Gathering ministers, global industry leaders, and celebrity chefs, the inaugural Saudi Food Show celebrates the Kingdom’s ambitions and achievements
Held at the Riyadh Exhibition Centre and under the patronage of H.E. Bandar Ibrahim Alkhorayef, Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, the Saudi Food Show is set to commence today. Organized by KAOUN International, dmg events, and MODON as the strategic partner, the event promises three days filled with trade activities, insightful content, and interactive features.
Affiliated with Gulfood, the world’s largest food and hospitality business event, The Saudi Food Show will feature thousands of international brands from 43 countries, occupying the fully booked 20,000 sqm exhibition space at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Notable participants include Pepsico, Americana, Al Jameel, Lactalis, GulfWest, Seara Foods, IFFCO, NADEC, and many others, alongside country pavilions from the USA, UK, India, Singapore, Italy, Jordan, and Australia.
The show’s centrepiece, the Saudi Food Summit, presents a unique opportunity for attendees to gain market insights, explore business prospects, and learn how to tap into the dynamic Middle Eastern market. The opening day will feature a panel discussion with Ali Alomeir, VP of Business Development at MODON, and Prince Waleed bin Nasser Al-Saud, CEO of Mukatafa, providing an overview of Saudi Arabia’s welcoming business environment and offering tips for F&B market entrants venturing into the Kingdom. In addition, the summit will host sessions addressing pressing challenges in the F&B sector, food security, sovereignty, and sustainability, as well as strategies to mitigate uncertainty and volatility in supply chains and costs.
The opening day will feature notable speakers including Ryan Lefers, Co-Founder & CEO of RedSea, and Bobby Rajendran, CEO of Tamimi Markets, followed by a keynote address delivered by H.E. Bandar Ibrahim Alkhorayef, the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for the Saudi Arabian government. On the second day, a ministerial panel will be held, featuring H.E. Bandar bin Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, and H.E. Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli, Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture. This panel will provide valuable insights into the F&B policy and regulatory framework in Saudi Arabia. The final day of the summit will focus on discussions about the restaurant dining scene in Saudi Arabia, exploring opportunities for regional and international brands to enter and expand in the Kingdom.
Top Table Saudi
Experience an exclusive culinary experience sponsored by the multinational food company GoodyCo. The event offers visitors the opportunity to indulge in the latest dishes and techniques that are gaining popularity in the Kingdom. Over 40 masterclasses will be conducted by a diverse lineup of celebrated international and regional chefs, representing both established names and rising stars.
The lineup includes renowned figures such as two Michelin-starred chef Paco Morales, renowned for his innovative and cutting-edge culinary style; Head chef Albert Adrià at the Michelin one-starred restaurant Enigma in Barcelona and former head pastry chef at the legendary El Bulli; Lebanese chef and entrepreneur Maroun Chedid; Ian Pengelley from Myazu, a recipient of the prestigious MENA’s Best 50 award on two occasions; Chef Pierligui from Signor Sassi, up-and-coming talent with a social media following of over 1.3 million; and Saudi chef Rayan Alayesh from Kayzo by Myaz.
Furthermore, the Middle East food and lifestyle TV channel Fatafeat will feature four female chefs—Chahrazad Al Hajjar, Salma Soleiman, Sumaya Obaid, and Afnan Al Jaadi—who will present their masterclasses throughout the three-day event.
YouthX Saudi
YouthX Saudi, a prominent component of the inaugural event, will showcase the exceptional skills of young talents from the Kingdom’s leading hotel chains including the Ritz Carlton Riyadh, Grand Hyatt Al Khobar, JW Marriott Hotel Riyadh, and Four Seasons Riyadh. These rising stars will compete in the thrilling Young Chef Challenge, where they will have 25 minutes to present a remarkable three-course menu. The challenge will revolve around the themes of sustainability and zero waste, with menus evaluated based on their vision, industry acumen, alignment with the themes, presentation, and taste. The winning team will not only receive a generous cash prize but also secure a spot in the international finals scheduled to take place at Gulfood 2024. Judging this exciting competition will be the renowned media personality, celebrity chef, and host of ‘World Café,’ Bobby Chin.
June 20 until June 22. Visit website.
