Turkey is a thriving market for high-quality dried fruits and nuts, with Iranian dates gaining rapid popularity due to their natural sweetness, variety, and affordability. Whether you’re a food importer in Istanbul, a supermarket chain, or a wholesaler in Gaziantep, sourcing Iranian dates at wholesale prices is a smart move — especially ahead of Ramadan, New Year holidays, or trade shows.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know: top Iranian date varieties, bulk pricing, and most importantly, customs and import regulations in Turkey for dates.

Why Iranian Dates Are Gaining Popularity in Turkey?

Iran shares not only borders with Turkey but also deep cultural, culinary, and trade ties. Iranian dates — especially varieties like Mazafati, Zahidi, and Piarom — are now widely available across:

•    Wholesale food markets in Mersin, Istanbul, Izmir, and Konya

•    Organic food stores and spice bazaars

•    Local grocery chains & Ramadan markets

•    Export re-routing from Turkey to Balkan, CIS, and EU countries

Key reasons for growth:

•    Shorter transit time (road transport from Iran to Turkey in <5 days)

•    Lower import cost compared to dates from Gulf countries

•    Strong demand for dates in Turkish cuisine, especially during religious occasions

•    Suitable for vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free diet markets

Top Iranian Date Varieties Imported to Turkey

Variety                              Type                      Turkish Market Use

Mazafati (Bam)         Soft & juicy          Ramadan boxes, direct retail

Zahidi                       Semi-dry, firm         Food processing, baklava, date paste

Piarom                        Luxury, dry           Gourmet & corporate gifts

Kabkab                Moist with sticky flesh            Industrial use (syrup/paste)

Rabbi                         Long, chewy           Wholesale packaging & retail

Iranian Dates Wholesale Price in Turkey (2025 Forecast):

Prices for bulk Iranian dates in Turkey can vary depending on:

•    Variety

•    Packaging (bulk, vacuum-sealed, private label)

•    Season

•    CIF vs. FOB

•    Volume (MOQ typically starts from 2–5 tons)

➤ Estimated Wholesale Prices (CIF Mersin or Istanbul – 2025)

Variety                                                              CIF Price (per kg)

Mazafati (600g retail box)                              $1.40 – $1.70

Zahidi (bulk 10kg)                                            $1.20 – $1.50

Piarom (luxury retail pack)                            $8.40– $8.90

Kabkab (bulk, pressed)                                   $0.95 – $1.30

Rabbi                                                                   $1.10 – $1.40

Prices fluctuate based on the harvest season, fuel costs, and currency rates (USD vs. TRY). Bulk orders over 10 MT usually get volume discounts.

Customs Clearance & Import Regulations in Turkey:

To import dried dates from Iran to Turkey, companies must follow a few legal procedures, which are relatively straightforward compared to EU countries.

Key Requirements:

1.   Registered Import Company in Turkey

You must be registered with the Turkish Trade Registry and have a valid tax ID for food imports.

2.   Import Documents Needed

o    Commercial Invoice

o    Packing List

o    Certificate of Origin (Iran Chamber of Commerce)

o    Phytosanitary Certificate

o    Health Certificate

o    Bill of Lading (sea freight) or CMR (road freight)

o    Turkish language food label (optional if repackaging locally)

3.   HS Code for Dates

o    0804.10.00.00.11 (Fresh or dried dates, customs category)

4.   Customs Duty & VAT

o    Import duty for Iranian dates under the current Bilateral Trade Agreement may be 0–5%, depending on specific trade codes.

o    VAT on food products is usually 1–8% in Turkey.

o    If the shipment is under preferential tariffs, duty exemptions apply under ECO agreement.

5.   Inspection by Turkish Ministry of Agriculture

o    Dates are considered plant-based food, so the Turkish Food Safety Authority may conduct random sampling upon arrival.

6.   Customs Broker Assistance

It's strongly advised to hire a Turkish gumruk müşaviri (customs broker) to handle port procedures and health declarations.

Why Work with Tamila Agrifood?

At Tamila Agrifood, we specialize in exporting premium Iranian dates to Turkey and beyond, offering:

•    Fresh harvest from certified farms in Bam, Bushehr & Khuzestan

•    Bulk & retail-ready packaging solutions

•    Competitive pricing (FOB Bandar Abbas or CIF Mersin/Istanbul)

•    Dedicated Persian/Turkish/English customer service

•    Experience with customs, labeling & halal certifications

We simplify the entire process — from quality control to Turkish customs — ensuring your delivery is on-time, compliant, and profitable.

Who Buys Iranian Dates in Turkey?

•    Food importers & resellers

•    Local dried fruit wholesalers

•    Turkish date brand owners

•    Ramadan box manufacturers

•    Online marketplaces like Trendyol, Hepsiburada

•    Bulk food suppliers to restaurants and catering businesses

Final Thoughts

The Turkish market is ripe for high-quality, well-priced Iranian dates. With the right supplier, legal compliance, and distribution strategy, you can build a profitable business around bulk date import and sales in Turkey.

If you're ready to import Iranian dates to Turkey, contact Tamila Agrifood, your reliable partner for premium Persian agricultural exports.

Email:  tamilaagrifood@gmail.com

WhatsApp:  +989141858935