Following the prior year’s upward trend and due to new plantings, total production in season 2022/2023 is anticipated to grow by 5% from 2021/22. Forecasted at 1.165 million metric tons, top producers’ highest increases are expected for Algeria, +13%; Morocco, +8%; Saudi Arabia and UAE, +7%; and Egypt, +4%.
Consumption is growing based on dates health benefits and availability in the market the whole year-round. The purchasing power of the final consumer is being affected by the increasing inflation rate, thus, a switch to cheaper varieties or lighter packs might be observed. On the other hand, for dates ingredients like powder, liquid sugar or paste, the consumption is rising at double digits, mainly for organic.