The Saudi investments bode well for the country's agro-food business as organic produce in Saudi Arabia will be processed and packaged locally, potentially raising demand for equipment, technology and related services in the Kingdom, according to a high-ranking Riyadh Exhibition Company (REC) official. Khalid Daou, Project Manager of Saudi Agro-Food at the REC, said efforts are under way to further develop organic food production in the country to boost the Saudi share in the thriving SR825 billion global organic food industry. “The increasing health consciousness among residents in Saudi Arabia and coupled with rising income levels will allow the flexibility of food choices for people in the country,” said Daou. He said the Kingdom's domestic organic and natural foods sector is currently valued at around SR1 billion, accounting for 90 percent of the regional GCC market. Establishment of Saudi Organic Farming Association at a budget of SR15 million is currently providing support to organic farmers, he said. Available opportunities in the Saudi organic food sector, he said, will feature high in the upcoming Saudi Agro-Food 2011 – the 18th International Exhibition for Food Processing and Packaging slated for Sept. 19 to 22 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center. The event will provide an ideal business-to-business platform for organic food players as well as international organizations seeking to position themselves in the Mideast's fastest-growing food market. “Saudi Agro-Food is a perfect venue to learn more about the opportunities, issues and trends surrounding the Kingdom's robust organic foods market,” said Daou. The Kingdom, he said, is an excellent springboard for building an organic food business as it has a strong influence on the regional markets and rapid increase in Saudi population that are growingly health consciousness puts greater emphasis for organic food,” he said. Saudi Agro-Food 2011 will feature the latest products, technologies and services covering various areas such as frozen and chilled foods, confectionery, chocolates, health and natural foods, presentation, and processing and packaging equipment. The event will showcase a special section dedicated to organic foods as well as the latest food processing industry trends. On the sidelines of the event will run the 30th International Agriculture, Water and Agro-Industry Show to be held under the patronage and support of the Ministry of Agriculture. Saudi Agriculture 2011 is accredited by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry and has been the region's leading agriculture show for 30 years. __
