Dates, Fresh or Dried

Variety is the single largest price differentiator in the US date market. Medjool dates — large, moist, and caramel-flavored — command a significant retail premium and are marketed as a fresh or specialty product, while Deglet Noor dates are smaller, drier, and positioned as a commodity ingredient for baking, snack mixes, and food manufacturing. Importers should specify variety, moisture content, and grade in purchase contracts, as these parameters directly determine the applicable retail channel and price point.

For dried dates, importers should obtain a Certificate of Analysis from the supplier covering moisture content, microbial counts, and any preservative or sulfite levels, as FDA may sample shipments for these parameters. For fresh or minimally processed dates, a phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country's national plant protection organization may be required by USDA APHIS to address date palm pest risks. Maintaining complete supplier documentation and prior notice filing with FDA are standard best practices for smooth entry.