Tunisia's date sector is set to implement a promotional program for the 2026-2027 season, aimed at maintaining the country's presence in traditional markets and enhancing its position in promising markets. The program, announced by Cais Ben Arfa, General Manager of the Tunisian Date Groupement, seeks to address challenges facing the sector, including climate change and increased competition in international markets. The program also aims to boost date consumption and derivatives in the local market.
The program includes several components, such as ensuring continuous monitoring of the export season and coordinating with various stakeholders to ensure the success of the season. Tunisia's date sector achieved record results in exports, with revenues exceeding TND 1 billion (approximately USD 330 million) for the first time, generated from the promotion of around 160,000 tons, mostly Deglet Noor dates. The sector is considered a strategic industry for the country.
The local market is a key focus area for the new promotional program, with plans to establish direct sales points from producers to consumers in several regions of the country. This initiative, launched in previous seasons, has been well-received by farmers and consumers alike. The program also includes participating in local, regional, and national events related to the sector and implementing advertising and promotional campaigns to encourage date consumption in Tunisia.
The program also focuses on date derivatives, considered a promising area for creating added value and diversifying Tunisia's offer in external markets. The sector plans to participate in the International Food Industries Salon in Africa (IFSA 2027) to promote date derivatives and establish new relationships with international operators. Developing exports of date derivatives is part of the sector's strategy to diversify products and markets.
Tunisia's date sector aims to maintain its presence in traditional markets and explore new markets. The sector's external program includes participating in international fairs and events in traditional and promising markets, in coordination with professionals. This approach is part of the need to continue diversifying export destinations and not rely solely on traditional markets.
A strategic study for the date sector until 2055 is underway, addressing the sector's specificities, future challenges, and ways to address them. The study will examine issues related to the advancement of Ramadan compared to the date harvest season. The sector also plans to establish reference terms for a three-year promotional action plan, allowing for more continuity and effectiveness in promotional efforts.
The program aims to support the Tunisian date sector and enhance its ability to face climate change and international competition, while developing promotional methods and opening new prospects for dates and derivatives. The sector's strategy also focuses on encouraging date consumption in the local market and promoting the quality of Tunisian products.
Key points
- Tunisia's date sector achieved record exports, with revenues exceeding TND 1 billion.
- The sector plans to establish direct sales points from producers to consumers in several regions.
- A strategic study for the date sector until 2055 is underway.
