Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
The holy month of Ramzan will begin on Thursday. During this month, fasting devotees traditionally break their fast with dates. To meet this demand, the city has over 50 varieties of dates imported from abroad, worth around ₹4 crore. Some of these dates must be stored in air-conditioned spaces or refrigerators to preserve their quality.
Sizes range from 1.5 inches to 3 inches
The dates are imported via Mumbai and Gujarat from countries including Saudi Arabia, Iran, the UAE, Jordan, Oman, and Algeria. In the city, dates are available in sizes ranging from 1.5 inches to 3 inches.
Golden, Dark Brown, and Black Dates
Markets offer soft, juicy dates in golden, dark brown, and black varieties. Packaged attractively and in gift boxes, dates are priced between ₹150 and ₹1,800 per kilogram, said Ameer Tamboli, a wholesale trader.
Which dates need refrigeration?
Premium varieties such as Medjool, Ajwa, and Sagai are softer and more moist, requiring storage at 5–10°C. Otherwise, their natural sweetness, texture, and colour may deteriorate.
Dates sold year-round
Five years ago, dates were sold mainly during Maha Shivaratri, Navratri, and Ramzan. Now, recognising their health benefits and growing customer purchasing power, dates are sold throughout the year. Monthly sales exceed ₹50 lakh, with sales during Ramzan reaching ₹4 crore. Anticipating this demand, eight wholesale traders in the city have stocked dates worth ₹4 crore over the past two months.
New Dry Fruit Shops Open Every Year
According to trader Awaiz Meraj, “Post-COVID, the number of dry fruit consumers has risen. The city now has 10 wholesale traders and over 100 retail shops selling dry fruits. Dry fruits are even sold from handcarts.”
Monthly turnover reaches ₹6 crore
Sales of dry fruits increase by roughly 10% annually. Currently, the dry fruit business in the city generates a monthly turnover of ₹6 crore, said Shivnarayan Totla, a wholesale trader.
Areas Seeing Shop Growth
New shops are growing in areas including:
Roshan Gate to Champa Chowk
Champa Chowk to Damdi Mahal Chowk
Chelipura to Shahganj
Chelipura to Champa Chowk
Lota Karanja, Jinsi, and Chelipura