The versatile date is enjoying increasing popularity in German-speaking countries. For a long time dates were known in Europe, especially dried dates, at Christmas time. New in domestic supermarkets is the fresh and untreated Dalia succary date, which is like a fresh fruit and a healthy snack.
The Austrian fruit wholesaler Mathy Ltd has also recognized the market potential of the dried fruit for itself. The exclusive Dalia Sukkari dates of the Dutch partner Yogi & Yousef have recently been distributed both in stationary trade at selected Spar stores as well as at Biohof Achleitner and die Hoflieferanten, and via the digital sales channels Gurkerl.at and Knuspr.de, says Thomas Mathy-Winter, Key Account Manager at the traditional Linz-based company.
Thomas Mathy-Winter has been devoting himself to the distribution of Saudi dates for several months.
Smooth cold chain in online retailing
The particularly soft dates convince with their special quality and a caramel-like taste. In contrast to comparable products, this date is free of pesticides, sulfurization and added sugar, i.e. 100% natural. Even though visually there is not much difference, these dates are fresh, untreated and not dried. Therefore, the dates also need to be stored in a cool place. "Proper storage and placement benefits the shelf life and, consequently, the quality of the fruit accordingly," says Mathy-Winter.
After the first successful test run in September last year, the exquisite dates from Saudi Arabia are now permanently listed at selected Spar stores throughout Austria, explains Mathy-Winter. "The dates are sold mainly in 14-piece boxes, which corresponds to a weight of about 200g. In online retailing, 750-gram units and chocolate-covered dates are also offered as a supplement. The overall response so far has been quite encouraging." The next step, he said, will be to market the popular dried fruits via the Hungarian online supermarket Kifli.
In addition to brick-and-mortar stores, the high-quality dates will be sold via online retailers.
Increased sales at Christmas and Ramadan
The date is particularly appreciated as a versatile product - for example, as a superfood and sports nutrition. Mathy-Winter: "In addition, our exclusive Dalia Sukkari variety sets us apart from the conventional Medjoul and Deglet Nour. Our dates are not only smaller than the usual fruits on the market, but also incomparable in taste, as the caramel-like flavor of Dalia Sukkari resembles a Caffè Latte."
The product is sourced year-round from Saudi Arabia, where dates are usually harvested starting in September. "Due to increased transport costs and extended delivery times, the procurement situation remains challenging, but we have fortunately been spared any significant bottlenecks so far. On the sales side, the typical seasonal peaks are concentrated on Christmas and Ramadan, otherwise we are observing continuously high demand. Accordingly, I could very well imagine future additions to the range of nuts and dried fruit," concludes Mathy-Winter.
Images: Mathy Ltd.
For more information:
Thomas Mathy-Winter
MATHY GmbH
Im Südpark 178
4030 Linz
+43 664 6060 4211
[email protected]
www.mathy.at
https://www.yogiyousef.com/
