Date demand is at an all-time high, and Yuma, Ariz.-based Bard Valley Natural Delights is targeting foodies that enjoy an ethnic exploration of food.
“They’re using it more for the savory aspects,” said David Baxter, marketing manager for Natural Delights. “Maybe it’s a date stuffed with goat cheese and wrapped in bacon, or maybe they’re using it as part of their fitness regimen to re-energize after a workout at the gym.”
According to a news release, Natural Delights has recently released a large window box in 2-, 5- and 11-pound boxes to meet the upcoming Ramadan demand.
“Our large window boxes are not only appropriately sized for Ramadan consumption, but are also a beautiful gift box,” Baxter said in the release.
Prep for the month-long Ramadan, taking place this year April 2-May 2, begins months in advance. Harvest activities begin in August and last through October.
“Right now, they’re out in the fields doing maintenance on the palm trees and getting things ready for fruit growth — they’ll be harvesting the pollen, stuff like that,” said Baxter.
Natural Delights also offers a variety of snacking products, which may provide perfect gift-giving opportunities during Ramadan, Baxter said.
“Those who celebrate Ramadan, gifting is a big part of it. And so, they will buy large-size medjool dates and other gifts to hand out to friends and family,” Baxter said.
The new Mini Medjool lineup offered by Natural Delights includes:
- Coconut;
- Sweet and Salty Almond;
- Organic Cacao Coconut;
- Organic Cranberry Pistachio; and,
- Organic Fruit and Nut.
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