Prodeca backs the Saudi Food Show and consolidates Catalonia's presence in the Saudi market

Prodeca accompanied Catalan companies to the Saudi Food Show, a fair that is establishing itself as a comprehensive platform for exploring business opportunities, understanding the market and building a solid presence in one of the fastest-growing regions for the food industry.

Some of the key factors behind the growth of the Saudi Food Show and other agri-food events where Prodeca is active are linked to the goals of Vision 2030, a strategic plan launched by the Saudi government in 2016 under the direction of Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman.

Under this plan, the agri-food sector has become one of the pillars of economic diversification in which the Saudi government has been investing through various business initiatives, grant schemes and infrastructure developments.

Food fairs are an excellent platform for presenting and promoting gourmet products.

Saudi Arabia has been opening its market to foreign investors, giving international food companies opportunities to enter the market. The influx of foreign brands and products stimulates business, interest and growth in commercial prospects. The culinary activities organised around food fairs also act as a melting pot for consolidating culinary interests and help satisfy the varied tastes of tourists and expatriates.

With a growing population and rapid urbanisation, there is rising demand for quality food products in the Middle East.

The United Arab Emirates' food and drink sector is estimated to need to quadruple its volume over the next five years to meet demand from hotel projects and retailers. The UAE has more than 16,000 food outlets (supermarkets and restaurants combined).

The The United Arab Emirates has become one of the main re-export hubs in the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent, thanks to its strategic location and advanced logistics, with highly sophisticated storage and inventory systems and very well established transport routes. It re-exports around 30% of imported products to 140 markets worldwide.

In addition, in both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, tourist numbers have stimulated demand for high-quality food, gourmet, organic and speciality products, as well as urban lifestyles, which have driven the need for convenience food, takeaway meals and a variety of products for international cuisines. In line with the global Total Wellbeing trend, consumer interest in health and wellbeing is also growing, generating demand for organic, natural, functional and healthier food options.