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Bangladesh’s imports of dates – a sweet and nutritious fruit grown in many tropical regions across the globe – more than quadrupled in FY21 when compared year-on-year, riding on the ever growing consumer demand.
Data from the National Board of Revenue (NBR) shows the country imported more than 1.12 lakh tonnes of dates for Tk 774 crore last fiscal year, which is significantly higher than 23,491 tonnes imported in FY20 – for nearly Tk 166 crore.
Moreover, during the first four months (July-October period) of FY22, Bangladesh imported more than 3,155 tonnes of dates for Tk 28.19 crore, NBR sources say. Most of the imports come from Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Egypt. A number of importers and sellers said though the consumption of dates usually goes up in the country during the month of Ramadan, in recent times, both the regular consumers and health conscious people have been eating the fruit throughout the year.
According to nutritionists, dates are a good source of antioxidants, vitamins, calories, minerals and protein. The fruit is also high in fibre and helps lower cholesterol, said Prof Dr Nizamul Hoque at the Institute of Nutrition and Food Science in Dhaka University.
Speaking with The Business Post, one of the biggest importers of dates in Dhaka Mohammad Selim said, “Sales of this fruit rose more than four to five times in the last five years. Date fruit prices are reasonable, so people are consuming the fruit more than ever before.
“Besides, doctors now prescribe dates for helping their patients maintain a sound health. Trainers also recommend the fruit to gym-goers due to its many good properties.”
Selim, who is also a member of the Bangladesh Fresh Fruits Importer Association, continued, “We usually import dates from Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Egypt. “Interestingly, the price of imported dates in Bangladesh is even lower than that of the exporter countries, because they sell the fruit in their market at a higher markup.” Some of the different varieties of dates available in the country are Ajwa, Amber, Mabroom, Maryam, Medjool, Kalmi, Mashruk, Jiali, Safawi, Sugai, Seedless Dates, Zahidi, Sukkari, and Boroi Dates.
Prices vary depending on the fruit’s variety. Ajwa dates sells for around Tk 300 per kg, Amber for Tk 220, Mabroom for Tk 600, Maryam for Tk 630, Maryam VIP for Tk 850, Medjool Juicy Dates for Tk 1,200, Kalmi for Tk 250, Mashruk for Tk 400 per kg, Jiali for Tk 120, Safawi for Tk 500, Seedless Dates for Tk 650, Zahidi for Tk 170, Sukkari for Tk 700 and Boroi Dates for Tk 150.
Fazlul Karim, a wholesaler of dates in Dhaka’s Badamtoli area – the biggest wholesale market for fruits in Dhaka, said, “The demand for dates has increased significantly, and this is why imports of this fruit have gone up by more than four to five times.
“Around two to three years ago, people only ate dates during the month of Ramadan. But consumer habits have changed for the better, as they are now eating dates throughout the year. Health conscious people are also eating dates every day, contributing to the market’s growth.”
Zakirul Islam, a consumer visiting the Badamtoli Fruit Market, said, “I come here every Friday to buy the best quality of dates for a reasonable price. I started buying dates for my father under the doctor’s recommendation.
“But now, my whole family has developed the habit of eating dates. The fruit is delicious and healthy.” Another consumer Rofiqul Islam said, “I have a restaurant in Rampura and Faluda – one of the desert items – is very popular in my establishment. Different fruits are necessary to make the dessert, and dates are one of the main ingredients.
“I buy at least five kgs of dates for this purpose every day. Customer demand for dates has definitely gone up. A few years ago I barely needed a kg of this fruit per month.”
