Tunisia's date industry is set to expand and consolidate its presence in traditional and promising export markets, while increasing local consumption. The Tunisian Date Producers' Union has developed a promotional program for the 2026-2027 season, aiming to maintain the country's date exports and enhance its position in international markets. The program will address challenges facing the date industry, including climate change and increased competition.
The program includes measures to ensure the continuous monitoring of date exports and coordination with various stakeholders to make the export season a success. Tunisia's date exports achieved record results, exceeding TND 1 billion in revenue from the export of around 160,000 tons, mostly of the renowned Deglet Noor variety. The program will focus on maintaining traditional markets and exploring new ones.
The local market is a key focus area for the program, with plans to establish more direct sales points from producers to consumers. The initiative, launched in previous seasons, has been well-received by farmers and consumers. The union plans to set up sales spaces in two phases, one immediately after the harvest season and another before Ramadan, to provide dates to consumers at affordable prices.
The program also includes participation in local, regional, and national events related to the date industry, as well as promotional campaigns to encourage date consumption in Tunisia. The union will participate in the International Food Industries Salon in Africa (IFSA 2027) to promote date by-products and establish new relationships with international players.
The program prioritizes date by-products, such as date paste, syrup, and powder, as a promising area for creating added value and diversifying Tunisia's export offerings. The global demand for natural and healthy food products is driving this strategy. Date by-products have significant export potential, particularly in European, North American, and Gulf markets.
The union's general manager, Kais Ben Arfa, announced that a strategic study for the date sector will be conducted, focusing on the industry's prospects and challenges until 2055. The study will address issues related to the timing of Ramadan and its impact on date harvesting.
The promotional program aims to support Tunisia's date industry, enhance its competitiveness, and increase local consumption. The union's efforts will focus on diversifying export markets, improving promotional tools, and highlighting the quality of Tunisian dates and their by-products.
Key points
- Tunisia's date industry aims to expand its export markets and boost local consumption through a new promotional program.
- The program prioritizes date by-products as a promising area for creating added value and diversifying Tunisia's export offerings.
- A strategic study for the date sector will be conducted, focusing on the industry's prospects and challenges until 2055.
