Youssef Mostafa: Company Signs First Date Export Contracts to Europe and Allocates 60% of Production for Foreign Markets
DALLAH, a company specializing in the cultivation, processing, and export of dates, has unveiled an ambitious expansion strategy aimed at strengthening its presence in international markets. The company is targeting a business volume of EGP 3 billion over the next five years, supported by export growth, the introduction of new value-added products, and the expansion of agricultural production from its farms.
Eng. Youssef Mostafa, Chief Executive Officer of DALLAH, said the company has signed its first contracts to export dates to several European markets, with shipments scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of 2026. The move is part of the company’s strategy to enhance the global presence of Egyptian dates and increase their share in international agricultural and food exports.
Mostafa added that DALLAH plans to expand its export footprint during 2026 and 2027, targeting eight new markets across Africa, Europe, and Asia, in addition to the United States. The expansion is expected to support the company’s growth plans while contributing to Egypt’s foreign currency earnings.
He explained that DALLAH operates in the cultivation and production of dates in Egypt’s Bahariya Oasis region, where it owns two farms comprising approximately 20,000 palm trees. The farms produce premium date varieties, particularly Medjool and Siwi dates, both of which enjoy strong demand in global markets.
Mostafa noted that the company aims to allocate approximately 40% of its production to the domestic market while exporting 60% of total output. This strategy comes amid sustained global demand for high-quality Egyptian dates. He emphasized that DALLAH has relied on contract farming and partnership-based agricultural models since entering the Egyptian market in 2021, helping ensure production sustainability, maintain export-quality standards, and provide investment opportunities for partners interested in participating in the project’s production activities.
He revealed that DALLAH’s operations extend beyond the cultivation, production, and packaging of conventional dates. The company is also expanding into value-added food products derived from dates, including date-based snacks filled with almonds, pistachios, and other nuts, alongside innovative products designed specifically for international markets.
According to Mostafa, DALLAH plans to increase its portfolio of exported products to around 20 products by 2028, further enhancing the competitiveness of Egyptian date products in overseas markets.
As part of its commitment to environmental sustainability, Mostafa said the company operates several solar power stations in the Bahariya Oasis that are used to run irrigation systems across its farms. This has helped reduce conventional fuel consumption, lower dependence on diesel, cut carbon emissions, and support the transition toward sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture.
The DALLAH CEO also called for accelerating the legalization and registration procedures for agricultural lands, describing them as a key factor in supporting investment expansion within the agricultural sector and increasing export-oriented production. He further urged the government to provide additional export incentives, including customs and tax benefits, to enhance the competitiveness of Egyptian companies in international markets, boost agricultural exports, and strengthen foreign currency inflows.
DALLAH’s expansion plans come at a time when Egyptian date exports are experiencing unprecedented growth. Egypt advanced to fourth place globally among date-exporting countries in 2025, driven by strong growth in the production of high-value varieties, particularly Medjool dates.
According to data from Egypt’s Ministry of Industry, the country’s exports of fresh dates and date-based products reached approximately 112,000 tons last year, generating revenues of USD 161.6 million, compared to around USD 105 million in 2024, representing an annual growth rate of 53%.
Egyptian dates have also successfully reached approximately 86 countries worldwide, reflecting the growing competitiveness of Egyptian products and rising global demand for premium-quality dates.
