The Tunisian company Alyssa Fruits, devoted to the packing and export of dates, is currently focused on the Deglet-Nour, a variety which accounts for 90% of its production and which has such a clear colour, that it is actually possible to see the pit when placing it under a source of light. According to Mr Walid Gaddas, this variety gives them a competitive advantage, firstly, because people always prefer clearer dates over dark or brown dates. Secondly, these dates are very soft, tasty and sweet, with a really smooth texture.
When placed against some of its main competitors, like Iraq or Iran, not only are there differences in volume, but also in terms of varieties. “In those countries, they don’t have a variety like the Deglet-Nour. They have lower quality dates that are sold at much lower prices. Tunisia is not number one in volume, but it is in value,” says Mr Gaddas.
“Tunisia’s exports are worth about 230 million US$ per year. Iraq is number one in volume, with 135 thousand tonnes and Tunisia is number four, with 92 thousand tonnes.”
Dates are traditionally consumed by the Muslim population and, at the moment, Alyssa Fruits registers most of its growth in South East Asian countries like Indonesia and Malaysia, where a large percentage of the population follows this faith. “Another important market for Tunisian dates is Morocco, and overall, I would say about 60% of all Tunisian dates go to Arabic and Asian Muslim countries,” states Mr Gaddas.
Given the limited amount of land to expand the acreage, Mr Gaddas says that market opportunities for Tunisia lie mostly in the supply of processed produce, like unpitted dates, and they are also working more on offering new kinds of packaging. “At Alyssa, we offer small containers of 200/400 grams and cartons of 500 grams or 1-2 kg. Our company is also working on packaging formats for special users, including small packs for snacking.”
He assures that, for the past 10 years, there has also been a considerable growth in the demand for organic dates. “Out of the 90-100 thousand tonnes exported by Tunisia, around 10 thousand correspond to organic fruit, which goes mostly to the U.S., Germany, France, the UK and Switzerland. In fact, the whole Tunisian date production could be converted to organic, because it is grown in a natural way, with no pesticides or fertilizers.”
When it comes to marketing on a global scale, he affirms that date sales concentrate in two major periods: “First, it is Ramadan. 1 or 2 months before Ramadan, there is a peak in orders. And the second one is Christmas in Europe, where due to the absence of competition, the fruit is subject to no import taxes.” Despite this trend, what Alyssa Farms want, is for consumers to be aware that dates are very healthy and should actually be consumed year-round especially by people practicing sports or partaking in high intensity activities.
For more information:
Walid Gaddas
ALYSSA FRUITS
tel: 00216-29-325-343
email: info@alyssafruits.com
www.alyssafruits.com
Facebook : AlyssaFruitsTunisia
Twitter : ALYSSAFRUITS
When placed against some of its main competitors, like Iraq or Iran, not only are there differences in volume, but also in terms of varieties. “In those countries, they don’t have a variety like the Deglet-Nour. They have lower quality dates that are sold at much lower prices. Tunisia is not number one in volume, but it is in value,” says Mr Gaddas.
“Tunisia’s exports are worth about 230 million US$ per year. Iraq is number one in volume, with 135 thousand tonnes and Tunisia is number four, with 92 thousand tonnes.”
Dates are traditionally consumed by the Muslim population and, at the moment, Alyssa Fruits registers most of its growth in South East Asian countries like Indonesia and Malaysia, where a large percentage of the population follows this faith. “Another important market for Tunisian dates is Morocco, and overall, I would say about 60% of all Tunisian dates go to Arabic and Asian Muslim countries,” states Mr Gaddas.
Given the limited amount of land to expand the acreage, Mr Gaddas says that market opportunities for Tunisia lie mostly in the supply of processed produce, like unpitted dates, and they are also working more on offering new kinds of packaging. “At Alyssa, we offer small containers of 200/400 grams and cartons of 500 grams or 1-2 kg. Our company is also working on packaging formats for special users, including small packs for snacking.”
He assures that, for the past 10 years, there has also been a considerable growth in the demand for organic dates. “Out of the 90-100 thousand tonnes exported by Tunisia, around 10 thousand correspond to organic fruit, which goes mostly to the U.S., Germany, France, the UK and Switzerland. In fact, the whole Tunisian date production could be converted to organic, because it is grown in a natural way, with no pesticides or fertilizers.”
When it comes to marketing on a global scale, he affirms that date sales concentrate in two major periods: “First, it is Ramadan. 1 or 2 months before Ramadan, there is a peak in orders. And the second one is Christmas in Europe, where due to the absence of competition, the fruit is subject to no import taxes.” Despite this trend, what Alyssa Farms want, is for consumers to be aware that dates are very healthy and should actually be consumed year-round especially by people practicing sports or partaking in high intensity activities.
For more information:
Walid Gaddas
ALYSSA FRUITS
tel: 00216-29-325-343
email: info@alyssafruits.com
www.alyssafruits.com
Facebook : AlyssaFruitsTunisia
Twitter : ALYSSAFRUITS