São Paulo – The import of food and agricultural products by Saudi Arabia should rise 25% this year when compared to 2008, according to estimates by Riyadh Exhibitions Company, which is responsible for Saudi Agro-Food, to take place in early November, in Riyadh. Last year, the country imported the equivalent to 56.35 billion Saudi riyals (US$ 15 billion).
The largest economy in the Arab world, Saudi Arabia is also the main importer of agricultural products among the six nations that are members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The food and agricultural product sector answers to 13% of the country’s imports and is the forth market with the greatest weight in the basket, according to Riyadh Exhibitions.
"Saudi Arabia’s food demand is witnessing a substantial and rapid surge, as the Kingdom holds one of the world’s fastest population growth rates," said Khalid Daou, project manager at Riyadh Exhibitions, according to a company press statement. "Saudi consumers have become highly demanding in terms of quality, nutritional value, price, and packaging. Thus importers are constantly seeking innovative and top of the line products," he added.
According to him, the Saudi market continues evolving in terms of diversity and competitiveness. " We are witnessing the emergence of numerous food distribution channels, franchises, hypermarkets and restaurants, which heavily rely on bulk imports and branding," said Daou.
Fair
This year, the 16th edition of the food product, processing technology and package fair, Saudi Agro-Food, should bring together 350 exhibitors from over 20 countries. The exhibition should be promoted from November 1st to 4th at the International Exhibitions Centre in the capital of the country.
Brazil should be present at the event through a pavilion organized by company Conceito Brazil, with the support of the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce and the embassy of Brazil to Riyadh.
Last year, Brazil exported the equivalent to US$ 1.43 billion in agribusiness products to the Saudi market, an increase of 45% over 2007, according to figures supplied by the Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade.
More than food, machinery, equipment and inputs for the local industry, the Saudis have been seeking opportunities to invest in the agricultural sector abroad, with the objective of supplying the domestic market.
Apart from Brazil, the fair should count on companies from countries like China, Egypt, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, India, Iran and Pakistan.
Further information
Conceito Brazil
Tel.: (+55 11) 3527-5000
E-mail: pportugal@conceitobrazil.com.br
Site: www.conceitobrazil.com.br
*Translated by Mark Ament and Gabriel Pomerancblum
