Rabat – The 13th edition of Morocco’s International Date Fair (SIDATTES), held from October 30 to November 3 in Erfoud, attracted over 91,300 visitors and 235 exhibitors.
The event aimed to highlight Morocco’s flourishing date palm industry and the necessity of enhancing its resilience in the face of climate-related challenges.
This year’s fair welcomed exhibitors from nine countries, with each presenting their products in dedicated pavilions. The exhibitors displayed a wide variety of dates and date-derived products, the organizers said, noting that the fair generated over MAD 37.2 million in sales.
The fair saw the signing of several agreements for the benefit of Moroccan farmers and cooperatives in the years to come. These included a framework agreement between the Moroccan Date Industry Federation (Maroc Dattes) and the National Office for Agricultural Advisory (ONCA) to promote farmer training and awareness.
The Moroccan Agricultural Credit Group also partnered with the Modern Producers of Dates Association to provide financing for date producers.
The fair’s program featured a “Scientific Day” and an investment forum that provided a platform to address pressing climate issues and innovations within the sector. Experts shared research updates on agricultural techniques aimed at conserving water and energy, with a special focus on protecting oasis ecosystems.
The organizers noted that the investment forum attracted a large turnout, including many young entrepreneurs eager to explore new technologies and financing opportunities in the date sector.
Innovative stories from start-ups and emerging companies were also presented to show how advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things contribute to the sector’s resilience and sustainable practices.
