The European market potential for dates

Europe offers a growing market for table dates, as buyers fully depend on imports. In the long term, the European market for dates is expected to show stable growth. This growth is likely to be driven by changes in the consumption patterns of European consumers. Consumers buy dates as less processed snacks, while food producers use them as natural sweeteners. Demand peaks during Ramadan and winter holidays, but year-round use is growing. France, Germany and the United Kingdom are the largest markets, while Italy, Spain and the Netherlands also show growth.

1. Product description: dates

Dates are the fruit of the date palm tree (Phoenix dactylifera L.). Dates are sold as fresh or dried fruit, depending on maturity and processing. Fresh dates are a small seasonal niche in Europe.Fresh dates have a short season. Only some varieties taste good at this stage. For this reason, this study only discusses the European market for dried dates (also called ‘table dates’).

Dates ripen on the tree. They change colour, become softer and lose moisture. Their sugar level also increases. When picked early to avoid damage by rain, insects or other factors, dates may need further ripening after harvest. After harvesting and cleaning, conventional dates are protected from insects through fumigation, while organic dates are ideally treated by freezing (temperature: -22°C). Often, they can be again rehydrated for better softness and pasteurised by being exposed to higher temperatures. Suppliers sort dates by quality and size. They then store them in cool conditions.

Very often pits are also removed either with machines or, more often, manually. Dates can be produced without any treatment after harvesting, and they are called natural dates. Dates can also undergo treatment after harvesting, including rehydration. Some, where the natural sugar content may be lower, are coated with glucose syrup for preservation. Sorbitol may also be used as an additive. 

Dates can be produced with a lower (<15%) moisture content or a higher (<30%) moisture content. Dates with a higher moisture content need to be stored at a temperature between 0 and 4°C. Suppliers can freeze dates to extend their shelf life. Generally, a frozen cold chain is maintained during transport and further storage. Retailers sell dates at room temperature or chilled, depending on the product type.

Consumers eat dates as a fruit snack. They also use them in home cooking. Dates are used in bakery products, and in the confectionery and other food manufacturing industries. Snack dates are usually whole. They can be unpitted, pitted or stuffed with nuts or marzipan. Chopped dates are used as an ingredient in, for example, mueslis or dried fruit mixtures. Dates can also be processed further into products, such as date paste, date syrup and liquid date sugar. 

Most date production takes place in dry and subtropical areas of North Africa and the Middle East. The harvesting season runs from July to late November, depending on the variety. In many producing areas, the main harvest starts in September. World date production is increasing, reaching 9.99 million tonnes in 2024, according to the FAOSTAT database. Table date production is smaller. It was estimated at 1.29 million tonnes in 2025/2026 by the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC). Saudi Arabia is the leading producer of table dates, with a 22% share of the world’s production. It is followed by Egypt (15%), the United Arab Emirates (14%), Iran (11%), Tunisia (8%) and Iraq (6%).

More than 3,000 date cultivars are grown worldwide. They are generally classified into 2 categories: cane sugar varieties and invert sugar varieties. Most varieties mainly contain invert sugars, such as glucose and fructose. Some varieties mainly contain sucrose. The best-known varieties in European trade are Medjool (invert sugar variety) and Deglet Nour (cane sugar variety). Medjool dates are popular in the premium segment.

Figure 1: Medjool dates

Source: Image by Pictavio from Pixabay, under Pixabay content license 

This study covers general information regarding the date market in Europe, which is of interest to producers in low- and middle-income countries. For trade statistics, this study uses HS code 080410 for fresh or dried dates. Production statistics mentioned in the study cover date statistics for dried (table) dates that have been packaged and presented for sale as such (approximately 15% of the global raw date production). 

Figure 2: Deglet Nour dates

Source: ‘Algerian Deglet Nour date variety’ by Ahmed1251985 is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

2. What makes Europe an interesting market for dates?

Although Europe is not the largest import market for dates, Europe is a fast-growing importing region. Europe increased its import global share in value from 28% in 2021 to 33% in 2025. Total European date imports reached 264,066 tonnes in 2025, valued at €780 million. Between 2021 and 2025, date imports by volume recorded a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2%. By 2025, the import value had risen to a 5-year high of €780 million, up from a 5-year low of €485 million in 2022. Over the same period, the CAGR value was 12.0%. The European date market is forecasted to continue growing in the long term. 

Around 66% of imported dates in Europe come from low- and middle-income countries. Internal European trade consists of simple re-exporting imported dates. However, a significant part consists of added-value trade, including operations such as retail packing. European imports from low- and middle-income countries increased over the last 5 years, from 137,938 tonnes in 2021 to 175,698 tonnes in 2025.

Table dates are not produced in Europe, so the demand fully depends on imports. Some small quantities are produced in Spain, but they are all sold as fresh in local markets. In the next 5 years, the European market for dates is likely to increase at an annual growth rate of 5%. A high import growth rate is forecasted because of the higher demand for natural sweeteners that can be alternatives for sugar. Together with the import of table dates, the import of date syrup and date paste is also likely to increase.

Source: Autentika Global, ITC, Eurostat, 2026

The European market for dates is moderately concentrated. In volume terms, 3 countries make up slightly less than 50% of total imports. France was the leading importer in Europe, with a 21% import share in 2025, followed by Germany (14%), the United Kingdom (12%), the Netherlands (11%) and Italy (11%). According to the INC, the largest date-consuming country in Europe is France, with 5,974 tonnes in 2024. 

One of the important reasons for France’s large consumption is its large share of diaspora from North African date-producing countries. Per capita consumption in Europe is high in France, with an average consumption of 598 grams/year per person. Consumption of dates in Europe as a snack has a strong seasonal character. There are usually two peaks in consumption. One is related to the Muslim population in Europe who consume the most dates during the month of Ramadan. Another peak is during the winter holidays, such as New Year’s Eve and Christmas.

Imports in 2022 decreased due to a combination of two factors. Firstly, global production in the 2022/23 season decreased by 12% from the previous years. Secondly, price inflation due to the war in Ukraine affected the European market, also affecting the demand. 

Source: Autentika Global, ITC, Eurostat, 2026

3. Which European countries offer the most opportunities for dates?

The main importers of dates in Europe are also the leading consumers: France, the United Kingdom and Germany. 

Over the last 5 years, high import growth rates were noted in the Netherlands, Italy and Spain. However, the 3 largest importers also experienced high increases in imports: France (a 4.5% annual growth rate since 2021), Germany (4.7%) and the UK (4.9%).

Source: Autentika Global, ITC, 2026 (based on ITC TradeMap statistics and calculated as apparent consumption – the difference between imports and exports)

France: The leading European market for dates

France is the largest importer of dates in Europe, representing more than 20% of the European market. French date imports have increased over the last 5 years, reaching 55,298 tonnes and a value of €122 million in 2025. Of this quantity, France re-exports around 35%, leaving almost 36,000 tonnes for domestic consumption. The main re-export destinations for France are other big trading countries: Spain, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. 

In 2025, France imported 37% of its dates (by value) from Tunisia, followed by Algeria (34%) and Israel (12%). Apart from the 3 leading suppliers, no other country has a market share of more than 3% in France. Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt are emerging suppliers with notable increases in exports to France. Over the last 5 years, Egypt has significantly increased its exports to France; from 50 tonnes in 2021 to 464 tonnes in 2025.

Most dates in France (an estimated 70%) are sold through retail channels. The remaining 30% are sold to the industry and food service. The date variety that is imported and consumed the most in France is Deglet Nour, although the number of varieties is increasing. 

Large quantities of dates are also sold under private labels (retail chain brands) such as:

• Carrefour (Carrefour, Carrefour Bio and Petit Prix labels);
• Leclerc (Couleurs Vives label);
• Super U (U label);
• Intermarché (Paquito label);
• Auchan (Auchan, Mmm and Bio). 

Independent brands include La Favorite (by Color Foods), Brousse (by Brousse Vergez), Daco Bello (by Daco France) and Maître Prunille. Some producer brands are also present. In some shops, dates are sold unbranded by weight.

Ethical sourcing and sourcing of organic dates is also present in France. Examples of companies and date importers sourcing ethically include QES (Qualité-Équité-Solidarité), Biofrui 1981, Pépite Fruits Secs and Pronatura. 

French brands usually promote a date cultivar (most commonly Deglet Nour or Medjool) and sometimes the origin (most often Algeria or Tunisia). Promoting the origin of the dates means that Tunisia and Algeria are recognised as quality suppliers to France, although some Iranian brands are also gaining market share. The most frequent size of retail packs is 500 g, but many other sizes are also available. 

Figure 6: Medjool dates (brand by Brousse Vergez)

Source: Photo by baslad01 per Open Food Facts, (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Most supermarket brands (private labels) in France use the front-of-pack Nutri-Score system to label dates. Dates are usually labelled ‘B’ or sometimes ‘A’, depending on the sugar content.

Figure 7: Date paste

Source: Photo by kiliweb per Open Food Facts, (CC BY-SA 3.0)

The United Kingdom: Opportunities for emerging suppliers

In 2025, the United Kingdom imported 31,940 tonnes of dates, valued at €108 million. Most imported dates are consumed within the country and only around 3% of dates are re-exported. The consumption of dates is estimated at almost 31,000 tonnes in 2025. 

In 2025, the United Kingdom imported most of its dates (by value) from Israel (26%), Tunisia (12%), Palestinian Territories (10%), Saudi Arabia (8%) and Jordan (7%). The second-largest European supplier, Algeria, has a market share of only 3%. 

Another characteristic of date imports in the United Kingdom is the presence of many importers bringing in smaller quantities. Many suppliers specialise in the ethnic segment and sell dates to specialised ethnic shops. Examples of ethnic suppliers and importers include Fudco, AFAK Trading, Golden Saffron, Organic UK, Sahara UK Foods, WG Buchanan and Damasgate.

Large market shares are held by the private labels of retail chains such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, ASDA and Morrisons. A leading independent brand is Whitworths. The presence of other brands (aside from private labels) is relatively small and includes brands such as Crazy Jack and Wholefoods. 

Some exporters are successfully selling their own branded dates. Examples include Hadiklaim from Israel (Jordan River brand) and Siafa International from Saudi Arabia (Madina brand). The French cooperative Maître Prunille also sells the Eat Me brand in the UK. Some suppliers focus on one sourcing origin and promote the origin. For example, Yaffa promotes dates from the Palestinian Territories. 

In the United Kingdom, dates are used more and more often as an ingredient in fruit snacks without added sugar. In these products, dates or date paste is used to provide sweetness. Many fruit bar snacks with dates were launched in the last few years. Some examples are Get Buzzing, Nakd and Deliciously Ella. Biona, Groovy Food and Basra are notable date syrup brands.

The market in the United Kingdom offers specific opportunities for suppliers of Fairtrade-certified dates, as the country is home to one of the largest Fairtrade product markets in Europe. British sales volumes of most Fairtrade products increased in 2024. However, Fairtrade dates are still a niche product, so exporters should first check buyer demand in premium retail and online shops.

Figure 8: Date syrup (Biona brand)

Source: Photo by arethe per Open Food Facts, (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Germany: The European importer with a large organic market

German imports of dates have increased over the last 5 years at an average annual growth rate of 4.7%. However, there was a decrease in imports in 2022 due to price inflation caused by the energy crisis following the outbreak of war in Ukraine. In 2025, German date imports reached 36,329 tonnes and a value of €113 million. Germany also (re)exported 6,800 tonnes, leaving around 29,500 tonnes for domestic consumption. 

In 2025, Germany imported 37% of its dates by value from Tunisia, followed by Israel (24%), Palestinian Territories (7%) and Iran (5%). Other suppliers with increasing exports to Germany are Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The highest increase in imports is noted for Israel. German imports of dates from the Palestinian Territories increased from 1,122 tonnes in 2021 to 5,352 tonnes in 2025. Other emerging suppliers include Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon.

Significant quantities of dates in Germany are sold under private labels, including labels such as Alesto (by discounter chain Lidl), Trader Joe’s (by ALDI Nord), ja! (by REWE) and EDEKA and EDEKA Bio (by EDEKA). Some examples of independent brands are Seeberger, Farmer’s Snack and Kluth. A large share of organic dates is sold under private label brands of specialised organic retailers. There are also independent organic brands, such as Rapunzel, Clasen Bio and Morgenland.

Most suppliers to German mainstream supermarkets offer pitted dates even though some consumers prefer dates with pits. The reason behind this is easier quality control of pitted dates. During the pitting process, it is easier to notice and remove dates infested with insects. However, it is common for some origins and varieties to be with pits. Medjool dates are usually with pits while Deglet Nour are usually pitted. 

Germany is a particularly attractive market for organic dates, as the country is the largest European market for organic food. In 2025, purchases of organic food increased to €18.23 billion. Germany is famous for its large range of specialised retailers of organic food, such as BioMarkt, Alnatura, Basic, tegut, ebl-naturkost and SuperBioMarkt. Leading retail chains are also increasing their share of organic private labels.

The use of dates as an ingredient is also increasing in the organic segment. Some organic products containing dates in Germany include fruit bars (e.g. Lubs, Alnatura and Lebepur), fruit snacks (e.g. DM and Bio-Zentrale) and breakfast porridge mixtures (e.g. Austrian company Verival).

Figure 9: Example of a date syrup in Germany

Source: Photo by moon-rabbit for Open Food Facts, (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Spain: A significant increase in imports

Spanish date imports show a significant increase, with an annual growth rate of 8.6%. Spain’s date imports increased from 13,412 tonnes in 2021 to 18,641 tonnes in 2025, or €56.8 million. Spanish date consumption is estimated to have been around 16,800 tonnes in 2025. 

In 2025, Spain imported 32% of its dates by value from Tunisia, followed by Israel (30%) and France (14%). Large quantities (2,500 tonnes) were imported from France through re-export. Some of those re-exported quantities were packed by France-based retailers and sold in Spain. Morocco and the Palestinian Territoriesgained market share at the fastest rate in Spain. Morocco increased its supply from 37 tonnes in 2021 to 357 tonnes in 2025. The Palestinian share increased from 1 tonne in 2021 to 178 tonnes in 2025.

Dates are mostly sold by private labels of Spanish retail chains such as Mercadona (Hacendado label), Carrefour, Lidl (Alesto label), Alcampo (Auchan label), Eroski, Dia and ALDI. Some examples of independent brands are El Monaguillo (by Bernabe Biosca Alimentacion, produced in Tunisia), Casa Pons (by Importaco, sold in Mercadona), Frumesa, Borges, Fernández and Campomar Nature (organic). Also, some quantities are sold unbranded by weight.

Italy: Supply dominated by Tunisia

In 2025, Italy imported 29,464 tonnes of dates with a value of €54.4 million. Around 3,140 tonnes were re-exported, leaving around 26,300 tonnes for domestic consumption. Imports of dates to Italy show a strong seasonal pattern. Italy imported more than 36% of its dates in the last quarter of 2025, reaching a peak in November. This is explained by an increased use of dates during the winter holidays in Italy. 

Italy imports most of its dates from Tunisia. In 2025, Italy imported 48% of its dates by value from Tunisia, followed by Israel (22%) and the Palestinian territories (5%). Italy imports some quantities via re-export from the Netherlands and France. French retailers pack dried fruits in France, including dates, and then export the products to Italy. Pakistan is present on the Italian market with a 2% share of direct exports. Other emerging suppliers include Morocco, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. 

Sales are dominated by private supermarket labels, such as Coop, Conad and Carrefour. Independent brands include Fatina (by Murano), Ventura, Noberasco and Life. The variety that is sold the most is Deglet Nour, with Tunisia as the main origin. Several retail brands present the name of the date cultivar on the retail label (Medjool or Deglet Nour). 

The Netherlands: A re-exporter of dates

Date imports to the Netherlands have been increasing at an average annual rate of 13.8% since 2021. However, imports briefly decreased in 2022 due to price inflation. This drop was followed by very strong growth in the next 3 years. Imports reached 29,516 tonnes and a value of €123 million in 2025. Although the Netherlands imports more dates than Spain and Italy, consumption is relatively small, as most dates are re-exported. In 2025, the Netherlands re-exported more than 24,000 tonnes of dates, leaving around 5,000 tonnes for domestic consumption together with unsold stocks. 

The Netherlands is the only major European importer for which Israel is the leading supplier. In 2025, the Netherlands imported 54% of its dates by value from Israel, followed by Germany (12%), France (5%) and South Africa (4%). Morocco is gaining market share in the Netherlands at the quickest rate, from 20 tonnes in 2021 to 409 tonnes in 2025. The leading market for dates re-exported from the Netherlands is Germany, followed by Belgium and Türkiye.

Most dates in the Netherlands are sold under private labels. The leading retail chains selling dates under their own label include Albert Heijn (AH label), ALDI (Trader Joe’s label), Jumbo (Jumbo label) and Lidl (Alesto label). Large Medjool dates are sometimes packed in more luxurious packaging. Some dates are sold under producer labels, especially in ethnic shops. The leading organic brand for dates is Smaakt Bio. Organic dates are also packed and sold under private labels. 

Several Dutch producers use dates as a food for kids. One example is the company Truly Foods, which individually packs small dates under the brand de Kleine Keuken (the Little Kitchen). 

4. Which trends offer opportunities or pose threats in the European dates market?

The increasing demand for healthy snacking and sugar replacement alternatives, combined with product innovation, is the driving force behind the growing consumer interest in dates in Europe. Sustainable and ethical production, including the preservation of our biodiversity and ecosystem, as well as the protection of our natural resources, are also important factors. This is becoming an important aspect for European traders and consumers. There is also an increased consciousness of the importance to protect water resources. For example, the Naturland certification pays particular attention to the use of sustainable water resources.

Natural replacement for white sugar

Sugar consumption is decreasing in Europe. Dates are one of the sweetest fruits, containing naturally occurring sugars. Dates and date products are used more and more often as a natural sweetener. Innovative fruit snacks and other products containing dates very often use clean and clear label claims, such as: refined sugar free, no added sugar, reduced sugar and low sugar. Dates also add flavour and colour, replacing the need for artificial additives.

Dates are used in home cooking, to give natural sweetness to products such as smoothies, shakes and healthy snacks. Industrial users use date products as a sugar replacement more and more often, including date paste and date syrup. Some companies promote dates as a vegan sugar replacement. As honey is produced by bees, it is not vegan. 

Producers and exporters of dates are also diversifying their offer by introducing new products, aside from date syrup and date paste. For example, Tunisian company Boudjebel produces date crystal sugar, date powder, date paste, date syrup, date kernel oil and date bread. They also produce date filling. 

Sustainability and ethical production are growing in importance

Consumers and retailers are more and more interested in sustainably produced fruit products, including dates. Read more about these trends in the CBI processed fruit and vegetables trends study.

A couple of ethical sourcing projects have been launched in the Palestinian Territories. An example is the UNICOP project from Florence, Italy. This project is called ‘Jericho Dates’ and involves exclusive marketing in Coop supermarkets under the ‘Terra Equa’ brand. The project is the result of Coop’s collaboration with Palestinian producers and Israeli transporters. Another project supporting sales of Palestinian Medjool dates in the United Kingdom is the social enterprise Zaytoun. 

Sustainable sourcing has become very important for European date importers. For example, the German organic food company Rapunzel has developed its own fair-trade programme and certification called HAND IN HAND. This certification guarantees fair prices, good working conditions, social security and transparency for suppliers. Centre de Conditionnement des Fruits (CCF), a dates processor from Tunisia, has benefited from this programme and has become a direct supplier to Rapunzel. 

Another example of a sustainable approach to solve environmental problems is Beni Ghreb, a date cooperative and processor in Tunisia. The company is cooperating with GEPA (a large European fair trade company). The farmers of Beni Ghreb are suffering from climate change, as the increase in temperature and lack of water have led to the drying out of the fruits and reduced sizes. To support farmers, GEPA has developed a chocolate with dates where small-sized dates are used as an ingredient: Choco4Change. 

Healthy snacking for athletes 

A major trend that is in line with the increased consumption of dates, is healthy snacking. Consumers are searching for healthier alternatives to snack on between meals, or for snacks that can replace meals. Younger consumers who are taking more care of their health and wellness no longer favour sweets such as candies and chocolate snacks, but switch to protein bars and other low-sugar alternatives. As a result, dried fruit is becoming more and more popular as a snack.

However, dates are not considered light snacks, as they are rich in carbohydrates. Depending on the variety, they contain between 45% and 80% sugar. The good news is that date sugar has a low glycaemic index. This means it is digested slowly, keeping energy levels even. A slow release of energy ensures athletes have enough strength to perform well during their activities. They are also used as snacks after intensive training sessions to support glycogen replacement in muscles.

Autentika Global carried out this study on behalf of CBI.

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