You should store dates in a cool, dark place. At room temperature, they can keep for up to three months, provided they are well sealed in an airtight container. They will last more than six months in a refrigerator and a freezer for up to three years. But did you know there are dates you can eat frozen, like ice cream? This product, which Shlomo Farm markets in Europe, is called Bonbon Super Juicy.
Shlomo Farm, an Israeli date grower, has had a Dutch sales office for six years. Yotam Shlomo manages these imports and has cooling facilities in the Netherlands. "My father founded the company in 1992, the year before I was born,' he says. "Back then, he was one of the first Medjool growers in Israel. Almost all the dates we sell, about 1,000 tons last year, are Medjools. And 120 tons of those are in the form of frozen candy."
Yotam and his Father Amran
Medjool dates - or the 'King of dates'- are large, juicy, and rich in minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. Besides Medjool, Shlomo Farm cultivates other varieties, such as Barhi and Deglet Nour, mainly for export to Spain and France.
With only 0.6% of the world's crops in 2022, Israel is a minor player in global date production. Nevertheless, it is a major exporter, especially of Medjool dates, half of which are grown in Israel. The ideal climate and soil along the Jordan Valley ensure unparalleled quality.
Shlomo Farm divides its dates into four quality classes: Premium, Choice, Selected, and Basic. It exports the latter to Europe, too, so less affluent people can also enjoy Medjool dates. The dates are packaged in 500 g, 1 kg, and 5 kg boxes, and there is an option for private labeling.
Yotam got the idea to establish a sales office when, as a child, he saw his father being underpaid for his dates. Yotam began importing dates to the Netherlands in 2019, and that enterprise has since grown into a successful business that markets 12 growers' crops. Yotam offers them better prices thanks to an efficient cost structure.
The Bonbon Super Juicy product is the priciest of Shlomo Farm's assortment. It requires a specific harvesting method in which only suitable dates are picked. The product is especially popular in France, where 90% of the volumes go.
Shlomo Farm also sees the potential of developing dates as a healthy snack for sportspeople and youngsters. The company has all the necessary certificates and plans to expand to markets like South America, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. Yotam emphasizes the importance of good grower prices and excellent customer service.
Yotam Shlomo
Shlomo Farm
Prinses Irenelaan 10
1421 AP Uithoorn
Tel: +31 (0) 62322 9602
info@shlomofarm.nl
www.shlomofarm.nl