Saudi dates conquer the European market

A new trend is emerging on the European dried fruit market: dates, and particularly those from Arabia, are experiencing growing success. This development is highlighted by a specialist in the sector, the Dutch trader Jochem Geheniau, who runs a joint venture specializing in the import of these fruits.

The offer is considerably enriched, driven by an exceptional varietal heritage. While only around fifteen varieties are traded internationally, the traditional orchards of the Saudi kingdom are home to nearly a thousand. Among them, Sukkari particularly stood out on British, Irish, German, Belgian, Dutch and French stalls.

The market is experiencing a notable metamorphosis with annual growth reaching 50%. Consumers, previously mainly from Middle Eastern diasporas, are diversifying. These fruits now attract a public looking for natural alternatives to industrial sweets, both for direct consumption and for cooking.

In this dynamic context, the organic segment represents a significant opportunity, particularly since the partial withdrawal of Israeli producers from the Medjool date market. While some initiatives are emerging in Morocco, importers are mainly banking on Saudi production capacities to meet growing demand.