Date paste and extract gain popularity in the local market of Malaysia

Fresh dates are more popular requests during the Muslim festival months however the demand for date paste and extract is also present. Consumers have started to use dates and honey to replace sugar as healthier alternatives. However, suppliers of paste and extract date in Malaysia are more comfortable to supply for the local markets. The production costs and import date costs are so high that prices for re-exports are very expensive and not competitive in comparison to the major date-producing countries.