Stafida Ilias

This variety of raisin is produced from black wine grapes in Ilia prefecture, where they have been produced since the beginning of the 14th century. These raisins owe their special characteristics to the excellent soil and weather conditions in the region.

This sweet grape variety can be harvested in August, earlier than other grapes. They are also rounder, more uniform in shape and have a deep black color. There are two methods of drying used in Ilia – one is to directly expose the grapes to the sun on special surfaces called alonia, and the other is to dry them in the shade on special frames, which takes longer but produces raisins with superior color.

Ilias raisins enjoy a high reputation today, and the majority of the raisins produced are exported to the European Union, especially to Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.