Like date exporters across the globe, Iranian date exporters enjoy an excellent commercial window just before the month of Ramadan. This year, according to Hadi Mirzaei, CEO of Darya Noosh Payab Trading, the opportunity has been fully seized.
The exporter says, "As the month of Ramadan approached this season, we had 30 to 40% more requests and demand for Mazafati dates from most of our Markets. The increase in export volumes has also been accompanied by an increase in prices, although I personally prefer stable prices."
Iranian exporters are fortunate that the flagship variety is grown in the country, mazafati dates, are also the preferred dates in India, the world's largest dates importer. Mirzaei says, "India has consistently been the main destination for Mazafati dates, and this season again, Indian importers are the number one buyers. The variety has a large consumer base in the country and is widely loved by consumers, and also offers good margins to local traders."
As for prices, Mirzaei shares, "Unfortunately, prices were very unstable and higher than last year from the first day of harvest. This is due to the drop in production and the increase in demand. Another reason is that more and more buyers, especially Indian and Iraqi traders, are finding ways to purchase dates directly in Iran, which always pushes up the average price."
"This complicates matters for local exporters, as it drives up prices, which we in turn have to pass on to our customers," Mirzaei continues.
"On the bright side, the Mazafati variety is increasingly making a name for itself in the market. It's a variety that offers consumers a different experience from other premium varieties such as Medjool, but which is in turn classified as premium and acquiring its own customers and demand," the exporter concludes.
For more information:
Hadi Mirzaei
Darya Noosh Payab Trading
Tel: +989352243937
Email: dnpt.info@gmail.com / ss1.uae@gmail.com