Israel's Medjool dates harvest is well underway with the peak picking that has been completed. The date season started 10 days earlier than last year, which kicked of with the Bhari dates before the main attraction, namely Medjool dates. Gal Twig, from the Israel Dates Board says, "We are over the peak of the season, but still packing the Medjool dates with all hands on deck."
Altough Israel's Medjool dates harvest started slowly this season packing went well says Twig. "The Medjool dates are the prime fruit that is awaited by markets around the world. The quality is very good this year, while the sizing is average. The quantity is similar to last season, with about 55,000 tons to be harvested with around 40,000 tons that will be exported"
There is increasingly more markets in the world who are asking for the Medjool dates. "Demand is growing in Brazil, with about 2,000 tons exported. Ramadan is early next year, which will see even increased demand for dates during that tradtional period," states Twig.
Dates from Israel are exported to 60 countries. "Asia is a big focus, with China and India standing out, while Europe remains a key market for us. China has just started again as a market, but it will take time to grow. We aim to do market activities in China, India and Brazil. However, we will not neglect Europe, which is still our biggest market in which we continue to invest," explains Twig.
The dates harvest continues to ensure there is enough supply for the next few months. "We will finish the harvest season in two to three weeks time. We work to have enough supply for the next couple of months of exports from Israel, with our Medjool dates leading the volumes," concludes Twig.
For more information:
Gal Twig
Israel Dates Board
Tel: +972524312978
Email: [email protected]
www.g-twig.com