Mtex, the leading Israeli grower and exporter of fruit and vegetables, has announced that it will be the first group to ship new season Medjoul dates, under the Red Sea label.

First picking of the crop began this week (11 August), the group said, with shipments scheduled to leave for Europe next week.

For the first time, the group's date exports are expected to surpass 1,000 tonnes as high demand from health conscious consumers is met, the group said in a statement.

'Medjoul dates embody the needs of most of today's clients: convenience, high nutritional value, great taste and accessible price,' the group said. 'Mtex offers this superb product all year round and in a wide array of packages.'

Additionally, the group has announced that it expects to grow exports of sweet potatoes this season to around 3,000 tonnes, of which 1,300 tonnes will be organic produce.

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