Sun-Maid Growers, the giant raisin cooperative that...

Sun-Maid Growers, the giant raisin cooperative that markets about 30% of the nation’s crop, reported a strong comeback in the nearly two years since discovery of $27.5 million in overpayments to growers led to defection by 500 of its 2,100 members. Barry F. Kriebel, who took over as president in the wake of the scandal, said Stockton, Calif.-based Sun-Maid earned $1,035 a ton for its members’ raisin crop, or about $150 more than the average paid to independents. With fewer members and, therefore, far fewer raisins to sell, the $158.3 million in sales through July 31 was the lowest--and most profitable--in five years. Last year sales came to $171.6 million.