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.