Recent statistics issued by Al-Ahsa Municipality revealed an increase in sales of dates this current season, due to a rise in global and local manufacturing and manufactured exports.
According to the report, 13,000 vehicles entered King Abdullah City for Dates for the auction, where 21 million kg were sold for a total of SR7.92 million, in addition to SR19 million for manufactured date sales. That makes SR26.92 million.
Muhammad Ismail, director of King Abdullah City for Dates, said that Al-Ahsa dates have achieved high international standards in quality, which allows many traders and manufacturers to export their products.
Ali Ahmed Al-Yaseen, a date trader, said that Al-Ahsa witnessed the largest consumer turnout this year, due to high quality, and a rise in domestic and international consumer appeal.
“Many date producers upgraded their packaging instead of using the traditional ones, while maintaining international specifications and standards.” He said that small date packages achieved a rise in exports, as 37 percent of the smaller packages were exported. Also, many women preferred to buy packaged stuffed dates.
“This year dates varied compared to last year, as there were varieties offered with different flavors that attracted all family members, especially children,” the trader added.
All dates traders agreed that Al-Ahsa dates still occupy a prominent place among consumers, pointing out that new marketing strategies added to the success of the season.