Does Saudi Arabia Export Dates?

Does Saudi Arabia export dates? The country is one of the world’s largest producers of dates, with more than 33 million palm trees and 157 processing facilities, according to arabnews.com. With the support of the National Palm and Dates Centre, it has grown to become the world’s largest exporter of fruit, selling to 107 international destinations. Therefore, large-volume date-producing countries will also increase their exports to improve their economy.

Saudi date exports have increased over the past few years, from 48,000 tons worth SAR 222 million in the first quarter of 2018 to 85,000 tons worth SAR 397 million in the first quarter of 2020.

To expand exports, Saudi Arabia is launching an electronic date palm platform as a way to introduce international investors to the different types of fruit produced in the country. Dr Mohammed Al-Nuwairan, chief executive of the National Centre for Palms and Dates (NCPD), said the platform will be launched by the end of this year and will be available in four languages: Arabic, English, Indonesian and German.

He explained that the goal of the platform is to enhance marketing and provide investors and buyers with product selection and information about dates, including their type and origin.

“We are working with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and the National Palm and Dates Centre to facilitate export procedures and open marketing outlets outside the Kingdom to ship Saudi dates to all countries of the world.”

He said efforts are being made to sell Saudi dates overseas and to increase date exports through participation in events, international exhibitions, bilateral meetings and export empowerment programmes aimed at opening up new marketing outlets.

He added that research and marketing studies have been submitted to target countries to classify dates as a quality fruit, which is helping to increase demand. Efforts have also been made to partner with companies developing products for dates (powders, jams, liquid sugar, yeast, juices, doughs, molasses, medicinal alcohol and vinegar) by seeking and stimulating private sector participation. The NCPD is working to improve service efficiency and strengthen the sector’s supply chain through programs targeting farmers and date producers.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *