Saudi Arabia’s food consumption is expected to grow by 4.2 per cent between 2011 and 2015, driven by factors such as rising income levels, population growth, lifestyle shifts, and a thriving domestic economy.

The Saudi Government has already allocated around $15 billion for the agricultural sector this year for projects and initiatives aimed at meeting demand. It is also encouraging more rapport and collaboration between the public and private sectors to ensure that food needs are satisfied, said the organisers of an upcoming agricultural event in Riyadh.

The 32nd edition of Saudi Agriculture, a leading international agriculture, water and agro-industry show, will feature a wide spectrum of agricultural services, techniques and products crucial to the Kingdom’s agricultural sector.

The exhibition is accredited by UFI, the global association of the exhibition industry, and will run from September 15 to 18 at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Saudi Agriculture 2013 is expected to draw in a record number of exhibitors from Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, Europe, the Americas and Asia. Last year’s show logged a total of 643 exhibitors from 35 countries and nearly 16,735 visitors’ all eager to capitalize the market potential of the kingdom’s 28 million food consumers.

“A good quality of life for its residents is topmost in Saudi Arabia’s development agenda for the next decade,” said Zeyad Al Rukban, assistant general manager, Riyadh Exhibitions Company.

“Food security is thus of high priority and as usual, Saudi Agriculture will serve as a major platform for discussing, exploring and directing the future of the Kingdom’s agricultural sector. This year’s show has an exceptional lineup of agricultural products, services and equipment that are sure to satisfy the high expectations of participants.”

Running concurrently with Saudi Agriculture 2013 is Saudi Agro-Food 2013 – the 20th international trade show for food products, processing and packaging technologies. – TradeArabia News Service