While the Deglet Noor date still has a large California presence in terms of volume, supplies of Medjool dates have increased over the years. Medjools tend to bring in good prices for quality, and the gap in prices between the highest quality and lower-quality dates has been widening.“Supplies are looking up as trees are maturing more,” said Collin Powell of Peter Rabbit Farms. “Driving around the Valley, you see others with good volumes, so it's definitely looking up.” Deglet Noor volumes have been getting tighter, but Medjool volumes have been increasing as it is a popular choice for growers planting new trees. In terms of pounds, Deglet Noor dates continue to be very popular, but the price disparity between them and Medjools means both varieties bring in monetary values that are close to each other.
“The quality of fruit and size plays into prices,” said Powell. “We're seeing that the choice market is a little lower this year and premium product is definitely selling at premium prices. There seems to be a bigger divergence in prices.” The market for premium product is growing, and Powell thinks that's possible because of the strides valley growers have made.
“The Medjool industry is more competitive,” said Powell. “People have bought mostly imports in the past, but attitudes are changing. There are more professional date growers and people are taking the Coachella Valley more seriously as a primary producer of dates.”
For more information:
Collin Powell
Peter Rabbit Farms
+1 760 398 0136