In Tunisia, the date harvest reached a record volume. But this season is special because of the impacts of the health crisis. Local demand must be stimulated and external markets must be strengthened.

 

 

 

A few weeks ago it was announced that the date harvest for the current season is considered a record. With an estimate of 345,000 tonnes against 331,000 tonnes last season. But if the harvest is abundant, the season is special because of the impacts of the health crisis on the sector in terms of collection and marketing. Promotion on the internal market and the search for new markets are necessary.

 

 

 

For the internal market, an agreement has been concluded between the Ministry of Commerce and sector organizations for direct supply to supermarkets from cooperatives and without going through intermediaries. But also to set up numerous points of sale from producer to consumer. As well as the setting up of an annual event called "The Month of Dates" alongside the start of the harvest, in order to stimulate the consumption of dates on the national market.

 

 

 

For the 2020-2021 season, exporters will benefit from an exceptional export premium to the Libyan market, sub-Saharan African markets and Asian markets. To diversify foreign markets, a prospecting premium is also set up.

 

 

 

During the first 8 months of 2020, Tunisia exported 74,100 tonnes of dates, the volume reached 77,900 tonnes during the same period of 2019. The sector believes it can increase its exports to India, France, Morocco, Turkey, Germany and Italy.

The health crisis has impacted the volume exported, but market diversification could reverse this trend (Photo: realites.com.tn).