JEDDAH: According to an economic report released recently, Saudi Arabia’s food imports is expected to reach SR130 billion by 2020 at an annual growth rate ranging between seven and eight percent. In view of this growth, the fourth annual Saudi ‘Foodex’ Exhibition is expected to take place from Nov. 21 to 24 this year at the Jeddah Center for Forums, Events and Conferences.The exhibition is expected to host as many as 35 countries.
The Foodex will be organized by Reed Sunaidi Exhibitions according to Rony Al-Haddad, exhibition director for the event. Al-Haddad said that it will involve about 230 exhibitors from 35 countries who will showcase the best fresh, chilled and frozen foods, dairy products, canned goods, meat, poultry, snacks and desserts.
Al-Haddad said that Foodex Saudi Arabia is the largest Saudi exhibition specialized in food and beverages and provides the opportunity for those interested in distribution sector, retail and hospitality industries to launch new food products from more than 35 countries around the world and exchange business experiences with exhibitors.
He noted that this year’s exhibition is characterized by three new additions: A specialized exhibition of bakeries and pastries featuring various cereals and bread products from industry leaders from all over the world. It also includes a culinary competition with the participation of 140 chefs during the three day exhibition, with arbitration by a 12 member committee. Additionally, Reed Sunaidi will organize a program to coordinate business meetings among exhibitors, buyers and decision-makers who specialize in food manufacturing and distribution.
He expects that alongside the rising value of food imports in 2020, the fast-food market will also increase in value but up to SR17 billion, with an increasing number of retail stores, too, rising to 50,000 stores in total within the framework of the Vision 2030.
He noted that 209 exhibitors from 32 countries participated in last year’s exhibition and showcased more than 500 brands. The exhibition was visited by 5,374 people, while 140 chefs participated in the contest. The number of visitors and participants are expected to increase this year.
