Saudi Arabia accounts for up to 63 per cent of the GCC's $9 billion food and beverage market, according to recent data.

The country's burgeoning population, which is expected to double by 2023, has been a key factor in Saudi Arabia's rapidly increasing food requirements, as per capita food consumption is expected to increase by 31.24 per cent by 2014, according to BMI statistics.

Saudi Agriculture 2011 is being organised to help shore up ongoing investments in food and beverage production and enable the country to meet its increasing, long-term food requirements.

Regional and international exhibitors have already signed up to attend the trade event, showcasing the latest in animal health and production, agricultural finance and banking, agricultural products and services, chemicals and fertilizers, cold storage and crop production, and dairy farming products and equipment, among others.

'Saudi Arabia has been a major destination for regional and international suppliers and manufacturers in the food production value chain because of the enormous growth potential of the Saudi food market,” said Khalid Daou, project manager of Saudi Agriculture at Riyadh Exhibitions Company.

“Saudi Agriculture, the country's prime agricultural trade event for the past 30 years, certainly serves as a major entry point for investors and other key industry players from the Middle East, Europe, the Americas and Asia to expand their presence in the Saudi food sector and contribute in addressing the country's long-term food security challenges,' he added.

Saudi Agriculture 2011, the 30th international agriculture, water and agro-industry show, will run from September 19 to 22 at the Riyadh International Exhibition Centre.

The trade show, which is accredited by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, will be held concurrently with Saudi Agro-Food 2011, the 16th international exhibition for food processing and packaging.

Saudi Agro-Food 2011 will feature the latest products, technologies and services in areas ranging from frozen and chilled foods, confectionery, chocolates, health and natural foods, to presentation, processing and packaging equipment.

Other key areas of focus of Saudi Agriculture include fisheries and fish farming, greenhouses, handling and transport systems, irrigation and landscaping equipment, machinery and spare parts, organic farming, packaging systems and products, pesticides, pumps and pipe systems, seeds and soil nutrition products, spraying machinery, water treatment, water management systems, and warehousing. – TradeArabia News Service