The first batch of fresh Barhi dates imported from Egypt will arrive in the Chinese market this week.
"Fresh Egyptian dates received approval to enter the Chinese market in 2019, and this year marks the first time they are being exported to China. The initial shipment of fresh Barhi dates arrived at the airport last weekend and will be available for sale this week," said Roy Lu from Yumsun Fruit Co., the importer and distributor of these dates.
"The Egyptian Barhi dates are golden-yellow in color and olive-shaped, with each fruit weighing about 15-20 grams. They offer a crisp, sweet taste with a slight astringency in the first bite, followed by a refreshing sweetness, thanks to their high Brix level of 30. There are only two varieties of dates suitable for fresh consumption that aren't overly astringent, and Barhi is one of them," Roy explained.
"The Barhi date season starts in mid-to-early August and runs through late September or early October. Due to the climate in the production area, only a few hundred tons have met export standards this year. Egyptian fresh dates, known for their excellent flavor, are highly regarded in the industry and are primarily exported to Europe and Southeast Asia, with Europe being the largest consumer market."
Dates are grown in regions such as the Middle East, Peru, and Thailand. Roy highlighted the unique characteristics of dates from different regions: "Dates are generally categorized as fresh or dry. Varieties grown in Iran and Saudi Arabia are typically consumed dried, while regions like Egypt, Peru, and Thailand produce dates suitable for fresh consumption. Among them, Peruvian dates are more visually appealing with better color, while Egyptian dates stand out for their strong flavor and higher sugar content."
Regarding the development of fresh dates in China, Roy noted that the market is still emerging, but has significant potential: "The domestic market is not yet familiar with fresh dates, but this also presents an opportunity for growth. Consumers are curious about new products. We plan to explore multiple channels, initially targeting the mid-to-high-end market, including the premium gift sector, and gradually expanding to broader consumer groups."
"The first batch is relatively small, consisting of just three air freight trays. After gauging market response, we'll gradually increase imports. For sales, we will start with mid-to-high-end supermarkets in Guangzhou and Shenzhen, offering the dates in convenient 250-gram packages."