In the presence of H.E. Eng. Khalil bin Salamah, Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Industrial Affairs, and Eng. Majed Alargoubi, CEO of MODON (Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones), Saudi Arabia’s food and beverage industry took centre stage today as The Saudifood Show and Saudifood Manufacturing 2026 officially opened at the Jeddah Superdome.
Running through September 29, the dual co-located events align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiatives to bolster food security, expand local manufacturing, and build a competitive, globally connected food economy.
Key Financial & Market Metrics
- Target Investment:USD 20 billion in the food industry by 2035.
- Food Retail Sales: Reached ~USD 59 billion in 2025, with projected 4% growth in 2026.
- Food & Agricultural Imports:>USD 33 billion in 2025 (including USD 17.4 billion in consumer-oriented food products).
- Food Packaging Market: Projected to reach USD 2.63 billion by 2034 (growing at a 4.08% CAGR).
Event Scale & International Participation
| Aspect | Details |
| Exhibitors & Reach | Over 1,000 exhibitors from 95+ countries showcasing 100,000+ F&B products & technologies |
| National Pavilions | 35+ national pavilions, including Türkiye, India, Jordan, USA, Uzbekistan, Tunisia, and Italy |
| Key Commercial Exhibitors | Almarai, Arla, Lactalis, BRF, Tanmiah, NADEC, Savola, First Mills, Americana, Seara Food Middle East |
| Key Manufacturing Exhibitors | Bunge, JBT Marel, Middleby, MULTIVAC, NAPCO, Zamil, ULMA, Provisur |
| Strategic & Event Sponsors | Strategic Partner: MODON Gold Sponsors: First Mills, Durrah Advanced Silver Sponsors: Arabian Mills, Snackland, ITEC |
Industry Leadership Perspectives
“As the Gold Sponsor of SaudiFood 2026, we are honoured to support an event that provides an exceptional platform for the industry to drive innovation, strengthen food security, and explore new opportunities across Saudi Arabia’s food value chain… First Mills is a key pillar of the Kingdom’s food security ecosystem, particularly through the production of the highest-quality flour, feed, bran, and wheat derivatives at four strategically located, large-capacity mills in Jeddah, Qassim, Tabuk, and Al-Ahsa.”
— Eng. Abdullah Ababtain, CEO of First Mills
“Our participation in The Saudi Food Show 2026 reflects Durrah’s commitment to strengthening the Kingdom’s food industry and supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. From our refinery in Yanbu, with a daily capacity of 2,500 tons of refined white sugar, we supply industrial, commercial, and retail customers across Saudi Arabia and export to four continents… We are proud to contribute to a more resilient and secure food supply for the Kingdom.”
— Fayçal Benameur, CEO of Durrah Advanced Development Co.
Technical Highlights & Industry Recognition
- Next-Gen Production Efficiency: Brands like ULMA Packaging are showcasing digital connectivity and eco-friendly packaging, while Fortifi brands (Provisur, LIMA, Nothum) are demonstrating processing technologies that boost output by 30–40% in the same footprint and slash frying-oil use by up to 33%.
- B2B Networking: The integrated Tawasul Meetings Programme facilitates pre-scheduled one-to-one business connections across dedicated spaces and exhibitor stands.
- 14 Excellence & Innovation Awards:
- Saudifood Excellence Awards 2026 (8 Categories): Celebrating consumer products like Best Sauce/Condiment, Best Ready-to-Eat Product, Beverages, Dairy, Health & Wellness, Innovative Packaging, Saudi-Made Products, and Snacks.
- Saudifood Manufacturing Innovation Awards 2026 (6 Categories): Honoring technical breakthroughs, including Best AI & Smart Manufacturing Innovation, ingredients, packaging, processing, sustainability, and Made in Saudi innovation. Winners will be announced on Day 2.
By establishing Jeddah as the central meeting point for global stakeholders, the co-located events reinforce the city’s role as a vital trade gateway connecting Saudi Arabia with broader Middle Eastern and African markets.
