The Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources inaugurates Saudi Food 2023, with exhibitors from 100 countries participating.
His Excellency the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar bin Ibrahim Alkhorayef, inaugurated the first edition of the Saudi Food 2023 exhibition at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center. The exhibition was attended by a large number of specialists in the hospitality, food, and beverage sectors across the Kingdom, with exhibitors from 100 countries and 500 companies participating.
In his opening remarks, His Excellency the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources explained that food security is one of the most important pillars of Saudi Vision 2030 and intersects with many national strategies. He considered the food industry to be one of the most important sectors targeted by the National Industrial Strategy.
His Excellency emphasized that Saudi Vision 2030 has created a remarkable model for identifying national needs and identifying strengths that will help the Kingdom become a true partner to the world by providing a large number of industrial products, most notably the food industry. This will serve as a key milestone in building industrial capabilities, serving the local market, and reaching global markets.
Al-Kharif pointed out that the National Industrial Strategy focused on food and pharmaceutical security through a wide range of incentives and enablers, most notably ensuring the availability of industrial sites and clusters, in addition to financing industrial and agricultural projects and logistics services. This will contribute to creating more investment opportunities in the food industry and meeting the needs of Saudi consumers.
Saudi Arabia is one of the fastest-growing economies in 2022, offering distinct opportunities in the food and beverage sector, reflected in the volume of participation the exhibition attracted. Hundreds of global brands are participating in the Saudi Food exhibition, covering an area of approximately 20,000 square meters. It also boasts the presence of major players in the food and beverage sector, such as PepsiCo, Americana, Al-Jamil, Lactiles, Gulf West, Ciara Food, IFFCO, Nadec, and other exhibiting companies.
The launch of Saudi Food 2023 comes in a strategic partnership between the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON) and Gulfood organizer Kawan International, one of the largest brands in the food and beverage sector, further strengthening its global standing. Over nearly three decades, the exhibition has established credibility, loyalty, and support for the sector.