Two industry sessions focused on the expansion of Israeli Medjool dates into the Chinese market took place in Shanghai on June 16 and in Guangzhou on June 18. The events brought together industry stakeholders, government representatives and retail buyers. Gal Twig, head of business development for the Israel Dates Board, was among the key figures present.

Often referred to as the “king of dates,” the Medjool variety is renowned for its large size, which is typically two to three times larger than standard varieties, as well as its deep brown color and unique, soft, caramel-like flavor profile. With over 5,000 years of history, these dates are a symbol of Middle Eastern culinary heritage and a modern “superfood” that is fat-free, high in fiber, and rich in potassium and antioxidants. Beyond their nutritional profile, their natural ripening process on the tree eliminates the need for preservatives, positioning them as a natural alternative to traditional confectionery.

The sessions featured a delegation of Israeli [3] enterprises, including Hadiklaim, Mehadrin and D. Hai Marketing, and served as a platform for connecting importers and distributors with suppliers. Discussions covered supply chain considerations, quality standards and the logistics of maintaining year-round availability, with participants referencing certification schemes such as the British Retail Consortium and the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point systems.

In recent years, Israel’s Medjool date industry has seen notable growth in terms of both production and exports. According to industry data, total production climbed from 49,000 metric tons in 2019 to 67,000 metric tons in 2025, an increase of 37%. Export volumes grew at a faster pace, rising from 24,000 metric tons in 2019 to 51,000 metric tons in 2025 — more than doubling over the same period. The share of production destined for export rose from 49% in 2019 to 76% in 2025, suggesting that international demand has been a key driver of the industry’s expansion.

With Chinese plant protection approval granted in 2024, Israeli Medjool dates are now eligible to enter China’s market and retail channels. Whether the category gains meaningful traction will depend on factors such as consumer awareness, pricing and distribution infrastructure — all areas that the session participants appeared keen to address.

Images: Israel Dates Board

This article was based on a Chinese article. Read the original article [4].