Israel, the top producing and exporting country of Medjool dates, which is set to increase exports in Asian markets like China, will not neglect the European market. “Our expansion in Asia does not mean our traditional markets in Europe will be neglected. Israel’s Medjool dates are well known and sought after with a higher per capita consumption in Europe, which we hope other markets will reach too,” says Gal Twig, head of business development from the Israel Dates Board.
He says China, as a market that has reopened for Israel, will see increased activity with supply from this season. They also hope to increase the per capita consumption of dates by people in Asian markets. “This year the premium Israeli Medjool dates are finally available in China. It is part of the way that the Israel Dates Board is aiming to increase the markets in Asia as a strategic market. Medjool dates are considered the premium product in the date category, while Israel grows and exports the best Medjool dates in the world. This is due to our more than 3,000 years of legacy in growing dates in Israel. It is the country with the largest Medjool dates plantations in the world, which holds a market share of 45% of the worldwide production. Israel is also in the position as the number one Medjool dates exporter in the world as it is exporting to more than 60 countries around the globe.”
Greenlight for China, in negotiation with Vietnam
“After three years Israel finally convinced the plant protection authorities of China to give the green light to export to China. As part of the effort to grow in the Asian markets the governments of Israel and Vietnam are heading to a trade agreement in the coming future. When this agreement will be signed Vietnam will enjoy tax free Israel Medjool dates. That all being said the Israeli Dates Board will definitely increase investment in the Asian markets in the retail chains through marketing activities and more,” states Twig.
Europe still important market
He says the Israeli Dates Board is “expecting a very good season as the demand for quality Medjool dates are sky high and the supply is expected to be less than average.” Israel’s new season for Medjool dates started in August with year round availability. The country is expected to produce over 50,000 tons of dates this 2023/2024 season. About 70% of Israel’s harvest is exported to the rest of the world, with France, Germany and the UK having much higher per capita consumption of dates, with 30% going to the local market says Twig.
“While we are expanding in Asia we are also increasing our activities in Europe. It’s a good market for us, that’s why we invested a lot of money over the last two years. For our European activities we put substantial effort in digital adverts and activations with retail chains. We want to continue to expand our activities in Europe,” states Twig.
Meet some Israel date exporters in Hong Kong
Three Israeli date exporting companies will attend Asia Fruit Logistica 2023 says Twig. Two will be exhibitors and one, namely Galilee Exports, will attend the show in Hong Kong. Mehadrin can be visited at stand 5-5B25; Be Fresh can be visited in Hall 3 stand 3L35.
Any of the following growers and exporters can be contacted via this website www.israeliMedjooldates.com : Galilee Exports, AgriFood Marketing, Medjool Plus, King Solomon Dates, Mehadrin, Erel Dates, D.Hay Marketing and Field Produce.
For more information:
Gal Twig
Israel Dates Board
Tel: +972 524 312 978
Email: galtwig23@gmail.com
www.israeliMedjooldates.com