Dates Wholesale

What are Dates?

Dates (Phoenix dactylifera) are sweet, nutritious fruits that have been cultivated for thousands of years in the Middle East and North Africa. They come from the date palm tree and are valued not only for their sweetness but also for their rich cultural significance in the regions where they are grown.

Known for their naturally high sugar content, dates are often enjoyed as a natural sweetener in a variety of dishes, snacks, and desserts. As a go-to ingredient they are often paired with figs, apricots, or raisins.

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Types, Varieties & Forms of Dates

The global date market includes numerous varieties and forms suited to both retail and industrial applications:

• Medjool Dates – Large, soft, and exceptionally sweet, Medjools are often consumed as snacks or used in premium confections.
• Deglet Noor Dates – Medium-sized with a firmer texture and milder sweetness, Deglet Noor dates are common in cooking and baking.
• Barhi Dates – Small and syrupy when ripe, these are often eaten fresh or semi-dried in traditional Middle Eastern dishes.
• Khajoor Dates – A general term used in South Asia for smaller date varieties, often used in sweets and offerings.
• Dried Dates – Naturally dehydrated to extend shelf life, these are widely used in granolas, cereals, and baked goods.
• Date Paste – A thick, smooth purée used as a natural sweetener in energy bars, pastries, and sauces.

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Harvest Season of Dates

Dates are harvested at full ripeness when their sugars are naturally concentrated. The harvest season varies by geography:

In the Middle East and North Africa, dates are typically harvested from August through October, aligning with the region's hot, dry climate. In California, the U.S. harvest season usually runs from late August to early November.

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Producing Countries

Dates are primarily grown in the Middle East and North Africa, with Egypt, Iran, and Saudi Arabia being the top producers. In 2020, global date production was over 8 million metric tons. Dates are primarily grown in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Major producing countries include::

• Egypt – The world's leading date producer, supplying over 1.7 million metric tons annually.
• Saudi Arabia – Known for premium dates and a deep cultural heritage tied to date farming.
• Iran – Home to diverse varieties such as Mazafati, Iran exports both fresh and dried formats.
• United Arab Emirates – A major exporter, especially of high-end and organic Medjool dates.
• Tunisia – Specializing in Deglet Noor, Tunisia is a major European supplier.
• United States – California’s Coachella Valley produces Medjool and Deglet Noor dates for North American and global markets.

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Trends & Industry Insights

Dates are enjoying renewed global popularity, particularly among health-conscious consumers. Their status as a whole, minimally processed fruit aligns with clean-label and plant-based food trends. Medjool dates, in particular, are being positioned as natural snacks or dessert alternatives.

Food manufacturers are incorporating dates into energy bars, smoothies, confectionery fillings, and plant-based sweeteners. The use of date paste in bakery products and health foods is expanding due to its clean taste, binding properties, and nutritional value.

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Date Manufacturers

Nutrada connects wholesale buyers with certified date manufacturers from key growing regions such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iran, and California. Whether you’re sourcing premium Medjools or industrial-grade paste, Nutrada ensures product consistency, competitive pricing, and supply chain transparency.

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Bulk Dates

Dates are available in bulk formats including cartons, vacuum-packed trays, and paste tubs. Nutrada’s supplier network helps buyers match dates by moisture content, size, and pitting standards to meet foodservice, retail, and manufacturing requirements.

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Private Label Dates

Looking to develop date-based snacks or spreads under your brand? Nutrada partners offer private label services including product development, labeling, and compliance for Medjool dates, date rolls, and sweetener products.

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Organic Dates

With increasing demand for certified natural foods, suppliers on Nutrada offer organic Medjool and Deglet Noor dates from certified farms in the U.S., Tunisia, and the UAE. Available with USDA Organic, EU Organic, and other internationally recognized certifications.

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Find Date Suppliers on Nutrada

From dried Medjools to functional date paste, Nutrada makes it easy to source premium dates from around the world. Sign up today to connect with vetted producers, browse pricing, and explore date-based ingredient solutions tailored to your business.

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