Saudi Food Show drives innovation, strategic growth to accelerate thriving market

Special Saudi Food Show drives innovation, strategic growth to accelerate thriving market
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Areej Al-Shareef was among the highly influential culinary experts present, captivating the crowds with her expertise and showcasing the rich, authentic flavors of the Kingdom. (Supplied)
Special Saudi Food Show drives innovation, strategic growth to accelerate thriving market
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Attendees sample the fare at Saudi Food Show 2025 in the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center. (Supplied)
Special Saudi Food Show drives innovation, strategic growth to accelerate thriving market
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A session in progress at Saudi Food Summit 2025 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center. (Supplied)
Special Saudi Food Show drives innovation, strategic growth to accelerate thriving market
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Attendees sample the fare at Saudi Food Show 2025 in the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center. (Supplied)
Special Saudi Food Show drives innovation, strategic growth to accelerate thriving market
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Attendees sample the fare at Saudi Food Show 2025 in the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center. (Supplied)
Special Saudi Food Show drives innovation, strategic growth to accelerate thriving market
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Attendees sample the fare at Saudi Food Show 2025 in the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center. (Supplied)
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Updated 14 May 2025
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Saudi Food Show drives innovation, strategic growth to accelerate thriving market

Saudi Food Show drives innovation, strategic growth to accelerate thriving market
  • Kingdom’s cuisine ambassador Areej Al-Shareef captivates the crowds with her expertise
  • Areej Al-Shareef: Cooking is my passion, I don’t really focus too much on recipes and I try to give the real flavour but with a different kick

RIYADH: The Saudi Food Show 2025 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center from May 12–14 transformed the space into a vibrant hub as thousands explored, tested and experienced cutting-edge products and innovations.

The event was designed to showcase and elevate the nation’s billion-dollar food market.

Among those to gather were top business leaders and buyers from around the world who joined experts in the capital to embrace new opportunities and fuel the country’s food sector.

At a time where the Kingdom’s F&B market is projected to reach $24.29 billion by the end of this year, Fawaz Shakaa, CEO of Farm Dairy Company and board member of the Jordan Chamber of Industry, said that he was seeing the benefits of participation.

“Consumption patterns in the country are clearly evolving, as more consumers show a growing preference for international products. At the same time, the Kingdom is growing rapidly and is attracting different tourists from around the world, making it a key market. As such, the Saudi Food Show allows us to network and do business with one another, benefitting both Saudi and Jordan,” he said.

Bandar Okrin, CEO of Saudi-born Kinza, said that consumers were at the forefront of its strategy.

“We focus more on the consumer’s preferences as we believe they are key to success in the future. We are placing more emphasis on utilising Saudi ingredients in our products, which is a top priority, while empowering local talent to grow our brand and contribute to the Vision 2030 strategy.”

Guadalupe Miranda, CEO of Mexico’s iAURA, said that they engaged with more than 100 potential buyers, generating significant interest in its portfolio of products, and confirmed they will return next year after being impressed with the scale of the event.

He said: “We have already decided that we will return every year as we have seen strong interest from businesses in our chickpeas, which are exclusively produced in Mexico. This is no surprise as it is widely used for hummus — one of the most popular dishes in this region.”

At the Saudi Food Summit, the audience gained a fascinating insight into the trends and growth opportunities in the retail sector from expert speakers in the public and private sectors.

Justin Emmanuel Steinbach, CEO of IFFCO Professional, Manuel Garabato, marketing director of Global Emerging Markets, General Mills, Bobby Rajendran, CEO of Tamimi Markets, and Jens Sievert, director — international design and branding — Daymon, spoke about why organizations needed to embrace AI in their day-to-day operations, explaining how it could speed up experimentation, simulation and decision-making.

The interactive Top Table Saudi continued with both Saudi and international chefs delivering engaging masterclasses, and showcased signature dishes while providing a glimpse into the future of gastronomy.

Top Chef Middle East participant and esteemed Saudi cuisine ambassador, Areej Al-Shareef, was among the highly influential culinary experts present, captivating the crowds with her expertise and showcasing the rich, authentic flavors of the Kingdom.

“Cooking is my passion, I don’t really focus too much on recipes and I try to give the real flavour but with a different kick,” she said. “There are so many fresh ingredients in Saudi Arabia which I use, and people will now know which they can put in their dishes.”

Another chef, Azzam Al-Sowayan, sous chef at the Fairmont Riyadh, said: “Saudi cuisine has incredibly rich and abundant ingredients. Blending global cuisine with Saudi flavours may seem easy to attempt but can be challenging to perfect. My advice for anyone wanting to become a chef is that patience and endurance are key to overcoming the challenges that go side-by-side to becoming a successful chef.”

Matthews Matthew, managing director of Matt Media LLC and editor of Food Business Gulf & Middle East, Gulf Agriculture, and Livestock and Poultry Middle East Magazine told Arab News: “Saudi Food 2025, the region’s premier F&B exhibition, was an exceptional platform for networking and relationship-building. We connected directly with industry leaders, including manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and decision-makers. It also strengthened our media partnerships, enabling us to build collaborations with event organizers.”

The winners of the Saudi Food Excellence Awards were also announced. Euroaliment Proveedor Alimantos Calidad took the best gourmet product prize for their Pons Janiroc Lecciana Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Neon Sanayi Ve Gida won best coffee innovation for their Turkish Coffee Mocha with Orange Essence. Best Innovative Packaging went to Le Bonheur for their set of three pralines featuring a musical barrel organ.

Coppola Foods won best food innovation for their Fabulous Organic Hazelnut and Cocoa Spread. Best Saudi-made went to Gandour’s Tamria cakes, crafted using premium dates sourced exclusively from Saudi farmers.

Spice Affair/Nutrivilla Foods Inc. was named winner of best health product for their Golden Booster Latte & Smoothie Mix, while Parmafood Group won best plant-based product for their cashew “Tina” plant-based ricotta cheese alternative.

Best dairy product went to Gundogdu for their Poucheese Bohca Peyniri. Best beverage product was awarded to Habso Drinks for their Black Seed Sparkling Infusion; and best snack product went to Nestle for their Fitness Fiber no-added-sugar cereal bar.

The food show, which ended on Wednesday, was inaugurated on Monday by Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, supervisor-general of KSrelief, who was accompanied by Majed bin Rafid Al-Argoubi, CEO of the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones, or MODON, as they toured the exhibition.

Speaking at the food summit, Al-Argoubi said that the Kingdom’s efforts to localize the food industry and ensure food security reflected its commitment to contributing to global food security by empowering research, development and innovation, and strengthening supply chains — positioning Saudi Arabia as a vital partner in securing food for the world.

He added that the number of food manufacturing facilities within MODON’s cities has surpassed 1,400 factories, contributing to the creation of more than 90,000 jobs.

The food show, held in partnership with MODON, has attracted more than 1,300 exhibitors from around the world. The first day saw the signing of several food industry and logistics contracts exceeding SR600 million ($160 million), with Kudu and Yousef Abdul Latif Jameel Group among the organizations to put pen to paper.


Head of Iran’s Hajj organization commends Saudi Arabia for quality services

Head of Iran’s Hajj organization commends Saudi Arabia for quality services
Updated 44 sec ago
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Head of Iran’s Hajj organization commends Saudi Arabia for quality services

Head of Iran’s Hajj organization commends Saudi Arabia for quality services
  • Iranian pilgrims happy with services provided after completing Hajj rituals

RIYADH: The head of Iran’s Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization, Alireza Bayat, has commended Saudi Arabia for its organization and the facilities provided to pilgrims during the Hajj season 2025.

He said Iranian pilgrims expressed satisfaction with the quality of services upon completing the Hajj rituals and complimented the efficiency of the Saudi authorities in operating air transport, crowd management at the holy sites and healthcare services.

Bayat added the Kingdom had become a role model when serving Muslim worshippers and pilgrims at the two holy mosques in Makkah and Madinah.


Saudi students’ experiments launched to International Space Station

Saudi students’ experiments launched to International Space Station
Updated 39 min 50 sec ago
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Saudi students’ experiments launched to International Space Station

Saudi students’ experiments launched to International Space Station
  • Ten experiments designed by students from Saudi Arabia and across the Arab world were included in the launch
  • Space Madak competition was set up to support and encourage those who are fascinated by space science and technology

RIYADH: Saudi students’ winning entries from the “Space Madak” competition were launched to the International Space Station on Wednesday morning, the Saudi Space Agency announced.

The launch was part of an international mission that lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United States.

Ten experiments designed by students from Saudi Arabia and across the Arab world were included in the launch — a landmark event that reflects the Kingdom’s push to advance scientific innovation and empower young talents in the space industry.

The “Space Madak” competition was set up to support and encourage those who are fascinated by space science and technology and are eager to learn how to turn their ideas into practical scientific applications in the microgravity environment aboard the ISS.

The competition, an initiative by the agency in partnership with the Misk Foundation and the Ilmi Science Discovery and Innovation Center, consisted of three categories: “Art: Bezel of Inspiration,” open to ages 6-11; “Agriculture: Bezel of Growth,” open to ages 12-14; and “Engineering: Bezel of Innovation,” open to ages 15-18.

More than 80,000 students participated from across the Arab world.

At the launch of the competition in February last year, Rayyanah Barnawi, the first female Saudi astronaut and supervisor of the competition, said that it was bound to expand the horizons of ambitious young minds and fuel their creativity.

The competition presented a “unique opportunity for students in the Arab world to participate in a journey of discovery and innovation,” she said.

Barnawi was selected by the agency to join Axiom Mission 2 in May 2023, and with fellow Saudi astronaut Ali Al-Qarni, conducted 14 experiments on the ISS — 11 on research in a microgravity environment focused on human health, cell sciences, and cloud seeding, and three interactive educational experiments with students in the Kingdom.

The achievement by the students is a reflection of the Saudi Space Agency’s efforts to fortify the Kingdom’s presence in international space programs and to promote an environment that supports a knowledge-based economy, in accordance with Vision 2030 goals of preparing a generation capable of becoming active contributors in the future of the space sector.


New climate study to shield the Two Holy Mosques from extreme weather

New climate study to shield the Two Holy Mosques from extreme weather
Updated 25 June 2025
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New climate study to shield the Two Holy Mosques from extreme weather

New climate study to shield the Two Holy Mosques from extreme weather
  • Study seeks sustainable solutions for extreme weather phenomena while supporting quality-of-life improvements
  • Includes analyzing climate effects on urban infrastructure and studying extreme weather patterns

RIYADH: The Regional Centre for Climate Change has launched an advanced scientific study to analyze the effects of climate change on urban environments in Makkah and Madinah, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The study seeks sustainable solutions for extreme weather phenomena while supporting quality-of-life improvements in these religiously significant regions with unique urban planning requirements.

These include analyzing climate effects on urban infrastructure and studying extreme weather patterns through modern climate modeling techniques. The initiative also uses data to optimize urban planning and propose resilience solutions to ensure visitor safety and comfort at the Two Holy Mosques.

Ayman Salem Ghulam, the CEO of the Saudi National Center for Meteorology and general supervisor of the RCCC, said that this research is a fundamental pillar supporting adaptation strategies to climate variables for the Two Holy Mosques.

He said that the centers are committed to providing scientific solutions to enhance future projects’ efficiency at both holy cities.

Mazen Assiri, executive director of RCCC detailed the methodology, saying that the integrated scientific approach analyzes weather phenomena affecting urban environments, incorporating international best practices to deliver outputs that align with national development requirements.

He said that to ensure comprehensive solutions, the center held workshops with government and research entities, performed field studies in central Makkah and Madinah, and analyzed practical implementation pathways.

This initiative aligns with the RCCC’s mission to advance specialized climate knowledge and data-driven decision-making. It directly supports environmental sustainability in major developmental projects throughout the Kingdom, particularly those accommodating millions of pilgrims annually.

The study reinforces national efforts to address climate challenges in strategically vital regions while enhancing institutional cooperation in climate resilience planning.


Literary agent training program launched

Literary agent training program launched
Updated 25 June 2025
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Literary agent training program launched

Literary agent training program launched
  • Five-day course aims to help more Saudis become literary agents as well as enhance existing qualifications and skills
  • Initiative is part of the commission’s efforts to support literary agents and agencies in the Kingdom through intensive, high-quality training

RIYADH: An international training program for literary agents has been launched in the UK by Saudi Arabia’s Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission.

The five-day course, which aims to help more Saudis become literary agents as well as enhance existing qualifications and skills, includes theoretical sessions on current industry strategies, one-on-one consultations with global publishing experts and visits to some of the UK’s leading literary agencies.

The initiative, which offers participants opportunities to improve their knowledge by learning directly from international experts, is part of the commission’s efforts to support literary agents and agencies in the Kingdom through intensive, high-quality training.

It includes workshops, advisory and mentoring sessions with international specialists, and visits to top literary agencies abroad.


Eastern Province governor honors culinary graduates

Eastern Province governor honors culinary graduates
Updated 25 June 2025
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Eastern Province governor honors culinary graduates

Eastern Province governor honors culinary graduates

RIYADH: Eastern Province Gov. Prince Saud bin Nayef recently attended the graduation ceremony of 99 students of the ZADK Saudi Culinary Arts Academy’s diploma programs at the Dammam Chamber of Commerce.

All the graduates signed employment contracts as chefs. Their training supports Vision 2030’s goals for youth empowerment in hospitality and tourism.

Rania Moualla, founder and chairwoman of the ZADK, thanked the governor for his support as the academy’s honorary president, highlighting his role in advancing youth training for the job market. 

She also acknowledged the academy’s public and private sector partners for contributing to its educational and social goals. 

Moualla said that all graduates this year secured job offers. Their culinary training prepared them with practical skills needed for the industry. 

Graduates have joined international hotels and restaurants and may pursue further studies or start their own businesses. Some will become teaching assistants at the academy. 

The ZADK is a nonprofit institution focused on preserving and promoting Saudi cuisine while training students to meet global culinary standards.