Exclusive Interview with Taha Alwaisi, Chief Sales Officer, Royal Palm DatesGroup
Introduction In the ever-evolving landscape of agribusiness, few names stand out as prominently as Royal Palm DatesGroup. A leader in innovation, sustainability, and global expansion, the company has redefined the date industry by transforming it into a modern, high-value sector. UAE Times had the privilege of speaking with Taha Alwaisi, Chief Sales Officer of Royal Palm Dates, to delve into the company’s journey, challenges, and vision for the future.
UAE Times: Can you share key milestones in your journey?
Taha Alwaisi: Royal Palm Dates’ story began with Royal Comfort Factory in 2001. Over the years, we expanded our footprint through key strategic milestones:
✅ Royal Dates Factory – UAE (2006)
✅ Société Ennour Factory – Tunisia (2008)
✅ Al Madina Farm Factory – KSA (2010)
✅ SARL Royal Comfort Factory – Algeria (2014)
✅ Royal Palm Farm Factory – Jordan (2019)
In 2013, these entities merged to form Royal Palm Date Group. Today, we produce over 82,000 metric tons annually of Date and Date Ingredients in6 of our state of the art factoriesand export to 68 countries, setting benchmarks in innovation and sustainability.We have grown into a position as a Global Leader in the Date Industry.
UAE Times: What inspired you to join the date industry?
Taha Alwaisi: I saw an opportunity to redefine dates—not just as a traditional fruit but as a versatile global food ingredient. The industry lacked innovation, accessibility, and sustainability, and I wanted to change that narrative.
UAE Times: How do you foster innovation at Royal Palm Dates?
Taha Alwaisi: Innovation is at the heart of what we do. Our date puree, a high-viscosity organic alternative to prune puree, is now widely used in baby food, bakery, and beverages. Beyond that, we focus on zero-waste solutions, incorporating dates into food, beauty, and wellness industries to ensure sustainability.
UAE Times: Talent is crucial in any business. How do you attract and retain top talent?
Taha Alwaisi: We create a culture of ownership, growth, and problem-solving. Our team is empowered through leadership training and real-world exposure, keeping them ahead of market trends and challenges.
UAE Times: How has networking shaped your success?
Taha Alwaisi: Networking is more than just selling—it’s about learning, adapting, and staying ahead. Strong relationships open new markets, partnerships, and insights. Mentorship has also played a key role in strengthening our leadership and strategy.
UAE Times: Business risks are inevitable. How do you manage them effectively?
Taha Alwaisi: We take a proactive, not reactive approach to risk management:
🔹 Competitive Risk →Access market landscape and measure the potential for both Commodity and Specialty Date Ingredients .
🔹 Operational Risk → Optimized production to prevent supply disruptions.
🔹 Financial Risk →Hedging against currency fluctuations, unpaid invoices and ever increasing raw material input.
🔹 Regulatory Risk → Strict Quality and Regulatory Compliances ensures seamless global operations.
UAE Times: How do you adapt to industry shifts?
Taha Alwaisi: We constantly analyze trends, diversify products, expand globally, and remain flexible. Our commitment to innovation and sustainability ensures that we lead rather than follow industry changes.
UAE Times: What advice would you give to entrepreneurs in this space?
Taha Alwaisi: 1️⃣Innovate – Don’t just sell; create new applications.
2️⃣Adapt fast – Market shifts reward agility.
3️⃣Prioritize relationships – Long-term success stems from strong partnerships.
4️⃣Never compromise on quality – Quality builds trust and credibility.
UAE Times: What’s next for Royal Palm Dates?
Taha Alwaisi: Our vision for the future is crystal clear:
✅ Expand retail & ingredient markets
✅ Strengthen sustainability efforts
✅ Lead in innovation & product development
For us, the future isn’t just about growth—it’s about shaping the industry.
Conclusion Royal Palm Dates’ success is a testament to the power of innovation, adaptability, and sustainable growth. With a clear vision and a relentless drive to lead, the company is set to transform the date industry further.
As Taha Alwaisi rightly puts it, “The future isn’t just about growth—it’s about shaping the industry.”
Stay tuned for more exclusive interviews on UAE Times!