Egypt is among the world's largest date producers with an annual production exceeding 1.8 million tons, ranking first globally in production. Egyptian dates are distinguished by world-class quality and exceptional diversity including over 15 varieties, making them an unmissable investment opportunity for international importers.
Egypt produces a wide range of the finest date varieties: Medjool — "King of Dates," large size, dense flesh, balanced sweetness, heavily demanded in Europe and America. Saidy — authentic Egyptian variety, medium size, rich flavor, preferred in the Gulf. Barhi — soft and honey-like, ideal for fresh consumption. Deglet Nour — golden translucent, "light of the date," exported in large quantities to France and Germany. Amhat — early variety, suitable for quick export. Key markets: Europe (35%), Gulf (30%), Asia (20%), and America (15%).
The main Egyptian date season runs from August through November, with ripening times varying by variety. Harvesting is done manually on most farms to preserve fruit quality. Packaging: 2-5 kg carton boxes for premium dates, 500g-1kg vacuum packs, transparent plastic containers for fresh dates, and luxury wooden gift boxes. Dates are shipped in refrigerated (reefer) containers at 0-4°C for fresh dates, or regular containers for dried and compressed dates. Shipping time: 7-10 days to the Gulf, 14-21 days to Europe.
Egyptian dates for export are subject to strict standards: GlobalGAP certification for good agricultural practices, HACCP for food safety, ISO 22000 for food safety management, and BRC for British standards. For the European Union, SGS or Bureau Veritas certification and pesticide residue analysis are required. For Gulf countries, SASO and health certificates are mandatory. Sorting is done by: size, color, moisture content, and Brix/sugar content. Suppliers offer Private Label services for hotels and major retailers.
Exporting Egyptian dates is one of the most profitable sectors in international trade. Egyptian date price for importers: $2.5-4.5/kg FOB depending on variety and quality. Selling price in European markets: $8-15/kg. Net profit margin: 45-70% for premium dates, 30-45% for regular dates. Value can be increased through post-harvest operations: drying, premium packaging, date paste production, date sugar, and date vinegar. Rowad El Shareq offers services connecting importers with certified date farms in the New Valley, Siwa, and Fayoum.
Egyptian dates represent an exceptional investment opportunity combining massive production, world-class quality, and growing demand. Whether you are importing for European, Gulf, or Asian markets, Egypt offers the finest dates at the best prices. Contact Rowad El Shareq to book your shipment from the new season.