Dates are one of the world’s oldest and most nutrient-rich fruits, widely enjoyed for their natural sweetness and health benefits. At Exotic Crate, we’ve built our reputation as a trusted dates supplier by ensuring not only premium quality but also transparent guidance on storage, shipping, and longevity.
Whether you’re a health-conscious consumer, a bulk purchaser, or a brand sourcing for production, knowing the way dates are stored and supplied is critical to freshness, safety, and flavor.
Below are the 7 most frequently asked questions we receive about dates supply, storage, and shelf life, answered by the experts at Exotic Crate.
1. How Are Dates Supplied by Exotic Crate?
As a premier dates supplier, Exotic Crate provides a range of date varieties including Medjoul, Kalmi, Ajwa, Kimia, and Safawi—procured directly from licensed growers and importers from all over India and overseas.
We supply dates in:
- Bulk packages (10kg, 25kg)
- Retail packs (250g to 1kg)
- Private-label packs for supermarkets and brands
All dates are cleaned, sorted, and packed in food-grade, moisture-proof packaging, guaranteeing hygiene and long shelf life from the point of our plant.
2. What Is the Shelf Life of Dry and Fresh Dates?
Shelf life differs according to the type of dates and storage conditions.
- Fresh Dates (i.e., Kalmi, Kimia): Shelf life is 3–6 months when kept in dry, cool conditions. Refrigeration can increase it to 9–12 months.
- Dry Dates (i.e., Zahidi, Chuhara): Shelf life is up to 12–18 months since they have a lower moisture level.
As a quality-focused dates supplier, Exotic Crate places best-before dates, storage advice, and batch numbers on all packs for complete traceability.
3. Do Dates Need Refrigeration?
Not always. If kept in a dark, cool environment, most dates are fresh for a few months. But for extended shelf life, refrigeration is advised, particularly in hot or humid countries such as India.
We keep and ship our dates under climate-controlled logistics at Exotic Crate, preventing the loss of texture and mold formation, particularly for soft varieties such as Medjoul and Kimia.
For you retailers or distributors managing large quantities, storing dates between 5°C and 10°C ensures the best quality.
4. Can Dates Spoil or Go Bad? What Are the Signs?
Yes, as with any natural fruit, dates will go bad if not stored properly. The following are usual signs:
- White fuzz or mold
- Sour or fermented odor
- Overstick or crystallized sugar
- Hardness or wrinkling due to water loss
As a dedicated dates provider, Exotic Crate has rigorous quality control inspections, from procurement to point of shipment. But once the dates arrive, good storage is crucial to ensuring quality.
5. How Are Dates Bulk Packaged and Shipped to Bulk Buyers?
Exotic Crate provides bulk packaging solutions for:
- Retail chains
- Foodservice buyers
- Confectionery and snack brands
All the dates are bulk shipped in polybag-lined corrugated boxes, which avoid contamination, shield from moisture, and maintain the dates safe during extended transit periods.
Our cold chain-compatible logistics position us as a dependable dates supplier for pan-India and overseas shipping.
6. Can I Keep Dates in the Freezer for Extended Shelf Life?
Yes! Date freezing is a great method of extending shelf life by up to 2 years, particularly for soft, sticky dates such as Medjoul or Kalmi. Freezing preserves:
- Nutritional content
- Natural sugars
- Moisture and texture
When freezing, store in airtight containers or freezer bags. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to eat—dates don’t need cooking or preparation, so they’re ready to go after defrosting.
We recommend that long-term customers—like bakeries or snack food companies—freeze their stock in batches.
7. Why Choose Exotic Crate as a Reliable Dates Supplier?
Excellent question—and one we’re happy to respond to!
Here’s what makes Exotic Crate stand out as a high-quality dates supplier:
- Extensive Range: From soft to dry dates, we have 10+ high-quality varieties
- Quality Assured: Our procurement adheres to FSSAI, ISO, and export standards
- Efficient Logistics: Cold storage and express delivery within India
- B2B & Retail Friendly: We serve bulk consumers, private-label companies, and small retailers
- Custom Packaging: From 250g to 25kg—packaging options that suit your business requirements
We’re more than just a supplier—we’re your partner in building a clean, premium, and health-driven product line using one of nature’s most powerful fruits.
Final Thoughts
Dates are in high demand—and not just for tradition or taste. They’re becoming a functional food staple, loaded with natural benefits and perfect for health-conscious consumers. But like any food product, storage and handling matter just as much as sourcing.
As your dates supplier of choice, Exotic Crate is dedicated to delivering the highest quality at each stage—from farm to shelf. Whether you’re purchasing in bulk or stocking retail, we assist you in keeping the goodness of dates fresh for each customer, each time.
