Tunis — With 61,000 tons of dates exported, Tunisia positions itself as the world's top exporter of dates. Tunisian dates are exported to 56 countries, over the five continents, yielding revenues of 187 million dinars. A growing trend this year are the much sought after biological dates.

Said, Mr Mohamed Ali Jendoubi, the director general of the inter- professional fruit group, "Record figures which represent 30% of world exports".

According to Mr Jendoubi, this success, is due to several factors including the diversification of the product, the prevention against pests affecting dates, including the use of biological means, and the presence of refrigerating units in major production centres such as Kebili and Tozeur.

This collegial effort has enabled the sector to soar, he explained, adding that Tunisian dates have also conquered new markets such as Russia, Turkey and the US.