Date Flavoured Products Campaign Launched To Elevate Dates As A Premium Local Ingredient Across Saudi Markets

Acting General Supervisor of the National Center for Palms and Dates Ahmed Al-Ayada has launched a national campaign to promote date-flavoured products in major Saudi retail markets. The initiative seeks to raise the economic value of Saudi dates by expanding their presence in processed foods that match current consumer habits.

The drive is held under the patronage of Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Alfadley. It targets supermarkets and other sales channels across the Kingdom, aiming to present dates as a high-quality local ingredient suitable for diverse modern food products.

Al-Ayada explained that dates have a strong place in Saudi culture and symbolise national identity and heritage. Dates are also described as a complete and nutrient-dense local food. The campaign highlights how Saudi dates can support healthier options within snacks, drinks, bakery items and dairy products.

According to Al-Ayada, the initiative also focuses on research and development so that food producers can create new date-flavoured products for the Saudi market. These efforts are designed to lift domestic consumption of Saudi dates by integrating them into familiar packaged foods that appeal to different age groups, including school students.

The palm and date sector in the Kingdom has shown strong growth in recent years, with higher outputs and export values. Saudi Arabia’s date production has exceeded 1.9 million tons. Export revenues are around SAR1.7 billion, and Saudi dates now reach 133 countries, placing the Kingdom as the leading global exporter.

The campaign involves more than 10 Saudi food manufacturers and over 20 restaurants and cafés from different regions. It is also active in several schools and on food delivery applications. Participating companies are incorporating Saudi dates into processed products that follow international standards on food quality, taste consistency and safety.

Through this coordinated effort, the National Center for Palms and Dates aims to reinforce Saudi dates as a trusted ingredient within the food industry. The campaign is expected to support sector growth, enhance the value of date crops for producers and strengthen the presence of Saudi dates in both local and international markets.

With inputs from SPA