they happened upon grapes drying on a vine. History books note that raisins were sun-dried from grapes as long ago as 1490 B.C. But several hundred years passed before it was determined which grape variety would make the best raisin.
  • Half of the world’s supply of raisins are grown in California.
  • California discovered the commercial potential of raisins quite by accident. In 1873, a freak hot spell withered the grapes on the vine. One enterprising San Francisco grocer advertised these shriveled grapes as “Peruvian Delicacies” and the rest is history. California is now the world’s leading producer of raisins.
  • It takes more than 4 tons of grapes to produce 1 ton of raisins.
  • The finest raisins are considered to come from Malaga in Spain.
  • Fresno, California is the Raisin Capital of the World.
  • The California Dancing Raisin was introduced in 1984 by the California Raisin Industry marketing staff to increase awareness and demand for California raisins.

Sources:

National Day Calendar

Days of the Year

Mobile-Cuisine