The Australian date industry, though in its early stages, is expanding its focus on domestic and export markets, particularly to the Middle East and Indonesia. The Australian Date Grower Association (ADGA) is promoting dates as a potential alternative crop for grape growers in regions such as the Riverland and Sunraysia, where conditions suit date palm cultivation.
Australia's production advantage comes from supplying during the Northern Hemisphere's off-season. The industry currently comprises about 50 commercial farms over a total of 100 hectares, with the barhi variety dominating exports. According to Fortune Business Insights, the global date market is valued at about US$30 billion, with projected growth offering opportunities for Australian producers.
ADGA chair and Riverland Date Garden owner Steve Brauer, who has grown dates since 2004, noted strong demand. "I market my medjools in the soft, moist stage, and it's a completely different product compared to an American medjool," he said. He added that the barhi variety is well recognised among Middle Eastern, Indonesian, and Indian consumers, with demand also present within Australia.
Freshmax Australia sales and marketing general manager Michael Tyler is preparing a financial guide for ADGA to help growers assess a transition from other crops. "In the horticultural sector, I believe there's little that compares to dates when it comes to the level of significance in the Muslim community with the breaking of the Ramadan fast," he said. His research suggests Northern Hemisphere date storage capacity could be reached within five years, creating scope for Southern Hemisphere supply.
While export potential is drawing attention, Brauer said the domestic market remained underdeveloped. He noted that date palms require long-term investment, taking about 10 years to reach full production.
North-west Victorian grower Peter Middleton said the shift from grapes to dates had been positive. "It is a great change from grapes, where it felt like you weren't getting good value for your fruit, but with dates we're regularly getting between US$13 and US$20 a kilogram for good quality fruit," he said. "I have people knocking on the door all the time, and I can't supply all of them."
Middleton highlighted Indonesia as a key export destination due to its large Islamic population and demand for dates, alongside opportunities in Middle Eastern markets. He also described the domestic market as undersupplied, noting the industry's new and developing status.
Source: ABC News
