day Saudi Arabia's 13th international showcase for the food, hotel and processing and packaging industry kicked off on Saturday here at a time when the food issue takes center stage globally. And despite the prevailing inflationary pressures, consumer sentiment remains high in the Kingdom as shown by the warm reception at the opening day of the food showcase. With its food industry worth around $26 billion, the Kingdom is the single largest market in the Gulf region, the organizer said. And with one of the region's largest and fastest growing population forecast from the current 27 million to 47 million by 2020, and an annual economy in excess of $250 billion, the Kingdom's food, beverage and food service sectors are witnessing tremendous expansion, it added. The Kingdom imports food and beverage products in excess of $10 billion annually, representing 65 percent of the region's total imports, the organizer further said. Branded as Food Arabia for Food, Beverages and Catering, Hotel Arabia for Hotel Equipment, Supplies and Services, and Propac Arabia for Processing, Packaging, Canning, Bottling, Labeling and Plastics, the exhibition is the Kingdom's national showcase and the region's international forum. Taking place at the Jeddah International Exhibition and Convention Center until May 22, under the patronage of the Saudi Ministry of Agriculture and with the official support of the Organization of Islamic Conferences – Islamic Center for Development of Trade, this year's event “promises to surpass all show records, providing visitors with an extensive exhibitor profile of both international and leading Saudi companies showcasing a diverse range of products and services,” said Zahoor Siddique – the organizer's exhibitions director, Al-Harithy Company for Exhibitions Ltd. “Food & Hotel Arabia continues to be seen as a vital element in the Saudi business calendar and an essential ingredient in the Kingdom's professional food industry menu, it is truly a rare..medium ... welldone” he added. Rapid expansion within the food and beverage industry led to an increased demand for all forms of packaging machinery and supplies, from fresh produce packaging to fast food containers, from bottling and canning to PEO containers. Due to strong demand from both the domestic and outside markets, nearly three quarters of all investment in packaging industry in the Gulf valued at over $2 billion per annum is in Saudi Arabia, a statement from the organizer said. Over 250 major national and international exhibitors from many countries are participating. __
