Morocco has sharply expanded its footprint in Germany’s palm date market, despite being one of the world’s largest importers of the fruit, according to Eastfruit news platform.
Between July 2025 and May 2026, Germany imported 714 tons of Moroccan medjool dates worth more than €4.2 million. This figure is 22 times higher than the total shipments of the 2024/25 season and more than six times the combined exports of the previous five years.
At first glance, the situation may seem paradoxical: Morocco ranks among the top three global importers of palm dates, yet it is simultaneously accelerating exports to Germany and other EU destinations. The explanation lies in product segmentation. Morocco imports large volumes of lower priced dates from Egypt, Tunisia and UAE, while its export breakthrough in Europe is built almost entirely on one premium variety — Medjool, often referred to as the “king of dates.”
The Medjool has deep roots in Morocco’s Tafilalet region, where it originated before nearly disappearing in the early 20th century due to palm disease. Surviving seedlings were transplanted to California, from where the variety spread globally, including to Israel and Jordan.
Morocco is now working to reclaim its position as a leading producer of the original Medjool, and Germany has become one of the most important European markets for premium palm dates. German importers position Moroccan Medjool alongside Israeli product in the high end segment, catering to consumers willing to pay for quality.
The global date exports are led by Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, and Israel, with total worldwide trade reaching roughly $2.45 billion. Saudi Arabia ranks first with over $440 million in annual shipments, followed closely by major producers and re-exporters supplying North America, Europe, and Asia.
