Fourteen European buyers, including importers and distributors, took part from January 6 to 9, 2026, in Tunisian-European B2B business meetings dedicated to the dates and dates-derivatives sector in southern Tunisia, notably in the governorates of Tozeur and Kébili (Douz).
These meetings were held under the Exporti program, part of the Qualitative Growth for Employment (QGE) project, implemented by the Ministry of Industry in partnership with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), and funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Union in Tunisia.
The aim is to strengthen the competitiveness of Tunisian companies and support the development of their exports to European markets, particularly Germany.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Industry, the European buyers, representing different segments of the value chain, traveled to explore opportunities for commercial cooperation and sourcing from Tunisian producers and exporters, who are recognized for their know-how and product quality, especially the Deglet Nour variety.
The program included professional meetings, a day dedicated to direct exchanges between Tunisian companies and European partners, as well as field visits. Participants visited pre-harvest oases and packaging and export units to assess compliance with international standards of quality, traceability, and conformity.
Officials from the Export Promotion Center (CEPEX) and relevant ministerial bodies also took part in the event.
A key segment of Tunisia’s agri-food industry, the dates sector is classified as a priority in the national industrial and innovation strategy. Production for the 2025–2026 season is estimated at 404,000 tons, including 347,000 tons of the Deglet Nour variety, confirming Tunisia’s position among the world’s leading exporters.
