Premier food event in the KSA

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has the largest economy and population in the GCC, accounting for 64% of the region’s total food consumption. Even as it has developed its agricultural sector, the Kingdom is largely dependent on food imports since only about 2% of its land is truly arable.  

With more than 29 million inhabitants and a growing young population, it does present numerous business and trade prospects for the international food and beverage sector. 

Driven by double digit population growth and a robust oil-based economy, the market is currently worth over US$50 billion and it is expected to grow by 9% in the next three years. To get to this market, an efficient, effective and convenient route is through Foodex Saudi 2014, a new industry exhibition organised by Reed Sunaidi. Having secured more than $30 million in business deals for its 131 pioneering exhibitors in the inaugural show in 2013, the show will attract dozens more exhibitors and even greater business opportunities this year.  

The four-day event begins on 17 November and takes place at the Jeddah Centre for Forums & Events. Organisers are setting up over 10,000m² exhibition space and they expect another sellout success well before the show. 

The Saudi Food Forum will cover topics on food security and safety 

Those who took part in Foodex Saudi’s successful debut in 2013 can expect no less from this year’s second run.  Since its launch, Foodex has established itself as premier trade event for the food and beverage industry, giving local, regional and international suppliers, manufacturers, and service providers another new platform to access not only the market in the KSA, but other parts of the Middle East and Africa as well. Organisers make sure to have a showcase of the most important categories in the industry, including food ingredients, prepared meals, gourmet, organic and health foods, food tech & packaging, confectionery & bakery. 

In addition to the wide range of products and equipment, the fair will offer business and trade visitors ample opportunity to present ideas and solutions, develop their network efficiently, and attend a series of high level educational fora and workshops, as well as learn and enjoy the interactive demonstrations, seminars and appearances from celebrity chefs.

The first Foodex Saudi exhibition was inaugurated by H.E. Dr Khalid Bin Mohammed Al Fuhaid, Deputy Minister for Agriculture

Simon Blazeby, head of Exhibitions for Reed Sunaidi, said:  “Foodex Saudi enjoyed great success last year, both in terms of business written for our exhibitors and also because more than 10,200 visitors visited the show. Over 300 brands were showcased last year, many of whom have become show ambassadors for us this year thanks to the success they enjoyed.

“There is no doubt that the KSA market holds exceptional potential for F&B companies around the world, and exhibitors benefit immediately from Reed Sunaidi’s reach and expertise in doing business in this burgeoning market.” 

The show will once again run its Hosted Buyer Programme (HBP) to facilitate valuable introductions and business contacts between customers and exhibitors.  More than 80 buyers are expected to participate this year.

Also taking place alongside Foodex Saudi is the Saudi Food Forum, a key industry conference that will focus this year on the critical issues of food security and safety. Experts and authorities from the Kingdom and around the world are expected to attend. 

With the hospitality industry in the Kingdom developing at an exceptional rate, a new feature at this year’s Foodex Saudi is expected to attract strong interest. Organised to recognise culinary talent and skill, the Saudi Chef Competition will pit celebrity chefs against locally-based chefs to find the finest cooks in the Kingdom. 

Foodex Saudi 2014

Date: 17–20 November

Venue: Jeddah Centre for Forums & Events

Organiser: Reed Sunaidi Exhibitions

T: +966 2 6682 626

F: +966 2 6603 682

E: info@reedsunaidiexpo.com

W: www.Foodexsaudi.com