Tunisian Agriculture Minister Azeddine Ben Sheikh has stated that the development of the country's date sector is no longer solely dependent on increasing production and improving quality. Instead, he emphasized that marketing, promotion, and access to global markets and creating added value have become essential components of the sector's competitiveness and sustainability.
Ben Sheikh made these remarks during the opening of an international workshop on "Global Marketing and Promotion of Dates: Best Practices and Success Models" in Tunis. He called for more integrated marketing approaches that keep pace with changes in markets and consumer behavior. The minister highlighted the need to deepen market research, develop packaging and branding, and diversify products and markets.
The minister stressed the importance of leveraging digital marketing tools and promotional platforms to open new channels for accessing global markets and supporting communication and partnerships between producers, exporters, distributors, and consumers. This, he believes, will help build sustainable markets and enhance the competitiveness of Tunisian dates internationally. Dates are a significant agricultural product in Tunisia, particularly in the southern regions.
The workshop is the second event hosted by Tunisia as part of the activities of the Marketing and Promotion Committee, which was established within the International Date Council (IDC). Tunisia has taken over the presidency of this committee. The committee plays a crucial role in fostering dialogue and cooperation among date-producing countries and exploring practical mechanisms to enhance the presence of dates in global markets.
Princess Sara bint Bandar bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Executive Director of the International Date Council, emphasized that the safety of the product, clarity of its 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 fundamental part of building the product's value, starting from understanding the market and consumer requirements.
Princess Sara highlighted that the council is working to expand communication channels between member countries, the private sector, and international import and distribution networks. The goal is to exchange experiences related to commercial practices and establish continuous cooperation frameworks that support trade and investment movement, thereby enhancing the economic value of dates globally.
The workshop, co-organized by the International Date Council, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Tunisian Date Complex, brings together stakeholders to discuss best practices in date marketing and promotion. It aims to establish trade links, diversify markets, and consolidate cooperation among various parties in the date value chain. The outcomes of the workshop are expected to support collective action and the growth of the sector.
Key points
- The Tunisian government is prioritizing the development of the date sector through improved marketing and global access strategies.
- The International Date Council is working to enhance the global presence of dates through cooperation and knowledge sharing among member countries.
- The safety and quality of dates are critical factors in accessing high-value markets and competing effectively.
