(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Food and agricultural commodities currently account for around 15 per cent of Saudi Arabia's imports at $17.5 billion, as the Kingdom further emphasizes its position as the largest consumer market in the Gulf.
Domestic food consumption is poised to increase by 9.75 per cent and mass grocery retail transactions by 11.7 per cent by the end of this year, so the share could rise even further. Looking forward, Saudi agricultural imports are expected to grow by as much as 76 per cent by 2016.
The Kingdom is investing around $12.3 billion in domestic agriculture projects and food security programs to meet growing local demand. Leading opportunities in such a thriving and dynamic agricultural market will be revealed at Saudi Agriculture 2013 - the 32nd International Agriculture, Water and Agro-Industry Show taking place from September 15 to September 18, 2013 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center.
Saudi Agriculture is the Middle East's largest agricultural show, attracting marquee exhibitors of agricultural products, services and equipment from the region as well as Europe, the Americas and Asia. It is accredited by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, and enjoys the continued patronage and support of the Saudi Ministry of Agriculture. The show is regarded as a major regional platform for networking as well as conducting business and sales.
"Higher consumer spending power, a rising population, huge demand for retail food, and its status as the region's biggest economy all combine to make Saudi Arabia the Gulf's top agricultural market. Saudi Agriculture provides a powerful platform to maximise business opportunities and to explore and discuss industry concerns from both producer and consumer perspectives. It acts as a three-in-one trade event as it also focuses on food products, processing and packaging as well via its two concurrent shows," said Zeyad Al Rukban, assistant general manager, Riyadh Exhibitions Company.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.