An estimated 20,000 visitors from across Saudi Arabia and the MENA region will come to Jeddah this December. The reason? Foodex Saudi, Saudi’s first exhibition 100% dedicated to celebrating the Kingdom’s food and drink industry.
With already half of its projected 300 exhibiting brands confirmed, Food Saudiis et to showcase the entire food and beverage marketplace in one spectacular event. Global and local food and drink companies take advantage of Jeddah’s unique position as a hub for the food and drink industry to exhibit new products and ideas, meet key contacts, and most importantly, develop their business.
Local food producers and manufacturers are enjoying a boom in Saudi and global firms are also benefiting from the outstanding potential. According to the BMI’s Risk Reward Ratings (RRRs), Saudi Arabia’s food and drink market has the most potential in the MENA region. Saudi importers, wholesalers and supermarket executives are constantly searching for new food items to introduce. The Saudi Arabia food forecast consumption will grow between 2011 and 2016 by an enviable 55.3% to reach a value of US$248bn, outperforming other regional markets.
Obviously with such a sharp rise demand, it is of upmost importance to make sure there it enough food to go round, which is why King Abdullah has established an US$800 million public company to manage Saudi’s ‘food security’ initiative. Simon Blazeby, Group Exhibition Director for Reed Sunaidi (a joint venture between Reed Exhibitions www.reedexpo.com and Sunaidi Exhibitions, part of the Alfadl Group)is well aware of the importance of the industry as this juncture in our economic development, and that the current industry in Saudi can barely support the market’s demand.
“Foodex Saudi’s objective is to encourage new import relationships, as well as the continued development of the Saudi food distribution, retail and service sectors. The exhibition provides a trade platform enabling international and Saudi food and beverage companies to develop new and existing business relationships. The Saudi Food Forum www.saudifoodforum.com is to be held concurrently bringing delegates from 30 countries to meet with Saudi Food leaders. “
Traditional Middle Eastern cuisine remains popular but there is also a taste transformation going on across Saudi Arabia. This is a young and vibrant country where many have travelled and studied abroad and enjoy variety in their meals, experiencing new products and dishes from around the world.
Saudis are big consumers of meat, poultry and rice, as well as a variety of hot and cold beverages. Other popular product categories on the rise include fresh and prepared fruit and vegetables, dairy, seafood, sweets and snacks, seeds and nuts, sauces, condiments and jams, cereals and bakery products. There is also growing demand for convenience foods as those eating at home have less time for cooking and rising interest in eating more healthily and organic produce. The home, business and institutional catering industry is also booming.
Foodex Saudi’s exclusive Hosted Buyers programme means visitors will attend Foodex from not only Jeddah, but also Riyadh, Damman, Joba and the Economic Free Zones. Selected Hosted Buyers from other MENA countries will also be invited to attend. Added to this will be a selection international delegates for the Saudi Food Forum, creating an global mix of visitors never before seen at a Saudi Arabian Food Expo
Visitors and Hosted Buyers will be taken on a gastronomic journey, from Saudi Arabia’s leading brands, to new global foods in the International Pavilion Area, through “Specialist World”, showcasing global food brands by sector. Exhibitors range from the biggest household names to the smallest and most specialist niche brands. The exhibition offers a fantastic visitor experience with interactive demonstrations, seminars and appearances from celebrity chefs.
More information: www.foodexsaudi.com
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