Increasing level of health awareness among Saudi youth that comprise 70 percent of the Kingdom's population spurred demand for milk and other dairy products such as flavored dairy drinks and yogurt, said a top official from Riyadh Exhibition Company (REC). Khalid Daou, REC's project manager for Saudi Agro-Food 2010, said the Saudi dairy market gets the largest share of 61 percent of the Gulf Cooperation Council's (GCC) $2.8 billion dairy industry as the demand for dairy products increased in the Kingdom. “Healthy and nutritious dairy products – including fruit juices, flavored milk drinks and yogurt – are becoming more popular among the younger generation between the 13 and 21 age group that comprise 70 percent of the country's total population,” he said. The GCC dairy industry continues to grow and has now reached a value of $2.8 billion, industry sources said. Saudi Arabia, for its part, holds a 61 percent share of the GCC dairy market, establishing the country as the premier growth destination for key players in the region's dairy industry, he said. Taking advantage of the rising demand for nutritious food items, particularly dairy products, Saudi Agro-Food 2010 will continue to provide an ideal platform for both local and international companies to showcase their products and reach out to various market segments, he said. He said REC – under Saudi Agro-Food 2010, the 17th International Tradeshow for Food Products, has organized various dedicated networking events for key industry players to discuss and explore various business and investment opportunities that have recently emerged, particularly in the dairy food sector. Riyadh Exhibitions Company will launch the Saudi Agro-Food 2010 on Oct. 4-7 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center. The event will be held concurrently with Saudi Agriculture 2010, the 29th International Agriculture, Water and Agri-Industry Show, and the Saudi Food Pack 2010, the International Exhibition for Food Processing and Packaging. Saudi Agro-Food 2010 will feature products and services in areas covering animal health and production; bakery products; canned foods; catering supplies; confectionery and chocolates; cutlery and crockery; dairy and milk products; dried goods; energy drinks; fast food and snacks; frozen and chilled foods; health and natural foods; meat and poultry; seafood products and special diet food products. The event will also host lectures and workshops covering a wide range of topics related to the food and dairy industry, including food presentation, processing and packaging.
