The question 'what is the price of dates per kg?' is the wrong question for a B2B buyer. The exact same price can be profitable for one business and loss-making for another, depending on volume, logistics cost, shrinkage, and storage. What a procurement team needs to understand is the price structure — how price is formed, why it tiers with volume, and what the true total cost is until the product is ready to sell. This article dissects the 2026 wholesale date price structure and the concept of total cost of ownership (TCO).
2026 Wholesale Date Reference Prices
As a starting point, here are wholesale price ranges for several popular varieties based on 2026 market monitoring. Price is strongly season-driven — ahead of Ramadan, prices in wholesale markets like Tanah Abang can jump 20–30% within weeks.
| Variety | Wholesale Range per Kg (2026) | Market Segment | Price Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sukari | Rp60,000–Rp95,000 | High volume, mass takjil | Rose from ~Rp70k to ~Rp90k before fasting |
| Golden Valley (Egypt) | ± Rp260,000 / 10 kg carton | Mass market, economical | Best-selling wholesale per carton |
| Medjool | Rp150,000–Rp280,000 | Premium, hotel & gifting | ± Rp250–300k at peak season |
| Ajwa | Rp200,000–Rp350,000 | Religious premium, gifting | Rose from ~Rp190k to ~Rp220k before fasting |
The figures above are reference ranges, not fixed offers; actual price depends on grade, volume, and timing of purchase. Note carefully: the range within one variety (for example Medjool from Rp150k to Rp280k) mainly reflects differences in grade and size.
Five Drivers of Wholesale Date Prices
Understanding what moves the price helps you judge whether an offer is fair and when the best time to buy is.
| Driver | Effect on Price | Procurement Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Variety | Premium (Ajwa, Medjool) far costlier than mass-market (Sukari, Golden Valley) | Choose variety to match customer segment |
| Grade & Size | Higher grade & jumbo size raise price significantly | Set grade to need, do not over-spec |
| Volume (MOQ) | The larger the volume, the lower the unit price | Consolidate purchases for a better tier |
| Season | 20–30% spike before Ramadan | Buy/contract early, lock price |
| FX & Origin | Imported commodity; exchange rate and duty policy affect cost | Consider a locked-price contract |
Why Price Tiers with Volume
Price tiering based on MOQ is not a sales trick but a reflection of cost. The larger the volume bought at once, the lower the supplier's per-unit procurement, packing, and distribution cost — part of that saving is passed to the buyer as a lower price. This is the basis for why consolidated large-volume buying is almost always more economical per kg than repeated retail purchases. For a B2B buyer, consolidating the needs of several branches or several months into one large order can lift the price tier obtained.
Price per Kg vs Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
This is the concept that separates professional procurement from ordinary buying. The purchase price is only one component. Landed cost is the total price of a product once it arrives at your warehouse, including purchase price, freight, insurance, and related charges. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) goes further: it includes landed cost plus storage, losses from quality issues, and shrinkage. Many organizations do not realize that profitability is eroded not by poor sales but by hidden costs in the supply chain.
| TCO Component | Example Cost for Dates | Often Missed? |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | Per kg/carton price from supplier | No — always counted |
| Logistics | Freight, loading/unloading, insurance | Sometimes |
| Storage | Warehouse rent, cooling for moist varieties | Often |
| Shrinkage & Damage | Damaged dates, expiry, off-spec quality | Very often |
| Administration | Quality checks, documentation, returns | Often |
The TCO approach helps organizations move beyond comparing unit prices and make decisions based on true total cost. For example: cheap dates that arrive heavily damaged or quickly mold because moisture was uncontrolled can end up costlier than slightly pricier dates with stable quality and low shrinkage.
Contract Price vs Spot Price
B2B buyers have two pricing modes. Spot price follows the current market — flexible but exposed to the Ramadan spike. Contract price is locked for a defined period through a volume agreement. For core varieties you need in large, predictable quantities, a contract price locked before the season is often the biggest saving — you avoid the 20–30% spike spot buyers face. For premium varieties with small, fluctuating volume, a spot price can be more practical.
How to Compute Cost Basis for Margin Setting
Once you know TCO per kg, you can set a selling price with a healthy margin. The steps: compute landed cost per kg, add an allocation for storage and an estimate of shrinkage, then apply your target margin. For resellers and shops, understanding an accurate cost basis — not just the purchase price — prevents the mistake of setting a price that looks profitable on paper but loses money after hidden costs.
As an importer with a network spanning more than 40 years that maintains stock of over 20 varieties year-round, we offer volume-based tiered pricing and a contract-price option for core varieties — helping horeca partners and distributors secure cost predictably. To request a quote matched to your volume and grade needs, reach us on WhatsApp +62 823-4350-8579, and also see our guides on date supply contracts and maintaining stock consistency to make your cost planning sharper.
Note: all price figures are educational references based on market monitoring and may change; official quotes always reflect current conditions.
