Top Date Producers in World

Top Countries in Date Production:

Date palms are a type of tree that are grown to produce dates and are native to the Middle East and North Africa. As the popularity of dates has grown, date-producing countries have expanded to include the likes of Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Libya, Algeria, Egypt, and India. These countries produce over 80% of the world’s data supply. Date palms typically require a hot and dry climate, making these countries perfect for date production. Date palms can be grown in a variety of soils, as long as they are well-drained. The trees require little water, making them a great option for dry climates. Dates are nutritious food that is high in sugar, vitamins, and minerals. They are often dried and consumed as a snack or added to recipes. Date palms are a significant source of income for many families in these countries, and are an important part of their culture and history.

This statistic illustrates the leading producers of dates worldwide in 2021. Egypt was ranked first in the world among date producers, with a production volume that amounted to over 1.7 million metric tons of dates that year.

Iran is the 3^rd biggest date producer in the world in 2021 with total production reaching 1,303,717 Metric Tons. Date palms mostly grow in the South, Southeast, and Southwestern areas of Iran. The types of dates grown in this country vary according to the geographical and climatic conditions of the region.

Types of Bam Mazafati Dates, Kabkab Dates, Piarom Dates, Kaloote Dates, Zahidi Dates, and Mabroom Dates are some of the popular dates in Iran.

Based on the International Nut & Dried fruit Council (INC) report on 9 November 2022: The global climatic conditions –mostly high temperatures– have had an impact on the 2022/23 date production. Thus, in general, overall harvests in the orchards have decreased. However, this reduction has not affected world production, which has remained practically stable, owing to the gradual entry into production of the new plantations that were carried out in the majority of the producing countries.

Exporters are preparing to meet the needs for the period of large consumption of table dates: the end-of-year celebrations for the Mediterranean countries of southern Europe and Ramadan for South-East Asia and Muslim Countries.

 updated in Feb 22 2024

the best date in the world

Determining the “best” dates in the world is subjective and depends on personal taste, but some countries are renowned for their high-quality date production due to their ideal growing conditions, varieties, and cultivation practices. Here are some of the top countries known for producing exceptional dates:

1. Saudi Arabia: Known for its vast date palm groves, Saudi Arabia is one of the largest producers of dates in the world. The country is famous for the Ajwa variety, considered by many as one of the finest dates due to its soft texture and rich flavor.

2. Iran: Iran is another leading producer of dates and offers a wide variety of dates. The Mazafati date, known for its dark, juicy, and sweet flavor, is one of the most popular varieties from Iran.

3. Tunisia: Tunisia is famous for the Deglet Noor date, often referred to as the “queen of dates.” This variety is known for its translucent golden color and a honey-like taste. Tunisia’s climate allows for the production of high-quality dates that are appreciated worldwide.

4. United Arab Emirates: The UAE invests heavily in date palm cultivation and produces several high-quality date varieties, including the Khalas, which is highly prized for its rich flavor and moist texture.

5. Egypt: Egypt is one of the world’s largest date producers, offering a wide range of varieties. The Medjool date, although originally from Morocco, is also grown in Egypt and is popular for its large size, sweet taste, and chewy texture.

6. Iraq: Once known as the “country of a million palm trees,” Iraq is famous for the Zahidi variety, which is loved for its nutty flavor and firm texture.

7. Algeria: Algerian dates, especially the Deglet Noor variety, are highly valued for their quality and taste. The country’s dry, hot climate is ideal for date cultivation, producing dates that are both delicious and nutritious.

Each of these countries has its own unique varieties that are enjoyed for different reasons, from sweetness and texture to nutritional value. The best date for you might depend on your personal preference for sweetness, texture, and moisture content.

Quality of Dates by Country