Import of Iranian Dates
Importing Iranian dates is one of the most important trade routes and is highly profitable. Dates have been produced in Iran since ancient times and are cultivated in many regions of the country. Due to Iran’s favorable weather conditions, date production in Iran has high economic value.
Although the largest area under date cultivation in the world belongs to Iran, the country is placed second in production due to the low average yield. Fifteen provinces of Iran host palm groves. Among them, the five provinces of Kerman, Khuzestan, Sistan and Baluchistan, Bushehr, and Hormozgan account for two-thirds of Iran’s date production.
In terms of the output of Iran’s prime plants in terms of date production per hectare, South Kerman ranks first with 6,670 kilograms of dates per hectare, followed by Kerman with 6,256 kilograms, Fars with 5,983 kilograms, Hormozgan with 5,365 kilograms, and Sistan and Baluchistan with 5,132 kilograms per hectare.
The date harvesting season is also a time of major buying and selling of dates, with traded dates stored in warehouses and cold storages. The wholesale price of dates is influenced by factors such as the volume of exports from Iran, proximity to the holy month of Ramadan, and policies implemented by the Iranian government.
Iran is the world’s leading date-producing country, with a very high production capacity. Dates are primarily produced in Iran, and the largest amount is exported to foreign countries.
The value of dates as a healthy and natural product is highly regarded in international markets, with high demand. Date export is considered a vital and profitable investment in Iran.
Exporting Iranian Dates to World Markets
In recent years, the Iranian Date export market has experienced significant growth, and Iran has established itself as one of the leading date exporters in the world.
With the export of more than 400,000 tons of dates annually, Iran ranks third in date export globally.
Thanks to the country’s suitable climate and geographical advantages, Iranian farmers have been able to produce high-quality dates in large quantities. This not only meets domestic demand but also supports exports to other countries.
Iran holds the first place worldwide in terms of cultivated area of dates, with large quantities of this product making their way to international markets each year, thereby boosting date exports. Therefore, Iran is considered one of the important date-producing countries, with quality export varieties such as Mozafati and Pyaram.
Dates are a strategic product rich in nutritional resources, and Iran’s high capability in producing and exporting this product has led to the export of significant amounts of dates to different countries every year.
Despite the high variety of dates in Iran, the development of date processing and production of products such as juice, paste, marmalade, etc., can play an important role in increasing added value and creating jobs.
These processed date products can also be exported to global markets, creating a very high potential to attract new markets and increase the country’s income.
Types of Dates in Iran
Iran is one of the countries with suitable conditions for date cultivation, producing the best and highest quality dates. Iranian dates have many fans all over the world.
Iranian dates are unmatched anywhere on earth. Due to the fertility of some areas of Iran, optimal conditions have been provided for date cultivation.
The export of Iranian dates has led many countries to seek to buy them, enchanted by their taste and quality. Date cultivation in European countries is not possible due to weather conditions. Some countries, in addition to buying dates for their own consumption, purchase extra dates to export to other nations.
Export of other Dates (colonies)
In recent years, the export of Colon dates has achieved the highest statistics in Iran’s date exports, accounting for 50% of the country’s date exports. The Colon date is considered one of the sweetest dates.
This type of date falls into the category of semi-dry dates. One of the important features of this type of date is its long shelf life due to a moisture content of about 15-18%. Compared to other Iranian semi-dry dates, Colon dates are reasonably priced.
The highest production of this quality Iranian date belongs to Khuzestan province. Colon dates are storable and easy to transport, making them one of the most profitable and easy-to-export items in Iran.
Another name for colonial Dates
Colony date is also known as Sayer date internationally. Khuzestan province is the main production center for Sayer dates. This highly exported date has a light to dark brown color and the amount of sugar in this type of date is suitable for export. Being semi-dry, the core can be easily removed.
Export of grilled Dates from Iran
Kabkab dates are one of the most important types of dates in Iran and one of Iran’s export varieties, accounting for a significant portion of the country’s date exports every year.
Kabkab dates are among the high-quality and valuable products grown and harvested in Iran. These dates are often cultivated in regions such as Tangistan, Barazjan, and Kazerun. This product has a delicious and hearty taste and can be consumed both wet and dried.
Kabkab dates have several special features, including their soft and juicy texture, sweet taste, and large size.
The color of the skin of the best Kabkab dates is golden yellow at the prickly stage. Other features include a moisture content of less than 18%. Kabkab dates have three different semi-dry types: non-juicy, sticky, and juicy.
kloteh Dates
Kloteh dates or Klitah dates are highly sought after in Iran’s neighboring countries due to their taste and price. Large quantities of these dates are exported to other countries every year.
The largest amount of Kloteh dates is produced in the Jiroft region of Kerman province and presented to the market. Most of Kloteh date exports from Iran are made to Pakistan.
Shahani Dates
The export of Shahani dates from Iran to countries such as India and Pakistan has been one of the most successful examples of the trade of this product. The main production of Shahani dates takes place in Fars province and Jahrom city.
Dates Zahedi
Zahedi dates are among the best and highest quality dates produced in Iran. They are exported to countries like India and Pakistan, bringing good foreign exchange earnings for the country every year.
The harvesting season for Zahedi dates in Iran starts at the beginning of September and sometimes extends to the end of the month. These dates can be used in dry, semi-dry, or wet forms.
Zahedi dates fall into the category of semi-dry dates. In addition to being consumed fresh, they are used significantly in the alcohol-making and confectionery industries in different countries.
This type of date is produced in Fars, Bushehr, and Hormozgan provinces, and supplied to international markets. The cities of Karzin and Qir play a crucial role in the production of Zahedi dates, producing them with very high quality.
Varieties of Zahedi Dates
First Class Zahedi Dates
This type of date is of very high quality and often exported to countries such as Pakistan, Russia, Afghanistan, and Persian Gulf countries. The color of first-grade Zahedi dates is chocolate brown or light brown. This type of date is often used in confectioneries and sweets.
Grade Two Zahedi Dates
This type of date is not exported to foreign countries and is typically sent to domestic factories and markets. The quality of Grade Two Zahedi dates is slightly lower compared to first-grade dates.
Waste Zahedi Dates
This type of date is not exported due to lack of quality. Some uses of Waste Zahedi dates include juice production, producing vinegar, and animal feed.
Additional Dates
Mozafati Dates are one of the most popular types of Iranian Dates, making up nearly half of Iran’s date production. They have many fans both inside and outside the country, and a large amount is distributed in foreign markets every year.
Currently, Russia and Qatar are the two largest importers of Mozafati dates. It’s notable that Bam is the largest producer of this date.
Thanks to their wonderful taste, Mozafati dates have secured an acceptable position in the world date market. The main source of this date is Kerman province.
One can safely say that Mozafati dates are among the most beloved dates globally. These dates have been exported from Iran throughout the year and in high tonnage. The export of this type of date has consistently earned good currency due to regular and special customers.
Rabi Dates are one of the most famous types of dates in Sistan and Baluchistan province. With the growth of production in recent years, these dates have successfully entered the export market. Currently, large quantities of Rabi dates are exported to Arab countries, Pakistan, European countries, and East Asia.
The low humidity of this date and the lack of need for refrigerated containers make the export of Rabi dates convenient.
Rabi, or Pakistani dates, are less sweet compared to Mozafati dates. They have gained many fans not only in Iran but also in European countries. The best type of Rabi date is cultivated and produced in Iranshahr and Zabul. This date falls into the category of semi-dry dates and is relatively large and fleshy.
Pyaram dates exported from Iran are among the most significant export items. This type of date has many fans internationally. Due to its beautiful appearance, Pyaram dates are known as the bride of dates in Iran and the world.
It is noteworthy that the flesh and skin of this type of date are completely attached to each other. Pyaram dates are considered among the most luxurious and best export dates. These dates are easily and quickly metabolized by the body because they contain fructose. Diabetic people can use Pyaram dates as a permitted sugar.
Pyaram dates have a very high price and a wonderful taste, making them a sought-after variety for palm farmers in the southern region of Iran. Most of these dates are produced in Hormozgan province.
The main center of Pyaram date cultivation and harvesting is Haji Abad city, Hormozgan province. Export dates from Pyaram, Haji Abad, have gained high popularity among traders and buyers.
The Difference Between Rabi and Pyaram Dates
Pyaram dates, often referred to as the “gold of the south,” are among the most expensive and high-quality export dates. The price difference of this type of export date with other date varieties is due to the limited area under cultivation.
Rabi dates are semi-dry dates, while Pyaram dates are classified as completely dry dates. Rabi dates are excellent, delicious, and large in size.
Although Pyaram dates have a hard flesh, they become soft and very tasty when eaten. Rabi dates are produced in large quantities in Sistan and Baluchistan province, whereas Pyaram dates are often produced in the south of Iran. Due to their dryness and low humidity, Rabi dates have a very long shelf life.
The Most Expensive Export Date of Iran
Iran is one of the largest producers of dates in the world, annually exporting substantial amounts of dates to other countries. Pyaram dates are among the best and most expensive export dates from Iran.
Among the different types of export dates, Zahedi, Mozafati, Payaram, and Majol dates are known as the best export dates. Consequently, the demand for these four types of dates is higher than that of other dates.
Recommendations for Buying Dates
Avoid purchasing open dates unless you trust the seller, as the growth and transportation conditions of these dates are unknown. It’s better to opt for packaged dates instead.
If the date is sugary, it indicates that the date is old. The presence of objects such as plants or small debris in date packaging suggests non-industrial packaging.
When buying dates, pay attention to their color. Each type of date has its specific color when ripe, so it helps to know what each type should look like.
If you want to buy a large quantity of dates, it’s better to choose dry dates because they are easier to store and have a longer shelf life than wet dates.
To import dates from Iran to Brazil and take advantage of our experiences and consultants, you can contact Atra Atlas Trading Holding.
