The increase highlights expanding trade ties between Saudi Arabia and one of the world’s largest consumer markets, as Indian buyers increasingly turn to dates not only as a traditional food item but also as a year-round health product and gifting option.

Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Palms and Dates, the government agency responsible for developing the Kingdom’s date sector, said earlier this month that exports to India increased by 25% in 2025 compared with the previous year, helping support the industry’s global expansion strategy.

Indian importers say demand has been particularly strong for Safawi dates, commonly marketed in India as Kalami dates, and for the Sukkari variety, both of which are viewed as premium products.

Tariq Tabrez, owner of Hindustan Foreign Traders and a date importer since 2012, said Saudi products have gained market share because of their combination of quality, shelf life and competitive pricing.

“Saudi dates’ quality and price are both competitive,” Tabrez said, adding that Indian consumers increasingly view Saudi dates as superior to some Iranian varieties that have traditionally dominated the market.

According to traders, consumer behavior has shifted notably over the past five years. Dates are increasingly being purchased as a substitute for conventional sweets and confectionery products, reflecting growing awareness of nutrition and healthier eating habits.

Sukkari dates, widely consumed in Saudi Arabia alongside traditional Arabic coffee and tea, are finding similar uses among Indian consumers who are replacing sugary desserts with date-based alternatives.

Industry participants say the market has broadened beyond seasonal demand patterns. While dates remain closely associated with Ramadan in many Muslim-majority countries, Indian consumption has become more diversified and less dependent on religious occasions.

“People are giving dates as gifts. Compared to five years ago, the demand is much more, and it is not limited to one season,” Tabrez said.

Wholesalers attribute part of the demand surge to changing consumer attitudes following the COVID-19 pandemic. Increased interest in immunity, nutrition and natural food products has contributed to stronger sales across India’s dry-fruit sector.

Vishal Gupta, owner of New Delhi-based Vishal Enterprise, said his company has recorded a roughly 20% increase in demand for Saudi dates since the pandemic period.

“After the coronavirus, people have started to consume more dates. People have become more health conscious,” Gupta said.

Traders said demand spans different communities and regions across India, indicating that dates are increasingly viewed as a mainstream health-focused food product rather than a niche or seasonal purchase.

The trend underscores Saudi Arabia’s efforts to diversify its agricultural exports while benefiting from rising consumer demand in India for natural sweeteners and premium food products.

The conference, titled “World of Dates,” will be held from Nov. 25 to Dec. 4 and will bring together specialists from around the world to exchange knowledge and explore solutions for long-term agricultural development.

Organized by the National Center for Palms and Dates at King Saud University, the event returns this year with expanded scientific and commercial programs.

It includes a partnership with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, strengthening the event’s focus on cutting-edge research, food security strategies and future investment opportunities.

The conference carries the theme “Investment and Innovation to Explore New Horizons for the Palm and Date Sector,” highlighting the sector’s strategic value for both national and international markets.

Sessions will explore the latest advancements in agritech, sustainable farming practices and digital transformation in agricultural management.

Central discussions will address challenges linked to palm pests and diseases, bringing global experts together to present new research and practical solutions.

The program will also emphasize the role of smart farming technologies, including precision systems, data-driven irrigation and automated monitoring tools that can boost productivity and improve overall quality.

Post-harvest automation will be a major focus of the event, with speakers highlighting ways to optimize processing, reduce waste and enhance efficiency.

Innovation in sorting, packaging and preservation technologies will be presented as essential steps toward strengthening the circular economy within the date industry.

A number of pioneering research studies and development initiatives will be showcased, including those nominated for the National Center for Palms and Dates Award.

These contributions are expected to highlight progress in biotechnology, sustainable practices and environmental resilience for palm cultivation.

The exhibition component will be open to the public free of charge from 4–11 p.m. daily, offering visitors a comprehensive experience through region-themed pavilions that showcase the Kingdom’s diverse date varieties and cultural heritage.

Each pavilion will highlight regional identities, farming traditions and agricultural techniques that have shaped the sector over generations.

An independent exhibitors’ area will provide space for companies, farmers and entrepreneurs to present processed date products, new technologies and market innovations.
A live-cooking zone supervised by Saudi and international chefs will allow visitors to experience culinary creations centered around dates.

The event will also feature a dedicated restaurant and cafe area serving local and international dishes made with Saudi dates, reflecting their rising global appeal.
A handicrafts area will display products and artwork connected to palms and dates, shining a spotlight on the deep cultural ties embedded in the sector.

Visitors can explore the Palm Heritage Museum, an immersive experience that traces the history of palm cultivation and the evolution of the date industry.

The museum highlights traditional practices, technological advancements and the significant role dates have played in social and economic development.

Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its position as a global leader in the date market.
In 2024, the Kingdom ranked first in global date exports, reaching 133 countries and achieving export values of SR1.695 billion ($452 million) with production exceeding 1.9 million tonnes.

The conference aims to build on this momentum by exploring global partnerships, enhancing investment opportunities and promoting sustainable practices across the entire value chain.

With its focus on innovation and collaboration, the event is expected to support long-term growth and reaffirm the Kingdom’s global leadership in the date industry.