The Israeli date season is in full swing. ''This year, there are many smaller Israeli Medjool dates. The large ones are scarce," begins Laurent La Morella of Lorre, an importer in Belgium. ''The weather is mainly to blame. The preseason was far too dry, so the dates couldn't develop properly. However, their quality is top-notch. There's still an older crop available on the market. But all the experts can see and taste the new harvest's difference.''
Nevertheless, Laurent is still anxious about the new season. ''We'll have to wait and see how things develop. Israel isn't having it easy either. Prices are essentially the same as last year."
"But that will undoubtedly rise. That's because of the well-known global problems. Those include container shortages and cardboard price hikes."
Demand has been normal. Dates are, however, quite expensive. ''It's not necessarily a luxury product. People simply can't easily eat a kilo of it at a time. Just a few dates provide you with sufficient healthy sugars. And they give you more energy," Laurent explains.
Laurent La Morella
Lorre specializes in the MedjoolPlus brand. It gets its dates from Israel, Jordan, and South Africa. Laurant can, therefore, supply Medjool dates year-round. ''I do it on my own. That's why I've become specialized in these dates. There are other types of dates available like Bahri, Deglet-Nour, or Iranian dates."
"I only sell premium quality, but if asked, I can provide a second choice. That's well communicated to clients who want to pay a little less. For example, when there's high demand around Ramadan. The quality's not necessarily inferior. The dates just look and taste different," he concludes.
For more information:
Laurent La Morella
Lorre
WHS 39-40, 112-154 Werkhuizenkaai
1000, Brussels, Belgium
Tel: +32 (0) 479 977 328
Email: info@lorrenv.com