Saudi dates in South Korea: A strategic partnership with Lotte
The date palm and date sector in Saudi Arabia continues to achieve successive milestones, reflecting the significant development of this vital economic pillar, as the Kingdom steadily progresses towards strengthening the presence of its national products in global markets. In a significant new development, the Al-Ahsa Agricultural Development Association signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the Korean company Lotte International, under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Talal bin Badr Al Saud, Governor of Al-Ahsa, and with the direct support of the National Center for Date Palms and Dates.
Dimensions and strategic objectives of the agreement
This agreement, signed by the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Association, Engineer Abdulaziz Al-Mousa, and the CEO of Lotte, Mr. Jung Ki-ho, comes as part of the "Empowering Saudi Dates Exports and Their Access to Global Markets" initiative. This partnership aims to leverage the vast logistical and marketing capabilities of the Korean side to open new horizons for Saudi products, not only as raw dates, but also by focusing on processing industries and innovative value-added products.
Economic importance and the context of Vision 2030
This step is significant because it aligns perfectly with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify income sources and increase the share of non-oil exports. Saudi dates, often referred to as "brown gold," are among the Kingdom's most important products in international markets, given their high quality and variety. Such partnerships contribute to increasing the agricultural sector's contribution to the GDP and transforming the Kingdom into the world's leading exporter of dates in terms of both value and quality.
Al-Ahsa: The capital of dates and its historical depth
The choice of Al-Ahsa as the starting point for this partnership is not arbitrary; it is the largest palm oasis in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Al-Ahsa boasts an agricultural heritage spanning thousands of years and is home to millions of palm trees that produce some of the finest date varieties, such as Khalas and Raziz. This historical depth and abundant production give Saudi dates a competitive edge and a unique marketing narrative that attracts foreign consumers seeking authenticity and quality.
The role and influence of Lotte in the Asian market
Lotte International is a cornerstone of the South Korean economy and ranks among the top five global conglomerates. The strength of this partnership lies in the company's vast distribution network, which includes over 13,000 retail outlets and major shopping centers both within South Korea and internationally. This extensive reach ensures Saudi dates have direct access to Asian consumers, facilitating knowledge transfer and the exchange of expertise in the food processing industry, and fostering innovation in presenting dates as a modern, global product.
