Want to invest in Africa’s agriculture? Let’s get to know about Algeria’s date palms.
Date palms have always been central to life in Algeria. For centuries, they’ve provided food, shelter, and a livelihood for families in the country’s southern and southeastern regions. These trees are more than just crops; they’re part of Algeria’s heritage.
Today, Algeria is the third-largest date producer in the world, with over 1.25 million tonnes harvested annually. The Deglet Nour, often called the “queen of dates,” represents just one of the many varieties grown in the country, showing its rich agricultural potential.
Algeria’s date industry is evolving. Across places like Biskra and Ghardaïa, farmers are adopting modern methods, building factories, and creating value-added products for export. The government is offering support through land programs and incentives to investment.
If you’re looking for a sector with a future full of potential, the Algerian date palm industry is one to watch.
A Growing Powerhouse
Algeria stands as the third-largest date producer of date palm globally. In 2022, the country harvested approximately 1.25 million tonnes of dates, cultivated across 18 million date palms spanning 169,380 hectares of land.
Algeria’s date palm industry has seen remarkable growth over the last few decades. In 2021, the area of date palm cultivation grew to 71,157 hectares, doubling in size over the span of 37 years. This expansion reflects a steady annual increase of roughly 1,923 hectares, driven by targeted agricultural policies and investment in oasis revitalization and expansion
The southeastern provinces are at the heart of this production. Biskra Province is the leader; it contributes about 31% to the national yield. Other significant contributors include El Oued at 27% and Ouargla at 18%.
However, despite this impressive production, Algeria exports only about 5% of it. In 2018, exports were recorded at 68,800 tonnes. Algeria had become the seventh-largest date exporter worldwide. This indicates a vast area of potential in the global market. With strategic investments, the potential is unimaginable.
Exploring Algeria's Date Palm Varieties
Algeria boasts over 360 different date palm varieties. Each variety has differences in size, color, texture, and flavor. Among these, Deglet Nour is the most famous. It is also the primary export variety and comes from the Tolga oasis in Biskra Province and is known for its translucent amber color and honey-like sweetness. This variety is often called the “queen of dates” due to its high quality and appeal.
Other popular varieties include Degla Beida, which is known for its soft texture and lighter color, and Tafezwin, a variety prized for its rich taste and suitability for processing.
Biskra Province: Algeria’s Date Capital
Biskra is one of the most important regions for date production in Algeria. In 2022, farmers here harvested over 333,541 tonnes of dates from about 37,774 hectares of land. That’s the highest yield in the country. On average, each palm in Biskra produces about 109 kg of dates, while the national average is around 68 kg.
To support this growing production, around 29 processing centers have been set up in the area. These facilities help clean, sort, and package the dates before they’re sent to markets. Many of them are also working to meet Halal certification standards, which is key for entering more global markets.
Local business leaders are now partnering with countries like Vietnam. Their focus is to improve quality, technology, and logistics. Better cold-chain systems are being developed to keep the dates fresh during international transport.
In 2024, Algeria’s date exports crossed $100 million, showing that global demand is rising. To keep up, the government started a national plan in 2023 to plant 1 million new date palms by 2030. This will help increase supply, support farmers, and make the industry stronger in the long run. Biskra is helping build a modern, export-focused industry for Algeria.
Value‑Added Products
In Algeria’s date-growing regions, people have always used extra dates to make things like syrup, jam, and paste for everyday use. But now, this simple tradition is becoming a real business. Since 2018, a factory in Biskra has been producing date-based sugar, turning large amounts of dates into sweet products for wider markets.
Today, Algerian producers are making much more than just syrup. You’ll find date vinegar, juice, paste, and even date-based sweeteners. These products taste really good! ALong with that they add value to the fruit and help reduce waste.
Researchers are also using parts of the date palm that used to be thrown away. For example, the fibers from the palm are now used in building materials and eco-friendly plastics. That’s a smart way to reuse waste and create new business opportunities. One startup in Bechar even turned low-quality dates into a thick syrup called Robb. It’s full of natural sugar and minerals and doesn’t spoil easily. It’s both healthy and long-lasting.
There’s also growing interest in date paste as a natural sugar replacement in cookies, drinks, and desserts. On top of that, date seed oil is being tested in cosmetics for its natural skin benefits. All of this shows a clear shift towards a new industry. Algeria is no longer just shipping raw dates. It’s creating new products, jobs, and business ideas, making the date scenery more profitable and sustainable.
Algeria’s Date Industry:
Economic Impact
Date farming is more than just a tradition in Algeria; it’s a vital part of the economy. Agriculture contributes around 10-12% to the country’s GDP, and the sector provides jobs for nearly one in four workers, especially in rural areas. In oasis towns, date palms are a primary source of both income and food for many families.
In 2019, Algeria exported about 200,000 tonnes of dates, generating around $50 million in revenue from those exports. By 2024, that number increased to between $80 to $100 million. This growth is largely driven by higher demand for premium varieties, particularly the Deglet Nour, known for its quality and sweetness.
The Global Market Outlook
Experts predict the global date market will continue to grow through 2031, with rising demand across several industries. Dates are increasingly used not just in food but in health, cosmetics, and even building materials. Algeria, with its wide range of date types and strong production base, is in a good position to capitalize on these growing markets. With the right investment and better export strategies, the country could transform this traditional crop into a bigger driver of national income.
Challenges Facing Algeria’s Date Exports
Despite Algeria’s significant date production, its export share has been in decline. The country now ranks 8th globally in date exports, but only 3% of its total production reaches international markets. This decline is due to several key factors:
- Market Dependence: Over 80% of Algeria’s date exports go to France, making the country overly reliant on a single market.
- Outdated Crop Management: Algeria still faces challenges with aging date palms and inefficient crop management practices.
- Limited Promotion: Lesser-known date varieties have not been promoted effectively, limiting market diversification.
- Packaging & Standards: Algeria struggles with meeting international packaging standards, hindering its ability to compete globally.
To regain its competitive edge, Algeria must restructure its export processes, improve crop management, and expand its market diversification. Enhancing production practices, investing in better packaging, and focusing on marketing could help Algeria become a leading global exporter once again.
With the right investments, Algeria can transform its date palm industry, attracting new global markets and boosting its economic potential.
Success Stories:
Rima Dates: Turning Waste into Resources
Hammou Boussada grew up in Ghardaïa, where date palms are part of everyday life. While working with local farmers, he noticed a common problem. The problem was that many dates were rejected because they were too soft or not visually perfect. These lower-grade dates were often sold cheaply as animal feed, even though they were still healthy and edible.
In 2014, Hammou and his sister Rima decided to do something about it. They started a small business called Rima Dates. Their idea was simple but smart, take those imperfect dates and turn them into high-quality products. They began by stuffing them with almonds and covering them in Belgian chocolate. This was a new idea in Algeria at the time, and people loved it.
Soon, they added more products like Robb (a traditional thick date syrup), date vinegar, and even date seed oil for cosmetics. What others saw as waste, they turned into value. Their work caught the attention of the SwitchMed program, backed by the EU. With their support and a grant of around €90,000, the siblings improved their recipes, learned new techniques, and got mentorship from experts.
Thanks to this support, production jumped from 20 tonnes to 150 tonnes. Rima Dates started exporting 100 to 300 kilograms each month. Local farmers also benefited because they could now sell previously unsellable dates at better prices.
Their small artisan factory continues to grow. They received early help from the government, like tax breaks on machinery. Now, they’re exploring bank loans and even crowdfunding to expand further.
Rima Dates is a great example of how innovation and care can turn leftovers into something valuable, supporting farmers, reducing waste, and creating tasty, sellable products all at once.
Al Rayyan Collaboration
In 2024, Algeria partnered with Al Rayyan Agricultural from Qatar to build something big in Hassi Fehal, located in Ghardaïa Province. The government approved a land deal for 1,811 hectares, giving the company space to grow important crops like date palms, along with cereals and fodder. This project is part of Algeria’s larger effort to boost farming in the southern regions using smart, sustainable methods.
To make the most of this land, Al Rayyan began setting up 27 irrigation pivots. These modern tools that help farmers use water more efficiently. These systems are especially useful in dry areas where water scarcity exists. Local authorities stepped in to support the project, offering fast-tracked permits for well drilling and other approvals so the work could move faster.
The Algerian government is also backing the project with national programs that provide seeds and farming equipment. This gives the farm a head start and helps nearby farmers benefit too.
In early 2025, Algeria’s Investment Promotion Agency (AAPI) met with Al Rayyan’s team to discuss the future. They explored how Qatar’s experience in farm technology, irrigation systems, and supply chain management could be used to support this growing partnership.
Conclusion
Algeria’s date palm industry has a strong heritage and great potential. As the third-largest global producer, Algeria is well-positioned but faces challenges, including over-reliance on a single market and outdated farming practices. Despite these hurdles, the country’s Deglet Nour dates are in high demand, and the sector is increasingly focused on value-added products. With the right investments, Algeria can boost both production and exports.
To succeed, the country needs to diversify its markets, improve crop management, and update export systems. By doing so, Algeria can reclaim its spot as a leading global exporter. The future of Algeria’s date industry is full of opportunities, offering potential rewards for investors looking to be part of it. Invest now to take over Algeria’s growing date industry.
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