Tunisia is hosting an international workshop on marketing and global promotion of dates, focusing on accessing new European markets and increasing the value of its date exports. The event, organized by the International Dates Council in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Fisheries, and the Interprofessional Dates Grouping, brings together over 50 experts and representatives from the private sector. The workshop aims to develop methods for marketing and promoting dates, diversifying products and markets, and promoting Tunisian date brands.
The two-day workshop, which started on September 30, 2026, examines the possibility of conducting a prospective study on the European market for dates and processed date products. This study aims to identify promising markets, growth opportunities, and new areas for product development and diversification. Participants include international experts from countries such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Jordan, Morocco, Oman, Iraq, Libya, Yemen, and Sudan.
The workshop also discusses the requirements for accessing international markets, including quality and compliance standards. Participants share experiences of the private sector in marketing, exporting, and creating value, as well as developing innovative products that meet changing consumer trends, particularly in the food industry. The program includes bilateral meetings between exporters, importers, and international distributors to explore cooperation and partnership opportunities.
The International Dates Council's strategy for 2026-2030 is also presented during the workshop. The council aims to support date-producing countries in improving their competitiveness and increasing their exports. Tunisia, as a significant date producer, is looking to boost its date exports to European markets.
On the second day of the workshop, participants will visit several date packaging and export facilities to learn about Tunisia's experience in sorting, packaging, and exporting dates. This visit aims to showcase Tunisia's expertise in date production and export.
The workshop highlights the importance of accessing European markets for Tunisian date exports. Currently, Tunisia exports dates worth 1.3 billion dinars, but only 40 companies are involved in halal exports. The country is looking to increase its exports and promote its date industry.
The event concludes with a focus on the potential for growth and development in the date sector. With the right strategies and partnerships, Tunisia aims to increase its date exports and become a major player in the European market.
Key points
- Tunisia hosts international workshop to explore new European markets for date exports.
- The workshop aims to develop methods for marketing and promoting dates, diversifying products and markets.
- Tunisia exports dates worth 1.3 billion dinars, but only 40 companies are involved in halal exports.
