The demand for dates during the upcoming holiday season in the U.S. and other markets is expected to rise substantially. Carey Jimenez, vice president at Sun Lovin' Foods, says: "Demand is currently high due to our new harvest, and it's anticipated to rise even further with the approach of key holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, Ramadan, Easter, and Passover. We expect robust demand to continue well into the next year as more people discover the versatility and health benefits of dates."
Carey Jimenez and Sarah Atrian recently displayed their Sun Lovin Medjool dates and date energy bites in Atlanta.
Sun Lovin' Foods, is a subsidiary of Pacific Date Corporation (established in 1966), based in the sun-soaked Coachella Valley in Thermal, California, in the U.S. "Our farms span an impressive 1,500 acres dedicated to cultivating high-quality dates, a perfect match for the desert climate. With decades of experience, we prioritize sustainable farming practices and a commitment to excellence in date production. We specialize in Medjool and Deglet Noor dates, offering both conventional and organic options to meet diverse consumer needs. Each year, we produce around 15 million pounds (6.8 million kg's) of dates, allowing us to serve our customers year-round with a reliable, high-quality supply," notes Jimenez.
The company exports dates to neighbours Canada and Mexico, as well as other parts of the world. "We distribute our dates and bites across the U.S. and internationally to markets in Canada, Puerto Rico, Australia, and Mexico. Our clients include wholesalers, distributors, independent retailers, and major national retail chains. We're dedicated to expanding our footprint, making our dates accessible to more customers worldwide."
It is especially during the Ramadan period that dates are very popular, with the overall demand during the coming holiday season that is set to boost demand for their dates even further. "We see a notable increase in sales during Ramadan, as dates are central to the observance. They're cherished for breaking fast, gifting, and nightly feasts. We're honoured to play a part in this meaningful tradition and ensure we have ample supply to meet demand during this period. Traditionally because of the holiday season, we anticipate a higher-than-average demand. Dates are a nutritious addition to holiday meals and celebrations, so fall and winter is typically a peak season for us, increasing in popularity," explains Jimenez.
Sun Lovin' Foods had a booth at the recent IFPA Global Produce & Floral show in Atlanta. Besides their dates they also showcased date bites. Sarah Atrian, director of sales and marketing at Sun Lovin' Foods says, "Since launching Sun Lovin' Foods in October 2023, our Sun Lovin' Bites have been incredibly well received. The unique sunbutter-filled center in our date bites, combined with exciting flavours like Chocolate Cherry, Mocha Espresso, Apple Pie, and Banana Nut, has captivated customers and trade show attendees alike. Our vibrant new shipper display also boosts in-store visibility and ease of access, which has been crucial in driving trial and repeat sales."
Atrian describes their participation at the show in Atlanta as very positive. "This year's Global Produce & Floral Show was fantastic! It allowed us to present our new packaging, eye-catching shipper display, and an upcoming peel-and-reseal tub option debuting in February 2025, along with our sustainable PCR pouches. We had the chance to connect with buyers nationwide who see tremendous potential for Sun Lovin' Dates and Bites in their stores. It's an exciting opportunity to introduce more consumers to the benefits of dates and explore innovative ways to increase store sales through our growing product line," concludes Atrian.
For more information:
Sarah Atrian
Sun Lovin' Foods
Tel: +1 626 620 1259
[email protected]
www.sunlovinfoods.com