(3 Minutes Read)
The rising enthusiasm of international markets for Algerian dates underscores the vast potential of this agricultural product to become a cornerstone of Algeria’s broader strategy to diversify its economy beyond the hydrocarbon sector.
This momentum was clearly reflected during the opening of the third edition of the International Date Fair in Algiers, which brought together 150 exhibitors showcasing the richness and competitiveness of Algerian dates. Deglet Nour, the country’s flagship variety, already reaches consumers in nearly 90 countries, highlighting its growing global appeal.
Algeria’s Minister of Agriculture, Yacine El-Mahdi Oualid, emphasized that date production has become a strategic component in national export diversification. Between 2021 and 2023, the sector recorded production levels exceeding 11.5 million quintals, supported by a vast agricultural base of over 19 million palm trees and an impressive biodiversity of more than 1,000 date varieties.
The minister also stressed the importance of accelerating industrial processing and value-added production to strengthen the competitiveness of Algerian dates on global markets. A milestone in this progression is the recent international recognition of these dates’ quality—most notably the inclusion of Deglet Nour in the Codex Alimentarius standards, a key reference for global food trade. This certification marks a significant step in facilitating access to demanding and high-value international markets.
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For decades, Algeria’s economy has relied heavily on hydrocarbons as its primary source of revenue. However, global market volatility and the need for sustainable growth have pushed the country to explore alternative sectors capable of driving economic diversification. Among these emerging sectors, date production—an activity deeply rooted in Algerian history and culture—has gained remarkable prominence. Algeria is home to one of the world’s richest palm-growing ecosystems, with millions of date palms flourishing across its southern regions. Within this landscape, the Deglet Nour variety stands out as a globally recognised product, often referred to as the “queen of dates” due to its superior taste, texture, and transparency.