The border is between California, Arizona and Mexico and Mexico, the Bard Valley region is a special area for the cultivation of dates. The microclimate of the Bard Valley is characterized by extreme heat and high humidity as well having a higher water table that provides ideal conditions for the cultivation of Medjool dates. “To thrive, dates require 100 days of temperature 100 degrees in the summer And this Bard Valley region has the requirements for those conditions,” states Bridgette Weber of Bard Valley Natural Delights. Although the climate conditions in the Bard Valley are ideal for the growth of dates, it’s an extremely delicate balance. “Our closeness with the Colorado rivers gives us access to plenty of water, but the weather is unpredictable.” The last time we checked, several thunderstorms swept through the area in the harvest time. The harvest season has gotten off to an excellent beginning.
Bard Valley Natural Delights is the most vertically integrated and largest date producer across North America. “Being vertically integrated enables us to manage every aspect of the process that grows dates,” shared Weber. “We manage the whole process from trees to consumers and ensure quality control at every step. We ensure that our products are of the highest quality, and supplying our retailers with customized programs that meet their requirements is our forte. This is a collective effort that results in mutual success.”
Global expansion – Asia Fruit Logistica
Quality and consistency of the items have resulted in Bard Valley Natural Delights becoming famous across North America as well as across the globe. Southeast Asia, Europe, and Australia are important continents that are not part of North America and are all experiencing a rise in the demand for the demand for date. In the present, about 80 percent of all production is shipped to North America and the remainder is shipped to these three continents. “It is our aim to increase our presence in the world by providing more American-grown Medjool dates and their products to people all over the world,” shared Weber. In order to meet (potential) suppliers Weber’s firm has been taking part in trade shows and exhibitions throughout the globe.
In accordance with the increasing international market, Bard Valley Natural Delights will exhibit on Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong in the coming week. “This occasion will allow us to connect with a variety of Asian customers in one spot. Meetings face-to-face are crucial to developing relationships, and also help to expand our network. Additionally, being at the market lets us gain knowledge about the preferences of consumers and their changing.” It is also a great way to understand how consumers are changing their preferences. Asian market is of great importance in the production of Bard Valley Natural Delights because of the large Muslim populace, which is traditionally a significant consumer of premium dates. This the year’s Asia Fruit Logistica, the main focus is on organic dates. “In the U.S., growth of organic dates is far more than conventional offerings and we’re seeing the similar trend across the globe. We will therefore bring a variety of dates that are organic into Hong Kong,” shared Weber. Shayna Telesmanic Sales Director Export Markets as well Elsa Salazar, International Sales & Marketing Coordinator will be on hand to greet visitors at booth 5F05 located in Hall 5.
The trend is towards packaging that is smaller
In addition to an apparent shift in demands from organic to conventional dates, the demand for various date varieties is changing. Outside of North America, whole Medjool dates remain the most sought-after kind of date. However, pitted Medjools are quickly gaining recognition. Additionally, the sizes of packs have changed. “In earlier times, complete dates and bulk were both the items that were shipped out to customers internationally,” commented Weber. “Today however, the demand in packs for consumers is expanding.” The smaller packaging designed for supermarkets and club stores are rapidly gaining popularity because it’s a fantastic method for consumers with no experience to join the industry.
Dates packed in smaller containers. Coconut is left: it’s the most well-known flavor of Mini Medjools. Right: organic dates has surpassed traditional.
Other trade exhibitions
Other exhibitions that Bard Valley Natural Delights will be participating in over the coming months include those of the Global Floral & Produce Show in Atlanta (Oct. 17-19), SIAL in Paris (Oct. 19-23) in addition to Gulfood located in Dubai (Feb. 17-21).
Outside of North America, whole Medjool dates are the most well-liked form of dates.
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Bridgette Weber
Bard Valley Natural Delights
[email protected]
www.naturaldelights.com