Iran is the world’s second-largest date producer, trailing only Egypt, while boasting the widest variety of dates globally, according to the chairman of the National Date Association of Iran.

The country produces an average of 1.35 million tons of fresh dates annually, with domestic consumption accounting for 70% of the total output. The remaining 30% is exported, generating around $350 million in foreign exchange. Officials believe this figure could potentially reach $500 million with increased exports.

Iranians are also avid date consumers, with an average per capita consumption of 7.5 kilograms per year.