ALGIERS- Algeria has, traditionally, been a large producer of dates. However, date products remain weak, despite the demand that has exploded in the world market in recent years, especially for date sugar which is trading at over $ 500 per barrel.
According to Ouahiba Bahloul, director general of the Algerian chamber of commerce and industry, this is an opportunity to boost the economy outside of hydrocarbons. “We want to focus on this transformation to encourage operators, as well as young promoters to get involved and invest in this niche”.
According to the same official, Algeria has practically all date derivatives, like honey, vinegar, sugar, paws, and
surgical alcohol. “There are possibilities to export a processed product with high added value,” added the same official.
Abdelmadjid Khobzi, an investor from Biskra, has already embarked on industrial date sugar production, and there is no shortage of demand for this products. “Date sugar production can reach up to 3600 tonnes per year, I have huge orders, especially for Canada, France, and Germany,” pointed out the director general.
