Tunisian Agriculture Minister Azeddine Ben Sheikh emphasized that developing the date sector is no longer just about increasing production and improving quality. He highlighted the importance of marketing, promotion, and access to global markets in making the sector competitive and sustainable. This was stated during the opening of an international workshop on "Marketing and Global Promotion of Dates: Best Practices and Success Models" in Tunis.
The Minister called for more integrated marketing approaches that keep pace with market changes and consumer behavior. He noted that rapid changes in quality and food safety requirements, distribution and consumption patterns, and the growth of digital marketing and e-commerce necessitate in-depth market research. This includes developing packaging, branding, and product diversification to enhance the sector's competitiveness.
Ben Sheikh stressed the importance of leveraging digital marketing tools and promotional platforms to open new channels for accessing global markets. This will support communication and partnership between producers, exporters, distributors, and consumers, ultimately building sustainable markets and enhancing the international competitiveness of Tunisian dates.
Tunisia attaches great importance to the date sector, which is a major agricultural product for export and a primary source of livelihood in southern Tunisia. The current workshop represents the second event hosted by Tunisia as part of the activities of the Marketing and Promotion Committee of the International Date Council, which Tunisia chairs.
Princess Sara bint Bandar bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Executive Director of the International Date Council, emphasized that product safety, clear origin, and compliance with standards are increasingly important for reaching consumers and enhancing the competitiveness of dates in high-value markets. She noted that marketing is a crucial part of building product value, from understanding the market and consumer needs to quality, branding, and distribution channels.
The International Date Council is working to expand communication channels between member countries, the private sector, and international import and distribution networks. The Council aims to exchange expertise related to commercial practices and establish continuous cooperation frameworks to support trade, investment, and the economic value of dates globally.
The workshop provides opportunities for establishing trade links, diversifying markets, and consolidating cooperation between various parties in the value chain. The next stage of the date sector's development will depend on its ability to understand markets more deeply, develop products that meet consumer needs, and build a sustainable and expandable commercial presence.
Key points
- Tunisian Agriculture Minister Azeddine Ben Sheikh emphasizes marketing and global market access as key competitiveness factors for the date sector.
- The International Date Council works to expand communication channels between member countries and the private sector.
- The date sector's future depends on understanding markets, developing suitable products, and building a sustainable commercial presence.
