Business Wars The Raisin Cartels: A Desperate Brotherhood | 1
Nov 20, 2019
Dive into the cutthroat world of the raisin industry, where a small group of growers at Sun-Maid wielded immense power through violence and intimidation. Farmers resisting this corporate control faced extreme threats, including kidnappings. As tensions escalated, a brave independent farmer named Rusty emerged, sparking a dramatic shift in the 1960s. This led to the formation of the Raisin Bargaining Association, igniting a fierce struggle for fair prices and empowering farmers to reclaim their autonomy against corporate dominance.
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Rusty's Resistance
- In 1923, Rusty Eskandarian, an Armenian raisin farmer, refused to sell to Sun-Maid Raisin Corporation.
- He was violently attacked and forced to sign a contract, but used his blood to invalidate it.
Giffen's Monopoly Mindset
- Wiley Giffen, founder of Sun-Maid, viewed monopolies as beneficial.
- He believed uniting growers and controlling all aspects of the raisin business maximized profits.
Sun-Maid's Tactics
- In 1923, Sun-Maid was deemed an illegal monopoly but gained legal status by achieving 85% grower participation.
- Independent farmers like Rusty Eskandarian faced intimidation and violence.