The UK is set to receive dates from an unlikely source - Iraq.
Iraq is now back on the map as a distributor of dates and could once again grow to be a respected player in this industry.
Fruit and vegetable business Sheikh Sabba is working with a number of Iraqi date producers and packing houses to establish a new generation of exporters having successfully tested the water within the UK date market.
The fresh Barhi variety of dates will be transported via airfreight to London. The first load has arrived and is available on London, Birmingham and Bradford wholesale markets. There has also been interest from independent specialized up market retailers.
Iraq once led the world as a major date palm exporter. During the 1970s Iraq was one of the top producers and exporters of dates in the world. For the last few decades date exports have ceased due to conflict in the region. Currently, there are over 600 different varieties of Iraqi dates.
It is intended that these efforts will see the revitalisation of Iraqi dates as it re-enters the international export market. Following the export of Barhi dates other varieties of dates for consumers and processing will follow.
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