Tunisia's date sector is planning to expand and consolidate its exports, with a focus on maintaining its presence in traditional markets and increasing its visibility in promising markets. The plan, which was announced by the General Manager of the Tunisian Date Group, Caisar Ben Arfa, aims to promote Tunisian dates and their derivatives, while also increasing domestic consumption. The plan takes into account the challenges facing the sector, including climate change and increased competition on international markets.
The plan includes a promotional program for the 2026-2027 season, which aims to maintain Tunisian dates' presence in traditional markets and increase their visibility in promising markets. The program also aims to increase domestic consumption of dates and their derivatives. Ben Arfa stated that the program takes into account the challenges facing the sector, including climate change and its impact on production and productivity, as well as increased competition on international markets.
The program includes several components, including the establishment of sales points for dates directly from producers to consumers. This initiative has been well-received by farmers and consumers alike. The program also includes participation in local, regional, and national events related to the sector, as well as the implementation of promotional campaigns aimed at increasing date consumption in Tunisia.
The program also focuses on promoting date derivatives, which are seen as a promising area for creating added value and diversifying Tunisia's exports. The sector plans to participate in the International Food Industries Salon in Africa (IFSA 2027) to promote date derivatives and their quality. Ben Arfa stated that the sector's strategy is to diversify products and markets, particularly in light of growing global demand for natural and healthy food products.
Tunisia's date sector has achieved record results in exports, with revenues exceeding TND 1 billion (approximately USD 330 million) for the first time. The sector exported around 160,000 tons of dates, mostly of the Deglet Noor variety, which is renowned for its quality. The sector plans to build on this success by expanding its exports and increasing its presence in new markets.
The sector is also planning to conduct a strategic study to 2055, which will examine the sector's prospects and challenges, particularly with regard to the impact of climate change. The study will also look at ways to address the issue of the timing of the Ramadan month, which can affect the date harvest. The sector plans to use the study to develop a three-year promotional plan that will provide a framework for its efforts.
The sector's plans aim to support the Tunisian date sector and enhance its competitiveness in the face of climate change and international competition. The plans also aim to increase domestic consumption of dates and their derivatives, while promoting exports and creating new opportunities for the sector. KEY_POINT: Tunisia's date sector plans to expand and consolidate its exports. KEY_POINT: The sector aims to increase domestic consumption of dates and their derivatives. KEY_POINT: The sector plans to promote date derivatives as a promising area for creating added value and diversifying exports.
