FruitPro received its first Medjool dates in mid-October. This company, based in the Netherlands, is a subsidiary of the Israeli Galilee Export. "Despite solid prices, sales are high," says Michiel Klop, adding that the significantly higher date prices are easily explained. "The shekel is strong against the euro, so exports from Israel have become far pricier."
"Transportation costs, too, have risen sharply. This year's harvest is also lower, in some cases up to 30%. In other years pricing was more dynamic, but under these circumstances, Israel is sticking more closely to the quoted prices," Michiel explains.
"Galilee exports dates year-round and worldwide. The current dollar exchange rate means exports to somewhere like Brazil are more attractive than those to Europe, something the figures reflect. There are presently no genuine shortages. Those will become evident after Ramadan."
According to Michiel, this Islamic month of fasting is when the most dates are consumed. "And also mainly by our ethnic target group. We're expecting great things for the upcoming Ramadan. Apricots are expensive now, and when those are pricey, customers rather buy dates," he says.
There is less of a Christmas demand, Michiel says. "But overall, dates are eaten more throughout the year than before. Their high energy value makes them perfect for at the gym, during work, as a snack, or after a spell of hard work. Until now, we sold the dates mainly in the standard packaging (5 kg or 8x1 kg), but we're about to begin focusing our packaging more on when the dates are consumed. The tight supply, however, makes it harder to develop new concepts this year."
Besides Medjool dates, in the summer, Fruitpro also sources fresh Bahri dates from Israel. Galilee exports it's Deglet Nour dates mainly to customers in France and Dubai. Their range includes organic dates. There are more and more fly-by-night companies on the European date market, but, says Michiel, FruitPro can differentiate itself well.
"Galilee Export is the second largest fruit and vegetable exporter in Israel, with a total area of more than 9,000 hectares and over 50 years of cultivation experience. Our wide range of fruit and vegetables meet the highest international quality standards, and we supply our customers in good times and bad," he concludes.
For more information:
Michiel Klop
FruitPro
180 Handelsweg
2988 DC, Ridderkerk, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 180 763 393
Mob: +31 (0) 621 662 177
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.fruitpro.nl