The Saudi Food Show and Saudi Food Manufacturing 2026 opened officially at Jeddah Superdome, in the presence of Eng. Khalil bin Ibrahim bin Salama, Deputy Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Industrial Affairs, and Eng. Majed bin Rafed Al-Arqoubi, CEO of the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON). The two co-located events run until September 29 and bring together the full food value chain, from ingredients and processing to packaging, automation, supply, distribution, retail and foodservice.
The exhibition floor hosts more than 1,000 exhibitors from over 95 countries, presenting more than 100,000 products, technologies and solutions to buyers, manufacturers, distributors, investors and policymakers from Saudi Arabia and international markets. More than 35 national pavilions are participating, with strong representation from Turkey, India, Jordan, the United States, Uzbekistan, Tunisia and Italy, giving attendees direct access to key players across the global food ecosystem.
The opening comes as Saudi Arabia accelerates efforts under Vision 2030 to strengthen food security, expand local manufacturing and attract investment. According to the event's organisers, the Kingdom is targeting $20 billion in food industry investments by 2035, following retail food sales of approximately $59 billion in 2025, which are expected to grow by about 4 percent in 2026. Saudi Arabia imported more than $33 billion in food and agricultural products in 2025, including $17.4 billion in consumer-oriented food products, while the Kingdom's food packaging market is projected to reach $2.63 billion by 2034 at a growth rate of 4.08 percent.
MODON is participating as a strategic partner of both events, reflecting a growing focus on developing the Kingdom's food manufacturing ecosystem and strengthening links across production, technology, supply chains and trade. Major exhibitors at The Saudi Food Show include Almarai, Arla, Lactalis, BRF, Al Tanmiah, NADEC, Savola, First Milling Company, Americana and Seara Food Middle East, while Saudi Food Manufacturing brings together Bunge, JBT Marel, Middleby, MULTIVAC, NAPCO, Al Zamil, ULMA and Provisur.
Eng. Abdullah Ababtain, CEO of First Milling Company, said: «We are pleased to participate in The Saudi Food Show 2026 as the gold sponsor and one of the supporters of this event, which provides an exceptional platform that stimulates innovation in the food and beverage sector.» The programme also includes a matchmaking track for pre-scheduled bilateral meetings between exhibitors and visitors, alongside award programmes spanning 14 categories that recognise innovation and excellence across the industry.