In a significant development for Namibian agriculture, the country’s Medjool dates are being used to bridge a critical seasonal supply gap in the lucrative European market. For the first time, high-quality Namibian dates are being offered to consumers in Germany, filling the void between the end of the South African harvest and the arrival of new produce from Israel.
The announcement was made by Cevdet Cavusoglu, co-managing director of the German fresh produce importer, Fresh & Cash GmbH. The Wuppertal-based company is a major player in the North Rhine-Westphalia region, supplying a wide range of customers. Cavusoglu reported that the date market is currently in its annual transition phase.
“We have been offering South African Medjool dates from the new harvest continuously until now and are presently waiting for the first deliveries from Israel. These are expected to arrive in weeks 38-39,” Cavusoglu stated. “To bridge the gap, we are now offering Medjool dates from Namibia for the first time, which have been of very good quality so far.”
This strategic move not only ensures a continuous supply for European consumers but also places Namibian produce on the shelf alongside established global leaders like Israel. It represents a valuable opportunity for Namibia to gain a foothold in a high-value market.
Currently, the purchase price for dates is around EUR 10 per kilogram, which is standard for new harvest goods. Cavusoglu noted that Namibian dates command a slight premium. “Of course, Namibian goods are slightly more expensive compared to other origins, such as Israel. This is because goods from Namibia are not an everyday item on the local markets and are only traded in limited quantities.”
The timing of this introduction is ideal, as demand for dates is set to increase. “Towards autumn, demand for dates traditionally picks up again slightly,” Cavusoglu explained. “The main season for dates continues to run from autumn to Ramadan. From April to May, demand usually declines sharply.”
Other seasonal produce highlights
Beyond the Medjool date narrative, the seasonal shift is affecting other produce lines. Fresh & Cash GmbH has also begun its season for fresh Barhi dates from Egypt and Turkish pitahaya, also known as dragon fruit.
The fresh Barhi dates are available from the end of August until early November. This year, consumers are benefiting from a bountiful harvest. “Compared to last year, prices have sometimes halved,” Cavusoglu said. He also attributed the fruit’s growing popularity to the “strong growth in Syrian stores in our sales area,” indicating how changing demographics influence food trends.
Parallel to this, the red-red pitahaya season is gathering momentum. Sourced primarily from partner Luna Fresh, with some produce also coming from Spain, the dragon fruit is expected to be available until December. Cavusoglu outlined a positive trend, noting “increasing demand” for this exotic fruit as well.
Melon season transitions from europe to overseas
Meanwhile, the European melon season is drawing to a close. The hot summer led to a highly successful season for melons from Spain, with Cavusoglu recalling weeks during the peak where the company sold nearly a truckload every other day.
“The quantities from Spain are noticeably decreasing,” he said, “and we expect the first overseas goods from Panama to arrive in two to three weeks.” This marks the next transition, as the industry shifts its sourcing to the Southern Hemisphere to maintain year-round supply.
The successful inclusion of Namibian dates in this complex global dance of supply and demand is a positive signal. It demonstrates that Namibia can produce a crop that meets the exacting quality standards of international markets and can compete on timing and value. For Namibian farmers and agricultural exporters, this new European foothold could be the start of a much longer and fruitful season.