“The supply of Medjoul dates from Israel and Jordan is about 10% higher compared to last year. The quality of some batches is, however, slightly lower. This subpar quality means fewer are exported. As a result of this, there is less product of large sizes," says Laurent La Morella of the Belgian company, Lorre. "The prices for Medjoul dates are at a normal level for this time of year. There is usually an evaluation of the remaining volumes and quality at the beginning of the new year. The fewer there are available then, the higher the prices will become."
Festive season
Currenty, the Medjoul dates that this importer has in its assortment come Israel and Jordan. From April, they will originate in South Africa. The importer's Lerida figs are sourced from Turkey every year. “When it comes time for the festive season, the demand for dates and figs increases. Sales also climb when the weather turns colder,” says La Morella. “We see an ever-increasing popularity among these products. Dates and figs are being used more and more in Western European dishes. This is as a result of the many cooking shows on television where Easter products are being used with increasing frequency.”
“There is always competition on the market for dates and figs. However, the premium products do not experience this. Our products are selected by quality controllers who were, so to say, born between the date trees. They have been taking part in every harvest since they were children. Their expertise means the products have a good price-quality ratio. So, competition has little influence on them,” says Laurent. Medjoul dates are available at Lorre throughout the year. Israel's harvest starts at the end of August/beginning of September and ends in April. From April, South Africa supplies the Medjoul dates.
For more information:
Laurent La Morella
Lorre NV
112-154 Werkhuizenkaai, warehouse 39-40
1000 Brussels
+32(0)479 977 328
www.lorrenv.com
info@lorrenv.com