Saudi Arabia Opens Largest Integrated Food Industry Gathering in Jeddah

Saudi Arabia’s food and beverage industry took centre stage in Jeddah on Sunday as The Saudifood Show and Saudifood Manufacturing 2026 officially opened at the Jeddah Superdome, bringing together more than 1,000 exhibitors from over 95 countries.

The opening was attended by H.E. Eng. Khalil bin Salamah, Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Industrial Affairs, and Eng. Majed Alargoubi, CEO of the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON).

Running until September 29, the co-located events bring together the commercial and manufacturing sides of the food and beverage industry as Saudi Arabia seeks to strengthen food security, expand local production, attract investment and build more resilient supply chains under Saudi Vision 2030.

Food Industry Investment and Localisation in Focus

MODON is the strategic partner for both events, reflecting the growing focus on developing Saudi Arabia’s food manufacturing ecosystem and strengthening links between production, technology, supply chains and trade.

Saudi Arabia is targeting $20 billion in investment in its food industry by 2035, while food retail sales reached around $59 billion in 2025 and are expected to grow by about 4% in 2026.

The Kingdom imported more than $33 billion worth of food and agricultural products in 2025, including $17.4 billion in consumer-oriented food products, highlighting the scale of domestic demand and opportunities to expand local production.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s food packaging market is projected to reach $2.63 billion by 2034, growing at an estimated 4.08% annually.

More Than 100,000 Products and Solutions on Display

The two events are showcasing more than 100,000 food and beverage products, technologies and solutions across the wider food value chain.

More than 35 national pavilions are participating, with major international representation from Türkiye, India, Jordan, the United States, Uzbekistan, Tunisia and Italy.

The events cover areas including ingredients, food processing, packaging, automation, sourcing, distribution, retail, hospitality and foodservice.

Major exhibitors at The Saudifood Show include Almarai, Arla, Lactalis, BRF, Tanmiah, NADEC, Savola, First Mills, Americana and Seara Food Middle East.

Saudifood Manufacturing features companies including Bunge, JBT Marel, Middleby, MULTIVAC, NAPCO, Zamil, ULMA and Provisur, showcasing technologies across manufacturing, processing, packaging and automation.

Technology Takes Centre Stage

Innovation is a major focus across the two events, with exhibitors presenting solutions covering food processing, ingredients, packaging, robotics, automation, cold-chain systems, food safety and sustainable production.

ULMA Packaging is showcasing digital connectivity and sustainable packaging technologies aimed at improving productivity and reducing waste.

Fortifi’s brands Provisur, LIMA and Nothum are also presenting food-processing technologies, including solutions that the company says can deliver 30–40% higher output within the same footprint and reduce frying-oil consumption by up to 33%.

The events also feature the Tawasul Meetings Programme, which facilitates scheduled one-to-one meetings between exhibitors and participants to support sourcing, commercial partnerships and investment opportunities.

Awards to Recognise Food Industry Innovation

Industry innovation and product development will also be recognised through two award programmes covering 14 categories.

The Saudifood Excellence Awards 2026 will recognise achievements across eight consumer-product categories, including sauces, condiments and preserves, ready-to-eat products, beverages, dairy, health and wellness, innovative packaging, Saudi-made products and snacks.

The Saudifood Manufacturing Innovation Awards 2026 will recognise achievements across six categories, including AI and smart manufacturing, ingredients, packaging, processing, sustainability and Made in Saudi innovation.

The winners are scheduled to be announced on the second day of the events.

Industry Leaders Highlight Food Security

Eng. Abdullah Ababtain, CEO of First Mills, said the event provides a platform to advance innovation and food security while exploring opportunities across Saudi Arabia’s food value chain.

First Mills operates four large-capacity mills in Jeddah, Qassim, Tabuk and Al-Ahsa, producing flour, feed, bran and wheat derivatives.

Fayçal Benameur, CEO of Durrah Advanced Development Co, said the company’s participation supports its focus on strengthening Saudi Arabia’s food industry and contributing to the objectives of Vision 2030.

Durrah’s refinery in Yanbu has a daily production capacity of 2,500 tonnes of refined white sugar, while its Al Bayt brand offers sugar, rice, edible oil and tea products in the Saudi market.

Jeddah Strengthens Position as Food Trade Gateway

The decision to host the events in Jeddah highlights the city’s role as a major commercial and logistics hub connecting Saudi Arabia with markets across the Middle East, Africa and beyond.

The co-located shows provide a platform for local and international businesses to explore sourcing, manufacturing, investment and technology opportunities while supporting Saudi Arabia’s efforts to localise production and strengthen food supply chains.

The events will remain open to trade professionals from 1pm to 8pm on September 27 and 28, and from 1pm to 7pm on September 29 at the Jeddah Superdome.