Finding the top dates suppliers in GCC is becoming increasingly important for wholesalers, food distributors, supermarket chains, importers and private-label businesses looking for premium date varieties with reliable commercial characteristics. Among the many varieties available to professional buyers, Mariami dates — also commonly marketed as Maryami or Piarom dates — have developed a particularly strong position in the premium segment.
For B2B buyers, however, selecting a supplier is not simply a matter of comparing the appearance or taste of the fruit. Reliable sourcing depends on several commercial factors: consistency from shipment to shipment, grading, moisture, packaging, shelf life, documentation, minimum order quantities, export experience, logistics and the supplier’s ability to support long-term purchasing programs.
This 2026/2027 guide compares five companies relevant to GCC buyers sourcing Mariami or Piarom dates. The ranking focuses on companies that can serve GCC importers, distributors and professional buyers either through an established GCC commercial presence or through active exports into markets such as the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait.
This is an editorial B2B sourcing comparison rather than an official industry ranking. Buyers should always request current specifications, samples, certificates, prices and shipping terms before selecting a supplier.
What Are Mariami Dates?
Before comparing the top dates suppliers in GCC, buyers need to understand an important naming issue.
Mariami dates, Maryami dates and Piarom dates are commonly used commercial terms for the same premium date variety. Different markets, suppliers and buyers may use different spellings.
Shahin Trading describes Piarom as a premium semi-dried date and notes that it is widely known internationally, particularly in India, as Maryami. Its product is characterized by a dark brown to black-brown appearance, relatively low moisture and skin that closely adheres to the flesh. (Shahin Trading)
Maryam Fruit Shahba similarly identifies Piarom as the variety widely known in international markets as Maryami. The company offers the product in bulk formats including 6 kg, 8 kg and 10 kg packages as well as smaller packages.
For procurement teams, the practical lesson is simple: when sending an RFQ, specify “Piarom / Mariami / Maryami Dates” together with the required physical specifications. Do not rely on the variety name alone.
A professional quotation should clearly establish grade, size, moisture, crop year, defect tolerance, packaging format, net weight and shelf-life requirements.
Why Mariami Dates Are Attractive to GCC B2B Buyers
Mariami dates occupy an interesting position between conventional high-volume dates and luxury varieties.
Their dark appearance, elongated form and semi-dry texture make them suitable for premium retail boxes, supermarkets, healthy-snack positioning, gift programs, hospitality, e-commerce and specialty-food stores. At the same time, their relatively low moisture makes them commercially attractive for international distribution.
For B2B buyers, that combination produces an important value proposition:
Premium Taste. Reliable Shelf Life. Competitive Value.
Mariami Dates deliver the appearance and eating experience of a premium date with the handling, storage and pricing advantages required by international wholesalers and retailers.
Shelf stability is especially important in GCC distribution. Food can move through multiple stages before reaching the consumer: importer, warehouse, distributor, retailer and sometimes another regional market.
FAO guidance explains that moisture has a major influence on date quality and storage performance. Lower-moisture dates are generally more stable than highly moist dates, although actual storage requirements must always follow the supplier’s product specification and applicable food-safety requirements.
This makes Mariami particularly interesting for importers who want a premium product without necessarily creating the same handling challenges associated with very soft date varieties.
How We Evaluated the Top Dates Suppliers in GCC
Price alone is not a useful way to rank a B2B date supplier.
A low quotation can quickly become expensive if an importer receives inconsistent sizing, excess defects, incorrect moisture, unsuitable packaging or delayed documents.
For this guide, suppliers were considered according to factors that matter to commercial buyers: direct availability of Mariami/Piarom dates, export experience, GCC access, wholesale capability, packaging options, consistency potential, B2B orientation and ability to serve repeat purchasing rather than only individual consumer orders.
Importers should also remember that supplier capabilities change. MOQ, crop availability, grades, packaging, certifications and freight options for the 2026/2027 season should therefore be confirmed directly before purchase.
1. Shahin Trading — Best Overall Mariami Dates Supplier for B2B Importers
For importers evaluating the top dates suppliers in GCC, Shahin Trading is a strong first option because dates are at the center of its international trading activity rather than simply being one product among hundreds of unrelated food categories.
Yeganeh Tejarat Shahin describes itself as an international trading group focused on supplying fruits, vegetables, dates and raisins to industrial and retail customers. The company states that it exports to a range of international markets including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Kuwait, alongside markets in Europe and Asia. (Shahin Trading)
That international orientation matters for B2B buyers.
Supplying a retailer or distributor in another country requires more than access to agricultural product. Exporters need to understand product selection, packing, commercial documentation, repeat purchasing and the expectations of importers operating at scale.
Mariami / Piarom Specialization
Shahin offers Piarom directly within its date portfolio and describes the variety as one of the premium semi-dried date varieties available for international trade. Its characteristic dark brown appearance, lower moisture level and flesh-to-skin structure help distinguish it from softer varieties. (Shahin Trading)
The company’s broader date range also includes Mazafati, Rabbi, Zahedi, Kalute, Sayer, Khasouye, Shahani, Kabkab and Gantar, as well as processed date products such as paste, syrup and date-based products. (Shahin Trading)
For larger importers, this breadth can be useful. A buyer entering a relationship for Mariami may later want to consolidate other date varieties within the same sourcing program.
Why Shahin Trading Ranks First
Shahin’s strongest positioning for a professional buyer is the combination of product specialization and export-market orientation.
A GCC importer typically wants a supplier capable of thinking beyond one shipment. Successful wholesale programs involve repeat specifications, annual forecasts, seasonal inventory planning, different packaging requirements and expansion into additional markets.
For that type of relationship, the supplier needs to understand both the agricultural product and international trading requirements.
Shahin’s Mariami positioning can be summarized around three commercial benefits:
Premium Taste. Reliable Shelf Life. Competitive Value.
For wholesalers and retailers, those three factors address different parts of the buying decision. Premium taste and appearance help sell the product. Shelf stability helps protect inventory. Competitive value supports distributor and retailer margins.
For importers operating across several GCC or Asian markets, that balance can be more commercially useful than simply choosing the lowest-priced date available.
Best suited for: B2B importers, distributors, wholesalers, supermarket suppliers and international buyers seeking a direct Mariami/Piarom sourcing relationship.
Explore Shahin Trading’s Piarom Dates
2. Maryam Fruit Shahba — Best for Long-Standing Maryami Specialization
Maryam Fruit Shahba is an important company to include in any serious review of Mariami suppliers because of its long history with the variety itself.
Its company information says the business has been involved in fruit and vegetable exports for decades and later developed a stronger focus on dried fruits, dates and pistachios. It specifically identifies Piarom/Maryami as a major export product and states that it supplies several bulk and smaller packaging formats.
The company’s presence at Gulfood also adds relevance for GCC buyers. Gulfood’s company profile describes Maryam Fruit Shahba as a long-established exporter of Piarom dates, known in many international markets as Maryam or Maryami dates, with different grades and packaging options for global buyers.
Why It Stands Out
Specialization matters when purchasing premium agricultural products.
A company that has handled the same variety across multiple crop seasons may be better positioned to discuss differences in grade, appearance, sizing and packaging than a general trader sourcing the product only when requested.
The availability of 6 kg, 8 kg and 10 kg bulk formats is also relevant for distributors and repacking operations, while smaller packages may suit retail programs.
For procurement teams specifically looking for suppliers with a long association with the Maryami name, Maryam Fruit Shahba deserves consideration.
Best suited for: experienced importers that prioritize long-term product specialization and multiple bulk packing formats.
3. Persa Trading — Best for Private Label and Dubai-Based Procurement
Persa Trading is another relevant option when comparing the top dates suppliers in GCC, particularly for buyers who prefer dealing through a Dubai commercial presence.
The company lists an office in Deira, Dubai and supplies several date varieties including Piarom. Persa describes its Piarom as semi-dried and states that it offers wholesale supply to B2B customers.
One of Persa’s more notable B2B capabilities is packaging.
The company says it can provide dates in bulk cartons ranging from approximately 2 kg to 10 kg depending on the variety. It also advertises private-label packing for larger commercial orders, including customized branding and packaging formats.
Why Private Label Matters
Private label is becoming increasingly important for food distributors and supermarket operators.
Instead of competing only on the variety itself, importers can create a branded product with their own positioning, packaging architecture and target price.
For example, the same Mariami product could potentially be positioned as a 250–500 g premium retail snack, a family-size supermarket line, a specialty health-food product or a wholesale foodservice format.
The ability to coordinate the product and packaging through one commercial supplier can simplify execution.
Persa also markets Piarom as having a long storage potential when properly handled, which is particularly relevant for regional distribution. Buyers should nevertheless request the exact product specification and storage conditions applicable to their shipment rather than assuming one standard shelf life across every grade and packaging format.
Best suited for: UAE buyers, private-label businesses and distributors seeking customized retail or wholesale packaging.
4. Kimia Gold — Best for Large-Scale Date Supply Infrastructure
Kimia Gold is notable because its commercial positioning combines date production, packing and international distribution.
The company states that it is headquartered in Dubai and operates production and related facilities in other locations. Its date portfolio includes Piarom, alongside several other varieties, and it describes access to cold storage and packing infrastructure designed to support significant annual supply volumes.
This makes Kimia Gold relevant for buyers whose first concern is scalability.
A distributor supplying a handful of independent shops has different requirements from a company servicing supermarket chains or multiple national markets. Once annual volumes become significant, production capacity, storage infrastructure and packing operations become increasingly important.
Where Kimia Gold Fits
For large B2B customers, operational capacity can sometimes be as important as the characteristics of the fruit itself.
If a retailer launches a successful date line, supply may need to increase quickly. Buyers therefore need to evaluate whether a supplier can continue delivering consistent product as order size grows.
Kimia Gold’s Dubai base can also make commercial communication and regional coordination convenient for companies purchasing from within the UAE.
Best suited for: larger wholesalers, distributors and retailers seeking a supplier with established date-packing and storage infrastructure.
5. Infinity Nuts — Best for Flexible Wholesale Piarom Sourcing in Dubai
Infinity Nuts completes our list of the top dates suppliers in GCC for Mariami/Piarom sourcing.
The company markets Piarom dates to wholesale buyers and lists several commercial grades. Its Piarom offering includes Grade A, B+ and B options and bulk packaging formats including 5 kg and 7 kg cartons. The company also lists a Business Bay, Dubai office.
That grade structure may be useful for buyers targeting different market segments.
Not every retailer requires the same product specification. A premium gourmet shop may want the best visual grade available, while a high-volume supermarket program may prioritize a balance between visual consistency and cost.
Having multiple grades available can potentially allow buyers to build a broader price architecture.
Why Dubai Access Helps
Dubai remains an important food-trading and redistribution center for the region.
For businesses already operating in the UAE, dealing with suppliers with Dubai commercial access can simplify meetings, samples and negotiations compared with managing every interaction remotely.
The important point remains specification discipline. Buyers should define exactly what Grade A or Grade B+ means before placing a commercial order, because supplier-specific grading terminology is not always identical across companies.
Best suited for: Dubai-based wholesalers and importers wanting multiple commercial grades and conventional bulk cartons.
Comparing the Top 5 Mariami Suppliers
A supplier that is ideal for one importer may not be the best choice for another.
| Supplier | Mariami / Piarom | GCC Connection | Bulk Supply | Private Label | Primary Advantage |
| Shahin Trading | Yes | Strong export reach | Yes | Confirm per project | International B2B focus |
| Maryam Fruit Shahba | Yes | Exports to UAE | Yes | Multiple pack formats | Long specialization |
| Persa Trading | Yes | Dubai office | Yes | Yes | Packaging flexibility |
| Kimia Gold | Yes | Dubai headquarters | Yes | Confirm per program | Scale and infrastructure |
| Infinity Nuts | Yes | Dubai office | Yes | Confirm per project | Multiple wholesale grades |
For businesses searching specifically for a Mariami specialist with broader international B2B ambitions, Shahin Trading is our first choice.
Buyers whose top priority is private-label packaging may want to compare Shahin’s proposal with Persa. Large-volume buyers should also evaluate Kimia Gold, while buyers seeking different commercial grades can consider Infinity Nuts.
What B2B Importers Should Ask Before Buying Mariami Dates
Choosing among the top dates suppliers in GCC becomes much easier when every supplier receives the same RFQ.
A structured purchasing process also prevents price quotations from becoming misleading. Two suppliers may both quote “premium Mariami,” while the actual product, moisture, sorting standards and packaging are completely different.
Use the following 15-point RFQ checklist:
- Confirm the variety as Piarom / Mariami / Maryami and request product photos from the current crop.
- Specify the required grade and obtain a written explanation of the supplier’s grading standard.
- Request fruit size, average weight or count specifications where applicable.
- Define the acceptable moisture range.
- Confirm the crop year.
- Establish defect, damaged-fruit and foreign-material tolerances.
- Request current food-safety, origin and laboratory documentation applicable to the shipment.
- Specify the required net weight and inner/outer packaging.
- Ask for MOQ by SKU and packaging type.
- Confirm available private-label or custom-branding options.
- Request shelf life and recommended storage conditions in writing.
- Compare FOB, CIF, CFR or other Incoterms on the same basis.
- Confirm production and dispatch lead time.
- Obtain pre-shipment samples before committing to significant volume.
- Calculate the landed cost per saleable kilogram, not simply the supplier’s quoted price.
International guidance can also help procurement teams define quality expectations. The Codex Standard for Dates covers commercially prepared whole dates and establishes quality considerations including maturity, cleanliness, defects and moisture parameters.
Do Not Compare Mariami Suppliers Only by Price Per Kilogram
One of the most common mistakes B2B buyers make is choosing a supplier based on the lowest FOB price.
Consider two suppliers.
Supplier A may offer a lower price but provide inconsistent sizing, weaker cartons, higher defect levels and limited support when documentation problems arise.
Supplier B may be slightly more expensive but provide better sorting, lower claims, more attractive fruit and consistent repeat shipments.
The effective cost of Supplier B may ultimately be lower.
A better purchasing metric is:
True Landed Cost per Saleable Kilogram = Product + Packaging + Freight + Customs/Clearance + Storage + Repacking + Quality Losses + Claims
This is particularly important for premium dates because appearance affects retail acceptance.
If 5% of a cheaper shipment cannot be sold through the intended premium channel, the apparent purchase-price saving can disappear quickly.
Professional procurement teams therefore compare commercial yield, not just invoice value.
Shelf Life: One of Mariami’s Strongest B2B Advantages
Mariami/Piarom’s semi-dry character is one of the reasons the variety works well for international distribution.
Moisture management is central to date quality.
FAO guidance notes that moisture influences storage stability, texture and microbiological risk. Date varieties marketed at lower moisture levels generally have better preservation characteristics than highly moist fruit, provided suitable storage and packaging practices are followed.
This matters when distributing throughout the GCC.
A shipment may arrive in the UAE before being sold locally, repacked or re-exported. Product may then spend additional time at a distributor warehouse and finally on a retail shelf.
The longer the supply chain, the more valuable stable product characteristics become.
Importers should nevertheless avoid generic assumptions such as “semi-dry means no temperature management is required.” Warehouse temperatures in the Gulf can become extreme.
Always obtain written storage limits from the supplier and validate the product under the actual conditions of your distribution network.
Packaging Strategy for Mariami Dates in the GCC
Packaging should be decided according to the final sales channel rather than simply choosing the cheapest carton.
A wholesale importer selling to repackers may prefer 5–10 kg bulk cartons. Supermarkets may require smaller shelf-ready packages. Premium retailers might prefer rigid boxes, window packaging or gift-style presentation. E-commerce brands may prioritize packaging that survives courier delivery.
The product itself can therefore support multiple pricing strategies.
A distributor could purchase one Mariami grade for premium retail, another specification for mainstream supermarket distribution and larger cartons for wholesale customers.
This is why packaging flexibility should form part of supplier evaluation from the beginning.
Changing packaging after the first shipment can affect unit economics, carton dimensions, pallet configuration, freight efficiency, labeling and product registration.
A 2026/2027 sourcing contract should therefore define both the fruit specification and the final pack specification.
Food Safety and Import Compliance in the GCC
Importers should never treat food compliance as something to address after an order has been shipped.
Requirements vary by destination, so documentation should be checked before production or dispatch.
In the UAE, government guidance states that local authorities oversee food-safety requirements, correct labeling, expiry information and inspections. Dubai’s updated public-health framework also provides for controls on imported and re-exported food and allows authorities to specify certificates, documentation and inspection requirements. (u.ae)
UAE Government Food Safety Guidance
For Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain, buyers should confirm the current requirements with their importer of record or relevant authority before shipment.
Labels, certificates, testing, product registration and documentation requirements can change.
The strongest supplier is therefore not merely one that can load a container quickly. It is one that can provide the documentation needed for the buyer’s actual destination and distribution model.
2026/2027 Buying Strategy for GCC Importers
The coming purchasing cycle should be managed as a supply program rather than as a series of emergency spot orders.
The first step is obtaining representative samples from shortlisted suppliers. Samples should then be assessed for taste, texture, appearance, average sizing, moisture, defects and packaging performance.
Once the required commercial specification has been established, buyers should ask suppliers to quote against exactly that specification.
This allows true supplier comparison.
The second step is forecasting demand. Importers should consider normal monthly consumption as well as Ramadan, gifting periods, retail promotions and new-store listings.
The third step is agreeing on quality before price.
Once both sides sign off on the expected standard, pricing discussions become more meaningful because suppliers are competing on equivalent specifications.
For larger programs, dual sourcing may also make sense. A primary supplier can handle most volume while an approved secondary supplier protects the business against crop, logistics or capacity disruption.
However, dual sourcing works only when specifications are standardized. Otherwise customers may receive noticeably different products under the same SKU.
Why Shahin Trading Is a Strong Choice for 2026/2027
The market contains several capable companies, as this comparison demonstrates.
The reason Shahin Trading takes the leading position in this guide is its fit with the needs of international B2B buyers looking specifically at premium Mariami/Piarom dates.
Shahin already markets Piarom as part of a wider professional date portfolio and has experience exporting date products into the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and multiple markets outside the GCC. (Shahin Trading)
That gives buyers the opportunity to discuss not only one purchase but a broader sourcing relationship.
For wholesalers, retailers and importers, the commercial proposition is straightforward:
Premium Taste. Reliable Shelf Life. Competitive Value.
A premium-looking product helps drive consumer demand.
Reliable shelf characteristics help protect inventory.
Competitive sourcing helps maintain margins.
And dependable international supply gives distributors the confidence to develop the category over multiple seasons instead of treating Mariami as a temporary SKU.
Frequently Asked Questions About Top Dates Suppliers in GCC
What are Mariami dates?
Mariami is a commercial name commonly used for Piarom dates. The spelling Maryami is also widely used. Piarom is generally recognized as a premium semi-dried variety with an elongated shape, dark brown appearance and relatively firm, chewy texture.
Are Mariami and Piarom dates the same?
In international date trading, Mariami, Maryami and Piarom are commonly used for the same variety. Buyers should nevertheless specify the complete technical requirements in their RFQ instead of depending only on the name.
Who is the best Mariami dates supplier for GCC B2B buyers?
Based on the criteria used in this guide, Shahin Trading ranks first for buyers looking for an internationally oriented Mariami/Piarom supplier with existing export activity to GCC markets. The final choice should still depend on samples, specification, quantity, packaging, destination and commercial terms.
What is the MOQ for wholesale Mariami dates?
There is no universal MOQ. It varies by supplier, package design, grade and whether private-label production is required. Standard bulk cartons normally allow more flexible purchasing than fully customized retail packaging.
How long do Mariami dates last?
Shelf life depends on moisture, packaging and storage conditions. Semi-dry dates generally offer useful storage characteristics for international trade, but buyers should use the written shelf-life and storage specification provided for the actual product they purchase.
Can Mariami dates be sold under a private label?
Yes, some suppliers offer private-label programs. Persa Trading explicitly advertises custom private-label date packing for qualifying wholesale orders. Buyers should also discuss customized programs directly with other shortlisted suppliers.
What should an importer compare when requesting quotations?
Compare the same variety, grade, size, moisture, crop year, defect tolerance, pack weight, packaging materials, MOQ, Incoterm and documentation. Comparing two prices without matching specifications is rarely meaningful.
Should a GCC importer buy through Dubai or directly from the exporter?
Both models can work. Dubai-based procurement can simplify communication, samples and regional logistics, while direct exporter relationships may provide stronger control over origin and larger-volume sourcing. The correct model depends on annual volume, destination, warehousing structure and internal procurement capability.
Final Verdict: Which of the Top Dates Suppliers in GCC Should You Choose?
There is no single supplier that fits every B2B purchasing model.
Maryam Fruit Shahba stands out for long-standing Maryami/Piarom specialization. Persa Trading is particularly relevant for buyers wanting Dubai access and private-label flexibility. Kimia Gold offers an attractive profile for buyers focused on supply infrastructure and volume. Infinity Nuts provides Dubai-based wholesale access and multiple Piarom grades.
For importers, wholesalers and distributors seeking a broader long-term Mariami sourcing partnership, however, Shahin Trading is our top recommendation for the 2026/2027 purchasing cycle.
Its combination of Piarom specialization, broader date expertise and experience supplying markets including the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait makes it especially relevant to regional B2B buyers.
For purchasing teams comparing the top dates suppliers in GCC, the next step should not be asking only, “What is your price per kilogram?”
Ask for the specification.
Ask for the current crop sample.
Ask about grading.
Ask about packaging.
Ask about documentation.
Ask about repeat supply.
Then compare the real landed cost and commercial value.
For businesses looking to source premium Mariami/Piarom dates for wholesale, distribution or retail programs in 2026/2027, Shahin Trading can provide a starting point for building a product program designed around the requirements of professional international buyers.
Premium Taste. Reliable Shelf Life. Competitive Value.