Industry 09
Dates: sorting, treatment, packing and storage
Dates are a high-value product, Medjool above all. A well-designed packing station protects that value from the palm to the customer.
The palm groves of the Draa, Tafilalet and Oriental regions grow sought-after varieties. After harvest, dates have to be sorted, disinfested, cleaned, graded and kept cold to hold their quality all year.
We support cooperatives, producer groups and processors with station design, harvest-season organisation and access to demanding markets.
Key process steps
- 01
Receiving and pre-sorting
Lot checks, removal of damaged fruit.
- 02
Disinfestation
Cold, heat or controlled-atmosphere treatment.
- 03
Washing and drying
Gentle cleaning and drying of the fruit.
- 04
Sorting and grading
By size, colour and texture, often by hand for Medjool.
- 05
Packing
Trays, boxes, bulk; labelling and traceability.
- 06
Cold storage
Cold rooms to spread sales over the year.
The challenges we see
- Insect infestation and post-harvest losses
- Uneven lots and grading
- Moisture control and cold chain
- Certifications required for export
How we help
- Design and sizing of the station and cold rooms
- Choice of disinfestation and storage methods
- HACCP, GlobalG.A.P. and certification readiness
- Organising supply from growers
- Training for sorting and packing teams
Standards and frameworks
- Moroccan law 28-07 and ONSSA
- HACCP
- GlobalG.A.P.
- IFS Food, BRCGS
- UNECE marketing standards
A project in this industry?
The first consultation is free. Tell us about your plant or project and we will get back to you within 48 hours.