When we talk about a dry fruit that gives you an instant energy boost, we know it’s none other than dates or khajur. Often called nature's candy because of their natural sweetness and rich nutritional profile, dates are among the oldest cultivated fruits in human history. They grow on date palm trees, which are native to the Middle East and North Africa. Interestingly, the date palm has earned several names due to its nutritional value and adaptability to arid environments, most notably 'tree of life' and 'bread of the desert'. Dates were once integral to the ancient cultures of Egypt and the Levant, where they were used for food and wine, and they were even regulated in Hammurabi's code (an ancient Babylonian legal text). Over time, dates spread through ancient Egypt, the Mediterranean, and North Africa, eventually reaching Europe and the Americas.
Besides being a delicious snack, dates fruits are highly versatile. They are used in desserts, health foods, energy bars, smoothies, traditional dishes, and even for extracting natural sugars or date syrup. Today, dates play an important role in global trade, connecting farmers, exporters, suppliers, and date buyers worldwide. Both fresh dates buyers and dried dates buyers actively seek quality produce, making dates a high-demand commodity.
As you may already know, dates come in many varieties, ranging from soft, moist types to dry, chewy ones. Some dates have seeds while others are completely seedless. As a supplier or exporter, you should know these classifications to meet buyer preferences. On the basis of moisture content, there are three main types of dates, including soft dates (high moisture content), semi-dry dates (lower moisture content than soft dates), and dry dates (the most mature with the least moisture content). Along with these, other popular varieties include the luxurious, soft Medjool dates and more economical options like Deglet Noor or Barhi dates. Here are some of the most commonly traded types of dates.
Alongside popular date varieties such as Medjool, Ajwa, Anbara, Arabian, and Kimia, you can also expand your product portfolio with other dry fruits & nuts to attract more buyers and boost your exports. Here are some related product categories you can include in your offerings to increase profitability.
One thing is clear that the global dates market is expanding rapidly. And it is due to growing awareness of their nutritional benefits and increasing demand from health-conscious consumers. Most people view dates as a functional food rich in fiber, minerals, and antioxidants. Moreover, the rising preference for natural ingredients over artificial sweeteners is further boosting demand. This is one of the main reasons why dates are now used in various applications, including whole fruit snacks, date syrup, date paste, and as key ingredients in baked goods, cookies, and desserts. You should also know that the Middle East made up 38% of global date consumption in 2024. If you want to capture this market demand, you must know some key insights, including global market size, top importers, and dates buyers’ preferences.
Dates Global Market Size Data:
Source: Mordor Intelligence
Top Dates Importers Worldwide:
Source: Volza
Global Fresh Date Price Trends:
Currently, the average date price 1 kg ranges between $6.02/kg and $15.81/kg. However, it can vary based on the date variety, region, and market conditions. Here are the fresh date price trends over the past few years from 2022 to 2024.
Source: Tridge
What Date Buyers Prefer:
When it comes to dates, here is what importers prefer:
We know that finding verified date buyers can be challenging if you are not aware of the most effective methods. That’s why we have outlined them below:
1. Which country is the largest importer of dates?
The United States, India, and Pakistan are the biggest importers of dates worldwide.
2. What are the different varieties of dates, and which ones are in demand internationally?
Popular date varieties include Medjool, Deglet Noor, Barhi, Ajwa, Zahidi, Halawi, and Khadrawi. Out of these, Medjool and Deglet Noor are in highest international demand.
3. How is the quality of dates assessed for export?
The quality of dates is usually assessed based on size, texture, color, sweetness, moisture content, and absence of defects or pest damage.
4. How can exporters find international buyers for dates?
Exporters can find international dates buyers by listing their products on B2B platforms such as go4WorldBusiness, participating in trade fairs relevant to the industry, networking through social media channels like LinkedIn or Facebook trade groups, and searching online using keywords like ‘dates buyers near me’.
5. How long can dates be stored during transport?
If you store fresh dates in the fridge at 0-4°C, they can stay fresh for 2 to 4 weeks. Dried dates, on the other hand, can last up to a year when kept in moisture-free packaging.
6. Which country has the best quality dates?
Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates are known for high-quality dates (especially Medjool and Ajwa varieties).
7. Who is the largest consumer of dates?
Middle Eastern countries consume the highest quantity of dates per capita.
8. What is the most expensive type of date?
Ajwa and premium Medjool dates are usually the most expensive because of their rarity and high demand.
9. What is the dates price 1 kg?
Dates prices range from USD 2 to 8 per kg depending on variety, quality, and export standards.
10. What is the dates HSN code?
080410 is the HSN code for fresh or dried dates.
Saudi Arabia's date exports soared by 15.9% in 2024, reaching $451.7 million, thanks to a record crop of over 1.9 million tonnes and a growing global appetite for high-quality dates. (Full Story: Arab News)
