The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's (KSA) food and agricultural imports for 2009 were worth SAR 65.25 billion, driven by a large national population that continues to grow by 3 per cent each year, rising personal income, and sustained economic growth. The annual influx of over 10 million tourists and the projected surge in foreign labour over the next five years to accommodate economic diversification projects will further elevate Saudi food demand.
The KSA's food sector continues to expand annually at a steady rate of 18.5 per cent. Food and agricultural imports currently account for 15 per cent of aggregate national imports and represent the country's fourth largest import sector. Saudi Agro-Food 2010 – The 17th International Trade Show for Food Products to be held from October 4 to 7, 2010 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre, will gather regional and international exhibitors and manufacturers to explore opportunities offered by the Gulf's largest agricultural importer.
"Saudi Arabia is looking at a population increase of around 15.4 per cent within the next 5 years; food security is thus among the top priorities under its long-term development agenda. Saudi Agro-Food provides a vital platform for Saudi leaders and policy makers to meet up with food and agriculture industry figures and discuss solutions and partnerships that can help satisfy food demand. As the country's longest-running food exhibition, Saudi Agro-Food provides valuable perspectives on how to best pursue local agricultural and food prospects," said Khalid Daou, Project Manager - Saudi Agriculture, Riyadh Exhibitions Company.
Since its inception in 1981, Saudi Agro-Food has been acting as a major entry point for regional and international manufacturers and exhibitors interested in Saudi Arabia's thriving food and agricultural market. Last year's show alongside the Saudi Agriculture 2009 exhibition welcomed thousands of visitors, with 30 per cent of participating trade professionals coming from GCC countries and other parts of the world. The 2010 edition will be held simultaneously with Saudi Agriculture 2010 – The 29th International Agriculture, Water and Agro-Industry Exhibition, and Saudi Food-Pack 2010 – The International Exhibition for Food Processing and Packaging, at the same venue.
Saudi Food-pack will showcase the latest food processing and packaging technologies that include Bakery Equipment; Consumer Goods Packaging; Filling Machinery; Food Packaging Equipment; Food Processing Equipment; Industrial Packaging Equipment; Industrial Refrigeration; Packaging Materials and Supplies; and Wrapping Machinery.
Saudi Agro-Food 2010 will feature products and services covering Animal Health and Production; Bakery Products; Canned Foods; Catering Supplies; Confectionery and Chocolates; Cutlery and Crockery; Dairy and Milk Products; Dried Goods; Energy Drinks; Fast Food and Snacks; Frozen and Chilled Foods; Health and Natural Foods; Meat and Poultry; Seafood and Fish Products; Special Diet Foods among others.
