Pakistan produces more than half a million tons of dates each year, but around 25% of the vitamin-rich crop is lost post-harvest. At Arla Foods Ingredients, we are working with GAIN and local partners in Pakistan to transform dates that otherwise go to waste into a dried fruit bar.
The objective is to build a complete production value chain, drawing on experience gained from a previous fruit project in Ethiopia.
Our application team has developed the prototype recipe. Enriched with whey protein, the bar is designed to provide low-income families with an easily accessible and affordable source of nutrition.
In addition to supporting efforts to reduce malnutrition, the project aims to create new jobs in Pakistan’s fruit processing sector.
Denmark’s development cooperation Danida is supporting the project with funding.
