Saudi Dates Named Guest of Honor at Major New York Food Exhibition

Saudi Arabia’s date industry is set to gain significant international exposure after the Kingdom was selected as the guest of honor at the upcoming Fancy Food Show in New York City, one of the largest specialty food exhibitions in North America.

The participation highlights Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to expand the global reach of its date industry and strengthen its position in international markets.

Global Platform for Saudi Date Producers

The Kingdom will be represented by the National Center for Palms and Dates alongside a selection of Saudi producers showcasing premium date varieties and innovative date-based products.

The exhibition serves as a major global platform for networking, product launches, knowledge exchange, and exploring emerging technologies within the food industry.

With more than 2,400 exhibitors from 50 countries expected to participate, the event offers Saudi companies valuable opportunities to connect with international buyers and expand into new markets.

A Rapidly Growing National Industry

Saudi Arabia is home to more than 37 million palm trees, making it one of the world’s leading date producers.

Today, Saudi dates are exported to 125 countries under the unified Saudi Dates brand and are available in more than 1,500 retail outlets worldwide.

The industry has experienced substantial growth in recent years, supported by national initiatives aimed at enhancing competitiveness and expanding export opportunities.

Exports Approach SR2 Billion

Recent figures show that Saudi Arabia produced approximately 1.9 million tonnes of dates last year, while export values approached SR2 billion.

Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadley described the New York exhibition as a strategic opportunity to promote Saudi dates globally, support local producers, and increase export growth.

Strengthening Saudi Arabia’s Global Presence

The Kingdom’s participation reflects broader efforts to strengthen the international profile of Saudi agricultural products, diversify export markets, and support Vision 2030 goals aimed at expanding non-oil exports and building a more diversified economy.