Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — The new edition of a four-day International Food and Beverage Exhibition (Foodex Saudi 2017) will be launched on Nov. 12-15, showcasing latest products in the food sector.

Around 35 countries, 214 exhibitors with 520 brands are participating in the “Foodex Saudi 2017” which will take place in at Jeddah Center for Forums and Events,

Haya Al-Sunaidi, chairwoman of organizing committee, said the increased number of exhibitors, countries and participants raises expectations on the much bigger in “Foodex Saudi” fifth edition, where preparations are going on for months.

Al-Sunaidi added that the exhibition, to be held on 9800 sqm land space, will offer an opportunity to industry trading companies and manufacturers from the food and beverage retail sector to showcase new food products.

Foodex Saudi Exhibition will boost national food and beverage industry to raise the competition to the highest international standards.

Al Sunaidi confirmed that the exhibition this year welcomes international expert manufacturers in organic and natural food, seeds and grains in addition to other food products sectors.

Rony Al Haddad, director of the exhibition, said “Foodex Saudi” is the largest Saudi international exhibition, 100% specialized in food and beverage industry, and is energizing one of the pillars of national vision by providing one million jobs in the retail sector by 2020. It provides opportunities and exchange of expertise and business with 214 exhibitors from 35 countries.

Al-Haddad said the “Salon Culinaire” competition, with participation of 158 chefs competing from different countries in 17 professional categories and endorsed by World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS), Saudi Arabian Chefs Table Circle and Saudi Chefs Association (SARCA).

Exhibitor Jose Ramon Godoy, International Manager, Provacuno; said: “This is our first participation and promotion for the Spanish beef in Saudi Arabia. We are enthusiastic about participation in Foodex Saudi to endorse the advantages of our products in the Saudi market.”

“We are pleased to introduce Spanish beef to local importers as a quality product, presenting a wide variety of products (from the calf to the beef) known for quality assurance along the industrial process and following the European Production System, for tenderness and digestibility of all products.”

He added: “Saudi market is a very interesting market for the Spanish beef sector because of its high demand and high imports and also is a market with appreciation for top quality products and with high purchasing power. That’s why Spanish exporters are keen to provide their high quality products to the Saudi market and give it a priority,” Godoy noted.

Saudi Arabia has the largest food market in the Gulf and the Middle East, and is one of the countries with strong economic and consumer power. Food and beverage imports are expected to increase up to SR130 billion in 2020, against the present SR80 billion, fast food market volume exceeds SR5 billion a year, and retail sales grew by 66% with the opening of large number of hypermarkets and food markets. — SG