LAFAYETTE, COLORADO — DrunkenRaisins, popular choice for many sufferers of arthritis and inflammation pain, faces the dilemma of many small businesses as they enter 2012: maintaining prices in spite of increased costs and decreased product supplies.
According to a report from the Economic Research Service, USDA, a 2011 colder than normal wet spring prolonged the growing period for fruit crops like grapes and delayed harvests. “As a result, early 2011/12 fruit supplies were generally tight, providing strength to their prices. Grower prices for fresh grapes in August posted the largest gain from a year ago, averaging $0.48 per pound – more than twice its value in August 2010.”
With a growing demand for the grapes by the exploding wine market and new buyers like McDonalds for a breakfast fruit, prices have spiraled to new high, and supply cannot be guaranteed for a full season.
Small businesses like DrunkenRaisins suffer when they’re forced to compete with larger scale buyers who order more than 40 tons annually compared to the three to four tons it orders. “The advantage for large companies to out-buy small companies reduces the competitive edge for independent businesses like DrunkenRaisins,” said Larry Wright, owner. “It also diminishes the available supply adding to both the wholesale cost and concern for inventory availability.”
“At this point, however, we’re committed to holding our current retail price line with focus on reducing production and packaging costs in the short run,” he added. “We may have to re-evaluate that in July when the supply starts to diminish but that’s our plan at this time.”
Internationally famous author, surgeon and talk show host Dr. Oz has stamped gin-soaked raisins as a Dr. Oz Approved Home Remedy for Arthritis Pain. A steadily growing consumer base eat DrunkenRaisins rather than turning to medications to reduce inflammation.
For more information, contact info@drunkenraisins.com or at 800-461-5949; or go to www.drunkenraisins.com.
Source: DrunkenRaisins