Saudi Arabia’s food and beverage (F&B) sector is currently worth over $50 billion and expected to grow by 9 per cent by 2017 offering major business and trade opportunities, said the organisers of an upcoming F&B exhibition in Jeddah.

Foodex Saudi 2014, an industry exhibition organised by Reed Sunaidi, will run from November 17 to 20  at the Jeddah Centre for Forums and Events over 10,000 sq m exhibition space.

Having secured more than $30 million in business deals for its 300 pioneering brands in the inaugural edition of the show last year, this year’s event is expected to attract many more exhibitors and even greater business opportunities.

Simon Blazeby, head of Exhibitions for Reed Sunaidi, said:  “Foodex Saudi enjoyed great success last year, both in terms of business written for our exhibitors and also because more than 10,200 visitors visited the show. Over 300 brands were showcased last year, many of whom have become show ambassadors for us this year thanks to the success they enjoyed.

“There is no doubt that the Saudi Arabian market holds exceptional potential for F&B companies around the world, and exhibitors benefit immediately from Reed Sunaidi’s reach and expertise in doing business in this burgeoning market.”

Following its success last year, the show will once again run its Hosted Buyer Programme (HBP) to facilitate valuable introductions and business contacts between customers and exhibitors.  More than 200 buyers are expected to participate this year.

Also taking place alongside Foodex Saudi is the Saudi Food Forum, a key industry conference that will focus this year on market trends in food distribution and hospitality, as well as the critical issues of wastage, food security and food safety. Experts and authorities from Saudi Arabia and around the world are expected to attend.

With the hospitality industry in the Kingdom developing at an exceptional rate, a new feature at this year’s Foodex Saudi is expected to attract strong interest. Organised to recognise culinary talent and skill, the Saudi Chef Competition will pit celebrity chefs against locally-based chefs to find the finest cooks in the Kingdom.

The exhibition is targeted at business and trade visitors from within the industry, but it will also house a dedicated consumer area to enable clients to offer product activations and demonstrations to end-users.

The Saudi Food Forum, which will be held within Foodex, will bring national and international buyers together with leaders in halal, food security, food safety, supply chain logistics, and food marketing. – TradeArabia News Service