High demand for Iranian Mazafati dates in India amid price fluctuations

IRAN – Iranian exporters are experiencing strong demand for Mazafati dates, particularly from India, as the market shifts ahead of Ramadan. This year, exporters have capitalized on the increased demand, despite price instability and supply challenges.

Hadi Mirzaei, CEO of Darya Noosh Payab Trading, confirmed the rising interest from international markets. “As the month of Ramadan approached this season, we had 30 to 40% more requests and demand for Mazafati dates from most of our markets. The increase in export volumes has also been accompanied by an increase in prices, although I personally prefer stable prices.”

India remains a key market for Iranian Mazafati dates, solidifying its position as the world’s largest importer of dates.

Mirzaei emphasized the significance of Indian buyers, stating that India has consistently been the main destination for Mazafati dates, and this season, Indian importers are yet again the leading buyers.

“The variety has a large consumer base in the country and is widely loved by consumers, and also offers good margins to local traders.”

Despite the surge in demand, exporters have faced challenges related to pricing. “Unfortunately, prices were very unstable and higher than last year from the first day of harvest. This is due to the drop in production and the increase in demand,” Mirzaei explained.

He further stated that another reason is that more and more buyers, especially Indian and Iraqi traders, are finding ways to purchase dates directly in Iran, which always pushes up the average price.

He also pointed out how this development affects local exporters. “This complicates matters for local exporters, as it drives up prices, which we in turn have to pass on to our customers.”

However, he remains optimistic about the market’s reception of Mazafati dates because the Mazafati variety is increasingly making a name for itself in the market.

“It’s a variety that offers consumers a different experience from other premium varieties such as Medjool, but which is in turn classified as premium and acquiring its own customers and demand.”

Export ban raises concerns

While demand for Mazafati dates is surging, the Iranian government has placed a temporary ban on exporting apples, oranges, and dates for 60 days to stabilize local food prices ahead of Ramadan.

Trade sources have reported that some shipments were still being processed as of yesterday, but a complete halt is expected soon.

The restriction is expected to cause a ripple effect in the global apple market, as Iran plays a crucial role in international apple exports, shipping up to 1 million tons in peak seasons.

“Iranian apples hold key positions in one of the world’s main apple import markets – India,” trade analysts noted. The ban is anticipated to drive apple prices higher in major markets, including the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia.

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