Buraidah Date Carnival sees surge in trading as varieties boost sales

The Buraidah International Date Carnival is experiencing a steady increase in buying and selling activity, supported by an abundant supply and a diverse range of dates arriving at the market. Prices vary, reflecting differences in varieties, quality, sorting, and packaging.

Prices for 3-kilogram boxes of popular varieties fluctuate, with Sukkari dates ranging from 25 to 180 riyals, Khalas from 25 to 100 riyals, and Sagai from 20 to 80 riyals. Nabt Saif dates are priced between 20 and 70 riyals, Sheeshi from 15 to 45 riyals, and Wanana from 15 to 50 riyals.

Khudri dates are sold for 15 to 45 riyals, Barhi for 10 to 35 riyals, Rashoudia for 15 to 40 riyals, and Maktoumi for 15 to 45 riyals. Majdool dates command higher prices depending on size and quality, ranging from approximately 60 to 160 riyals per box, with prices varying between producers.

The market also features other varieties, including Halwa, Shaqra, Aseela, and Red Sukkari, as well as a range of local types that arrive as the harvest season progresses. The carnival receives more than 100 varieties of dates daily.

The diversity of offerings reflects the vibrant trading activity at the Buraidah Carnival, which, in the first 15 days of August, saw over 2.08 million boxes traded, weighing more than 8,200 tons, with sales exceeding 98 million riyals (SAR). This underscores the significant economic activity in the date market during the season.

Price differences in the market are influenced by several factors, most notably the quality, size, ripeness, cleanliness, and packaging of the dates, as well as supply and demand. The volume of dates entering the market continues to rise as the harvest season advances in the region.