The dried vine fruit market in the UK, the largest market in the world for this category, yielded a 5% rise in imports for the first eight months of 2005 compared with 2004, says California Raisins (London).

The rise is partly due to raisins’ healthy associations, says the company.

Research from Texas A&M University has revealed that Golden Raisins are a high source of phenolic acids, several of which function as antioxidants.

Other research indicates the potential role of phenolic compounds in reducing the risk of both heart disese and cancer. US government testing ranks California Golden Raisins among the top antioxidant foods.