The event, attended by high-ranking agriculture officials, major producers, manufacturers, dealers, agents and distributors, is being held with the support of Agriculture Minister Fahd Balghonaim till Thursday.

Food and grocery account for almost half of the total annual retail in the Kingdom, home to some of the Gulf's largest food, drink and grocery companies. Saudi Arabia, also one of the biggest markets for grain and flour products, is the largest importer of barley in the world. The Kingdom is expected to import around 2 million tons of wheat in 2011, representing an increase of 51 percent over 2009.

Saudi Arabia accounts for up to 63 percent of the GCC's $9 billion food and beverage market, easily establishing the country as a major business and investment destination for key players in the food production value chain.

The event showcases the latest and the best in agricultural products, services and equipment. It features various manufacturers and specialists from the Middle East, Europe, the Americas and Asia, in addition to local companies. It is a platform for the participants to explore new areas of partnership and growth opportunities within the largest and fastest growing food market in the GCC region.

"For the past three decades, Saudi Agriculture has served as a leading platform for unveiling new and advanced ways of raising efficiencies across the local agriculture and food sectors in step with a fast-paced modern world," Mohamad Al-Hussain, deputy general manager of Riyadh Exhibitions Company, said following the opening ceremony. He added that with Saudi Arabia considered the Gulf's largest economy, Riyadh provides the perfect setting for this event Riyadh is in the center of the Kingdom and for the majority of decision makers, the main agricultural areas such as Qassim, Al-Kharj and Hail are easily reachable, he added. "The Kingdom promises major opportunities for regional and global organizations' planning on tapping this huge and affluent food and agriculture market."

Also running alongside Saudi Agriculture 2011 is Saudi Agro-Food 2011, which features the latest products, technologies and services in areas ranging from frozen and chilled foods, confectionery, chocolates, health and natural foods, to presentation, processing and packaging equipment.

Saudi Agriculture is accredited by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. UFI grants certification to top-notch professional events managed by experienced organizers with proven track records in international exhibitions.