According to data released by the National Centre for Palms and Dates (NCPD), the value of Saudi Arabia’s date exports increased by 14pc in 2023, reaching 1.462 billion riyals, compared to 1.280bn riyals in 2022.
By the end of 2023, the number of countries importing Saudi dates had reached 119. The total value of date and date-byproduct exports increased by 152.5pc since 2016, from 579 million riyals in 2016 to 1.462bn riyals in 2023, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.3pc, SPA reported.
NCPD chief executive Dr Mohammed Alnuwairan credits the success to collaborative efforts among the leadership, date producers and exporters, and public-sector agencies. The efforts involved participating in local and international exhibitions, organising business missions, facilitating export procedures, and working in partnership with the private sector under a unified strategy aiming to support the date exports.
Dr Alnuwairan highlighted promising advancements in the quality and production of processed date products, alongside local and international marketing initiatives, to further solidify the position of Saudi dates in global markets. Exports to China saw a remarkable 121pc surge in 2023 compared to 2022, while France experienced a 16pc increase. Singapore and Korea also recorded significant growth in date imports from Saudi Arabia, with increases of 86pc and 24pc, respectively.
According to Dr Alnuwairan, NCPD, in collaboration with the private sector, has set ambitious goals that aim to make Saudi dates the preferred choice for global consumers through various initiatives. These include expanding national exports of dates and date byproducts, enhancing agricultural and industrial practices for improved quality, providing essential marketing services and industry information, and empowering the date sector through various support measures.
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