If you are looking to import high quality and delicious Iranian dates, do not miss this article.
Iran is one of the countries known for its unique dried fruits. Iran’s top and famous export products include saffron, pistachio, dates, raisins, barberry, dried figs, and other dried fruits.
As mentioned above, one of the main Iranian export products that has many customers around the world is various types of Iranian dates.
Dates are one of the old fruits whose tree is considered as a tropical plant.
Based on trade statistics reports, Iran has the first place in the world in terms of the cultivated area of dates.
Also, Iran with an annual production of 1.4 million tons of dates, ranks second in the world in the export of this product.
Iran produces several varieties of dates, each with its own distinct taste and characteristics. The most popular types include Mazafati, Piarom, Zahedi, and Kabkab dates. Mazafati dates are the most commonly cultivated variety in Iran, with a soft texture, dark color, and rich flavor. Piarom dates are slightly dryer and have a caramel-like taste, while Zahedi dates are drier still and have a sweet, nutty flavor. Kabkab dates are larger and have a soft texture and a sweet, honey-like taste.
Iran’s date industry is an important part of the country’s economy, generating over $1 billion in revenue in 2020. The European Union, India, and Russia and CIS contries are among the largest importers of Iranian dates, with demand for this sweet fruit continuing to grow.
As a reliable Iranian dates supplier, HAVA Foods is ready to export a wide range of Iranian dates in various packaging to our valued customers.
High-volume orders, premium quality product, and competitive prices are our specialty.
Just send your request (LOI) to our email address and enjoy our unparalleled services.
Stay with us in the rest of the article to learn more about Iranian dates.
Types of dates in Iran
The variety of different types of dates in Iran is very large.
More than 50 types of dates are cultivated in Iran, of which 13 types have the largest production volume.
These 13 types of dates that have the highest production are:
.Mazafati Dates
.Kabkab Dates
.Khasui Dates
.Zahedi Dates
.Piarom Dates
.Shahani Dates
.Majul Dates
.Rabi Dates
.Khenizi Dates
.Estaa’maran Dates (Sayer dates)
.Barhi Dates
.Barimi Dates
.Deiri Dates
Among these 13 types of dates, only 6 types of dates are produced in excess of Iran’s domestic needs and are also exported in significant volumes. They are called Iranian export dates, and they include:
.Mazafati Dates
.Piarom Dates
.Kabkab Dates
.Zahedi Dates
.Rabbi Dates
.Sayer Dates (Estaa’maran Dates)
Next, we will learn more about Iranian export dates:
Mazafati Dates
Mazafati dates are known worldwide for their sweet taste, soft texture, and dark, attractive appearance.
Mazafati dates are the most popular among traders and markets both domestically and internationally. Buying and selling Iranian export Mazafati dates is a process that begins late summer each year.
This type of date makes up a large part of Iran’s non-oil exports.
Mazafati dates are one of the most famous varieties of dates produced in Iran. Some foreign traders call them Iranian sweet dates. Mazafati dates have a good place in the global date market due to their sweet taste, attractive color, and good shelf life. Kerman, Sistan and Baluchestan provinces have the largest area under cultivation of this product. And the most famous area for cultivating this product is Bam city in Kerman province. In addition of Bam, Narmashir, and Jiroft are also the main regions producing first-class export Mazafati dates.
To the extent that Iranian people know Mazafati dates as Bam, and the name Mazafati dates as Bam are very famous.
The largest volume of Iranian Mazafati dates is exported to India, Russia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, the Persian Gulf, and the European Union.
Of course, Mazafati dates can also be seen on store shelves in the most distant countries, including the American continent, like Brazil.
Features of first-class export Mazafati dates:
In order to be considered a first-class export date, it must have several important features that HAVA Foods carefully observes in the production and packaging process.
1- Dates Color, and Appearance:
First-class export Mazafati dates are dark brown to black in color and have smooth, shiny skin.
Dates with wrinkled or light-colored skin are usually of lower quality and are not selected for export.
2- Proper moisture and softness:
Exported Mazafati dates should not be too dry or soft. The ideal moisture content is between 15 and 35 percent to ensure both long shelf life and a pleasant mouthfeel.
3- Natural Taste:
A mild-sweet taste with a natural aroma is a characteristic of high-quality dates. There should be no additives or artificial sweeteners.
4- Hygienic Packaging and Export Standards
In exporting dates, the type of packaging plays an important role. HAVA Foods complies with global standards by using vacuum packaging, durable export cartons, and including complete product information in two languages.
Piarom Dates
One of the most expensive dates in the country is the Piarom date, which has a thin skin.
Usually, this date is recognized by its wrinkled surface. People who have diabetes problems, this date will be a good option for them. Piarom dates are widely cultivated in Hormozgan province and Hajiabad city. Because there the conditions are more suitable for the growth of this date. Piarom is one of Iran’s best export dates, which has a brown color and medium to large size. Piarom is in the category of semi-dry dates and its humidity is about 15%. Since the fruiting period of this date is longer compared to other dates, its price is higher than other dates.
Piarom dates have earned the nickname of Iran’s chocolate dates due to their quality, elegant appearance, unique taste, and long shelf life.
This date not only has its own customers in the domestic market, but it is also known as one of the most popular export dates in global markets.
Piarom dates are one of the flagships of Iran’s non-oil exports. Thousands of tons of this product are exported to different countries annually and contribute greatly to the country’s foreign exchange earnings.
European countries, Central Asia, India, and the Arab countries of the Persian Gulf are regular customers of Piarom dates.
Characteristics of Piarom dates
• Elongated and oval shape
• Shiny dark brown color
• Semi-dry texture and long shelf life
• Special taste similar to dark chocolate
• Natural sugar content suitable for diabetic patients
These features have placed the Piarom date among the world’s finest dates.
Piarom dates and food industries
Due to their special taste, Piarom dates are used in the following industries:
• Pastry and cake making
• Date chocolate production
• Natural energy bars
• Healthy drinks like Milk_dates
Sayer Dates (or Estamaran Dates)
Sayer dates are one of Iran’s most exported dates. Among the characteristics of sayer dates, we can mention its oval shape, light to dark brown color, being semi-dry and the right amount of sugar. Since the sayer date is semi-dry, its core can be easily removed and it is easily available and portable in any place, even when traveling.
This product is one of the exported dates and the amount of exports to Europe is high and it is well received in the world market! Sayer dates are classified as semi-dry dates with low moisture content (less than 18%). This issue has made the storage conditions of this date easier and it can be stored for a longer period of time. These dates can be stored in covered warehouses at room temperature for about 15 months without any special problems, and this issue has made it much easier to export these dates abroad, so that about 45% of Iran’s date exports belong to Sayer dates.
Sayer dates (esta’amran dates) are one of the sweetest dates in the world. Their sugar content is over 75%.
The harvest time for sayer dates is around early September to early October.
The main place where this type of date is cultivated is Khuzestan Province of Iran.
Due to its high sugar content, Sayer (Estaamran) dates dissolve quickly in water and create a lot of sweetness. The adhesion of the kernel to the flesh of Sayer dates is very low. Its core can be easily separated from the date without the slightest effort and can be pitted.
The ability to remove the pits from these dates makes this type of date very suitable for producing various products such as date milk, etc.
The most common type of packaging for other dates for export is in 5 and 10 kilogram cartons.
The possibility of transporting to distant countries without refrigerated containers is one of the significant advantages of these dates.
Sayer dates (pitted & unpitted) are packaged for export in the following grades:
.Super select
.Select
.B grade
.GAQ
.FAQ
Zahedi Dates
Zahedi dates are one of the most important and widely consumed date varieties in Iran, which is in demand both in the domestic and international markets due to its mild flavor, semi-dry texture, and good shelf life.
This variety is usually cultivated in tropical and semi-arid regions of southern and southeastern Iran, such as Bushehr, Hormozgan, and Kerman provinces, and has significant economic value for farmers.
Zahedi dates grown in Bushehr are usually sweeter and more expensive than those grown in other regions.
This type of date has a special place in the domestic and international markets due to its golden color, long shelf life, and special taste.
Compared to soft dates like Mazafati, Zahedi dates are semi-dry and are an excellent option for long-term storage.
The special characteristics and taste of Zahedi dates
This date is a dried date and is medium in size. The color of Zahedi dates varies from golden to light brown, and its taste is mildly sweet with a hint of caramel.
The skin of Zahedi dates is completely attached to the flesh and is difficult to remove; for this reason, it is not damaged during transportation and is very suitable for wholesale and export sales.
Zahedi dates have a longer shelf life, which allows them to be exported to distant destinations.
The mild, low-sugar, and slightly sweet taste of Zahedi dates makes them a good choice for consumers who are sensitive to sweets.
Target export markets for Zahedi dates
The main customers of Iranian Zahedi dates exported are Central Asian countries (such as Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan), Persian Gulf countries, Europe, and parts of Africa.
Kabkab Dates
Among the types of dates exported from Iran, Kabkab dates can be mentioned. This date is widely cultivated in the Dashtestan region of Bushehr province and also in the Kazerun region of Fars province. So that more than 50,000 tons of Kabkab dates are harvested from these areas every year. Of course, the Kabkab dates of Dashtestan are somewhat larger in size than the Kabkab dates of other places, and this has made them more popular both inside and outside the country.
Approximately 25,000 tons of Kabkab dates produced in Iran are exported abroad each year, which is about 10 percent of the total production of this type of date in the country per year, and the rest is consumed domestically.
This date is one of the best options for home consumption and industrial use, as it is widely used in the food industry. Customers widely welcome Kabkab dates in the export sector, and exporters export them to various countries such as Pakistan, India, and Russia.
Kabkab dates are considered among the group of dates with sap or nectar, and semi-dry or wet dates in Iran. The shape of this product is oval, with a thick skin that sticks to the fruit. This date is large in size, and its texture is very soft and sweet. Kabkab dates are dark brown in color and have a lot of juice. The moisture content of these dates is about 18% and their taste is very good.
Kabkab dates are popular in both domestic and foreign markets. Kabkab dates are available throughout Iran and are known as a popular product in all provinces and cities.
These dates are very common in the domestic market, consumed fresh or as a raw material in various food industries, such as the production of sweets, bread, and fruit juices. Especially with the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, Kabkab dates are considered a main member of the Suhar and Iftar tables.
Size and shape of Kabkab dates
One of the first criteria considered in the classification and pricing of exported Kabkab dates is their size.
Although there are no completely identical standards in all companies, in general, these dates can be divided into the following categories based on length and number per kilogram:
.Super Select: This grade refers to the largest and highest quality dates. Usually, the length of each date seed in this category is between 3.5 and 4 centimeters.
.Select: This grade includes medium to large-sized dates that are about 3 to 3.5 centimeters long.
.Grade B: Dates in this category are slightly smaller, measuring between 2.5 and 3 centimeters in length, and are usually used for industrial uses or in markets with high price sensitivity.
The number of dates per kilogram is another important criterion. The lower the number, the larger the dates.
HAVA Foods, with its knowledge of the main production and processing centers of this type of date, is ready to supply and export Kabkab dates all over the world based on the requirements of our valued customers.
Rabbi Dates
Rabbi dates are the earliest among all Iranian dates, and their sweetness is less compared to Mazafati dates, and it suitable for those who like dates with medium sweetness. Rabbi dates are known in the world as Pakistani dates because a large percentage of these dates are sent from Iran to Pakistan, and a lot of re-exports are made from there.
This date has an elongated and long appearance, and the best type of this date is produced in Sistan and Baluchestan province, especially in the cities of Zabol and Iranshahr.
Appearance characteristics of Rabi dates
• Color: Dark brown to black
• Texture: Soft and fleshy with a small core
• Shape: Elongated oval
• Size: 3 to 5 cm long and 2 to 2.5 cm in diameter
• Skin: Thin, shiny, and sometimes slightly cracked
Rabi dates have a low moisture content and a relatively long shelf life, making them relatively easy to store. However, to maintain the quality and freshness of this type of date, it is still important to observe proper storage conditions and methods.
Rabi dates, especially when purchased in bulk, require proper storage to maintain their desired flavor and prevent spoilage or deterioration.
Rabi dates should be stored in a cool, dry environment. High heat and humidity will cause the dates to become soft and rotten.
The best temperature for storing Rabi dates is usually between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius. Also, dates should be kept in ventilated places and away from direct sunlight to prevent changes in color and flavor.
If you are planning to import Rabi dates to your country, HAVA Foods is ready to be your good purchasing advisor throughout all stages.
Types of date derivatives
In addition to dates, other by-products produced from dates are exported from Iran.
The most important date derivatives include:
.Chopped dates
.Date paste
.Date syrup
Which are used in the production of some products, such as sweets and chocolates, and date composite products such as date milk drink.
Conventional or Organic Dates?
What do you prefer?
Dates are one of the dried fruits produced in Iran, which can be supplied in two types: Conventional and organic.
Of course, the price of organic dates is definitely higher, and European countries show great interest in purchasing this type of date.
Whether you are looking for Conventional dates or organic dates, HAVA Foods is ready to listen to your needs carefully and provide you with the product you want at competitive prices.
Types of dates packaging
At HAVA Foods, we are ready to prepare all kinds of packaging based on your needs.
–Bulk packaging: 5 to 10 kg
–Retail packaging: 100 to 1000 grams
We can also provide traditional or luxury packaging in two types of cartons and plastic containers for our esteemed customers.
Steps for exporting dates from Iran
Successful date export requires going through several precise and specialized steps, which we will review below:
- Selecting high-quality dates from the dates farms
In the first stage, ripe dates are harvested from the best dates farms and graded. Dates suitable for export are large, good shape, and unblemished.
- Export processing and packaging
After washing and drying, the dates are packed in 500-gram, 1-kilo, or bulk packages ready for export. Packaging must be done in a completely hygienic environment.
- Issuing health certificates and export permits
To export dates to destination countries, the necessary standard, health, and customs certificates are obtained from the relevant organizations.
- Shipping dates by land or sea
Date exports to all parts of the world are carried out by land and sea, and usually arrive at the destination country in refrigerated containers.
Prices of Iranian dates
The price of Iranian export dates depends on several factors:
-Quality and size of dates: The larger the dates and the more uniform the packaging, the higher the price.
-Appearance and taste of dates: The good shape and the fresher the taste and texture of the dates, the higher their price.
-Order time: Generally, dates have lower prices during the harvest season (approximately September to November.
-Packaging Type: Depending on the type of packaging the customer chooses, the suggested price will change. Iranian dates can be exported in traditional and luxury packaging, each of which makes a difference in calculating the final price.
-Export destination: Shipping and customs costs will vary for each destination. Sea shipping will definitely make the product cheaper for importers. Of course, expensive land shipping has its advantages, including speed, which some customers prefer to pay higher prices over lead time.
Why should we import Iranian dates from HAVA Foods?
With many years of experience in supplying dates, HAVA Foods knows Iran’s date farms, cold storage, and processing units well and offers competitive prices according to customer needs. HAVA Foods is the customer’s eye in the Iranian date market and is the best consultant for purchasing dates in Iran.
Count on us
If you are planning to import dates to your country, count on our services.
HAVA Foods, by leveraging its robust network with farmers, small and large date processing workshops, and factories, can offer you premium-quality Iranian dates at competitive prices.
To get started, simply send your formal request or LOI to our email.
