Saudi Arabia: Agri, food focus for Saudi trade fair

saudi-food-and-agricultureThe latest products, practices and techniques to meet Saudi Arabia’s surging food demands will be unveiled at an international food trade and industry show to be held in Riyadh in September.

The Saudi Agriculture 2013, the 32nd International Agriculture, Water and Agro Industry Show and Saudi Agro-Food 2013, the 20th International trade show for food products, processing and packaging technologies run from September 15 to 18 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The Saudi Food-Pack 2013, the 2nd international exhibition for food processing and packaging will run alongside the two shows. The concurrent exhibitions represent the biggest business-to-business and agro-food event in the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia’s agriculture and food sectors are expected to sustain a combined annual growth of 18.5 per cent, driven by a rising population and strong consumer spending.

Food sales in the kingdom account for around half of the domestic retail market and are expected to be worth almost $70 billion by 2016. Industry players emphasize the need for platforms to discuss key issues, discover new business and investment opportunities, and interact with major stakeholders.

Saudi Agriculture draws exhibitors from Saudi Arabia, Middle East, Europe, the Americas and Asia to its networking and business-to-business opportunities. It also contributes solutions and techniques for the Saudi Government to consider as part of the kingdom’s food security and self-sufficiency strategies.

“These are crucial times as far as the Kingdom’s agriculture and food sectors are concerned. Saudi food requirements are rising to an all-time high, the government is intensifying efforts to come up with sound food security measures, and consumers with increasing spending power are demanding more diversity and quality,” said Zeyad Al Rukban, assistant general manager, Riyadh Exhibitions Company.

“Saudi Agriculture 2013 and its associated events offer a timely, strategic meeting place to discuss and address vital issues, find out the latest and best trade solutions, and direct sustained and efficient industry growth,” Al Rukban added. – TradeArabia News Service