A new Covid-19 Response Report (CRR), produced by Oxford Business Group (OBG) in partnership with Arabian Agricultural Services Company (ARASCO), maps out the investment opportunities emerging in Saudi Arabia's food production industry as the Kingdom accelerates efforts to reduce its dependence on imports in the wake of pandemic-induced global supply chain disruptions. The report provides in-depth analysis of Saudi Arabia's food security situation, together with the steps being taken to boost domestic food production, in an easy-to-navigate and accessible format, focusing on key data and infographics. It shines a spotlight on the innovative tools and emerging agricultural techniques that are set to support the Kingdom's plans to upgrade its food production system and strengthen resilience against future supply crises. The report considers the part that agri-tech solutions will play in helping industry players address the challenges they face, such as water scarcity and harsh climatic conditions, enabling them to become more competitive. Here, subscribers will also find detailed coverage of the expansion already under way in the segment, which includes moves by producers to invest in new logistics capacity and data-led solutions aimed at boosting output and addressing distribution challenges. With sustainability a priority for the industry, the report highlights the initiatives that are expected to help Saudi poultry producers meet long-term targets, such as moving to compound feed, which has the potential to make the Kingdom less reliant on imported grain. The openings for Saudi red meat producers to enhance cost-competitiveness and tap into rising demand are another focus. Other topical issues explored include the Kingdom's plans to broaden its base of international trade partners as a way of improving long-term results. In addition, the CRR tracks ARASCO's growth story and the key contribution that the company is making to the development of food production in Saudi Arabia. The resilience and versatility ARASCO displayed during the COVID-19 pandemic and its promising prospects for future expansion are among the topics examined. The report includes an in-depth interview with Nasser A. Abanmi, CEO, ARASCO, in which he shares his thoughts on several topical issues, including the opportunities for the private sector to play a bigger role in strengthening Saudi Arabia's food security and the capabilities displayed by the industry's infrastructure during the pandemic. "Looking to the future, Saudi Arabia will continue to strengthen its capabilities and capacity in logistics and for the transport of food and associated raw materials," he said. "This is especially important when it comes to moving food from the ports to the interior regions of the country. Reinforcing the existing food distribution network – including solutions such as the cold chain – will help to ensure that we can achieve greater efficiencies throughout the entire supply chain." Jana Treeck, OBG's managing director for the Middle East, said that with imports accounting for 80% of the food consumed in Saudi Arabia prior to COVID-19, the government had already recognised the importance of stepping up production before the pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities in supply chains. "Looking ahead, the Kingdom's food production segment is poised for a period of sustained growth, supported by favourable factors that include a growing population and supportive government policy for private-sector development," Treeck said. "We expect the opportunities emerging from Saudi Arabia's plans to become more self-sufficient and reduce imports to generate significant interest among investors." The analysis of food production in Saudi Arabia forms part of a series of tailored reports which OBG is currently producing with its partners, alongside other highly relevant, go-to research tools, including a range of region- and sector-specific Growth and Recovery Outlook articles and interviews. — SG
