Vinegar is a significant and timeless product with a multitude of uses along the industrial,food,condiment and health value chain.North American vinegar production can be grouped in one of two categories:White distilled vinegar and natural vinegars.Within the natural vinegar process,vinegar can be made directly from a variety of raw materials,apples.grapes,rice to name a few.Specialty vinegars are produced directly from food sources (apples,grapes rice) or a combination of pure distilled vinegar with added flavors.Both organic and conventional vinegars are produced by at least 132 vinegar companies in the U.S.Health benefits associated with vinegar and vinegar drinks continue to be studied.This presentation will give an overview of the industry in the U.S.A.and the potential to utilize the California Institute of Food and Agricultural Research to explore east-west collaborations.