What should we know before exporting dates from Iran?

 

What is the historical significance of date cultivation in Iran?

Date cultivation in Iran dates back several millennia, making the palm and its fruit an enduring symbol of life in the region’s arid and semi-arid zones. Dates have held a central place in Persian tradition, economy, and diet since ancient times.

They have been mentioned in classic Persian literature and have long been a source of nutrition, energy, and even trade for local communities. The deep cultural roots of date farming have contributed substantially to the sustainability of rural life in southern Iran, particularly in provinces like Kerman, Khuzestan, Hormozgan, Sistan and Baluchestan, Fars, and Bushehr for Exporting dates from Iran.

How does Iran rank globally in date production and export?

Based on the World Bank WITS data for 2022:

• Iran is the world’s third-largest exporter of dates (HS Code 080410) by value, with exports totaling $289.5 million USD and a quantity of 339,569 metric tons.
• Globally, Saudi Arabia and Israel were ahead of Iran in export value, but Iran retains a leading position, both in value and especially in export volume.
• Iran’s main export partners for dates in 2022 were India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkey, Kazakhstan, UAE, and Iraq.

Top Date Exporters Globally in 2022 (by value, USD ‘000):

1. Saudi Arabia — $341.5 million
2. Israel — $331.5 million
3. Iran — $289.5 million
4. UAE — $285.5 million
5. Tunisia — $244.7 million

What are the major date varieties produced in Iran?

Iran is home to hundreds of date Exporting dates from Iran varieties reportedly grown. The main commercial varieties include:

• Mazafati: Soft, dark, and juicy; primarily grown in Bam (Kerman). Highly favored domestically and internationally.
• Zahedi: Semi-dry, yellowish; valued for its storage and transport properties. Predominant in Fars and Khuzestan provinces.
• Rabbi: Semi-dry and elongated; grown mainly in Sistan and Baluchestan province.
• Kabkab: Large, soft, and syrupy; grown mostly in Bushehr.
• Piarom: Also called the “chocolate date,” a premium, semi-dry variety grown mainly in Hormozgan.
• Halawi and Sayer: Popular for export, especially to India and European markets.

These varieties differ in taste, texture, moisture, color, and suitability for processing, export, or direct consumption.

What Iran’s Major Date Export Destinations?

Which countries are the largest importers of Iranian dates?

Iran’s position as a major participant in the global date business is cemented by the country’s continued strong export performance, according to World Bank WITS data for 2022. Iran has been exporting more dates, particularly well-known types like Piarom and Iranian Mazafati dates, to major markets like Europe and India Exporting dates from Iran.

Exporting dates from Iran to India, where Iran’s exports of dates are at their highest, is now one of the main destinations for Iranian dates, with European nations like Germany and the UK coming in second and third, respectively.

This indicates that Iran’s date export patterns are evolving. These areas appreciate the premium Iranian dates market’s exceptional flavor, organic selections, and high standards of quality. Because of this, the best Iranian dates for export are known around the world for their outstanding quality and satisfy the exacting standards of numerous foreign markets.

Advanced packaging and sustainable date farming in Iran are two examples of industry advancements that are helping Iranian dates flourish in foreign markets.

The Iranian date sector does, however, confront several difficulties, such as managing intricate trade laws and supply chain problems. By providing value-added date goods and upholding strict Iranian date quality requirements, Iranian exporters have been able to stay competitive in spite of these challenges.

The development points to positive momentum as more nations value these items and organic dates grown in Iran for export become increasingly popular. A bright future for Iran’s date export industry is indicated by the country’s ongoing development into important markets, which shows that the best dates for export from Iran — especially premium and organic varieties — are in high demand.

Ahuracommerce is here for you to export dates from Iran to every corner of the world.