Kaoun International and dmg events, the organizers of the Saudi Food Show 2023, today announced a joint venture to launch the first edition of Saudi Food Manufacturing, to be held from April 22 to 24, 2024. The move aims to take the fast-growing food manufacturing and processing sector to new heights and strengthen its leading position, in support of the strategic goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

The event was announced at a press conference on the sidelines of the second day of the Saudi Food Show. Saudi Food Manufacturing joins the Saudi Food Show, the Kingdom's largest food and beverage trade event, as well as Gulfood Manufacturing and Gulfood, the world's largest food and beverage trade event.

The inaugural edition of Saudi Food Manufacturing, to be held in the Saudi capital Riyadh, is backed by leading government bodies in the Kingdom, including strategic partner the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON).

Ali Al-Omair, Vice President of Business Development at MODON, said: "Saudi Arabia is looking to expand its industrial base in line with the targets of the National Industrial Strategy, so we recognize the essential role the food manufacturing sector plays, given its growth potential and the opportunities it offers investors. Our goal at MODON is to drive investment and growth in food manufacturing by developing and overseeing integrated industrial cities across the Kingdom. We are therefore pleased to be a strategic partner of Saudi Food Manufacturing, which provides the right platform to connect with the global food manufacturing community and achieve our goals."

Saudi Food Manufacturing will bring together a large number of companies and organizations working in food and beverage manufacturing, covering processing, packaging, ingredients, supply chain solutions, control and automation, and more, providing a dedicated platform in the Kingdom to showcase new global products, solutions and technologies across the food and beverage value chain.

Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of Kaoun International, said: "Saudi Food Manufacturing provides a platform through which we can unlock the major opportunities that innovation offers across every part of the food and beverage manufacturing sector, while highlighting Saudi Arabia's potential in this field. The show will also help cement the Kingdom's position as a leading global destination for the sector. Investment in the Saudi food sector, along with its indirect impact on food security and industrial diversification, will play an important role in achieving Vision 2030, which in turn encourages manufacturers to explore new technologies and innovative solutions. We look forward to meeting industry players at the show, discussing the main challenges facing the sector and advancing its future by sharing ideas and insights and strengthening strategic collaboration."

Matt Denton, President of dmg events, said: "Following our successful collaboration on the Saudi Food Show, Saudi Food Manufacturing is the next step on our list of international events serving the diverse needs of the food and beverage sector. The two events will provide an important platform for discussions on a wide range of topics affecting the sector, such as franchising, food security and the latest food manufacturing technologies."

The Saudi Food Tech Summit gives manufacturers an important opportunity to learn about the strong potential for innovation and investment in Saudi Arabia's food and beverage sector, especially after the announcement of the plan to develop the food manufacturing sector as the Kingdom seeks to expand and diversify its economy.

Dr. Ihab Jafan, Business Development Officer at First for Food, said: "The launch of Saudi Food Manufacturing underlines the importance of this sector. The show will provide an important platform for manufacturers, suppliers and industry professionals to meet, share expertise, showcase their innovations and form new partnerships. This much-anticipated event will act as a catalyst for growth and collaboration and an important destination highlighting the latest trends and technologies in the sector."

Saudi Arabia is home to more than 1,000 food and beverage production facilities employing more than 200,000 people, and the sector continues to grow. It aims to reach SAR 50 billion (about USD 13.3 billion) by 2025, and USD 70 billion is expected to be invested in the sector by 2030. Identified growth areas include seafood, ingredient production, dates and health foods.