Record number of KSA visitors expected at Gulfood

Gulfood 2013 is expecting to welcome a record number of F&B buyers and trade professionals from Saudi Arabia this year as growth in the country’s tourism and hospitality sectors continues to fuel the F&B industry.

Saudi Arabia’s rising population, together with continued growth in its travel, tourism and hospitality sectors, has meant the country is now responsible for approximately 60% of the Middle East’s total food and beverage imports.

According to a report by Business Monitor International (BMI), tourist arrivals in KSA are forecast to increase by 7% to 17.3 million in 2013 and by an average of 8.5% each year until 2017.

“As one of the biggest food importers in the Middle East, Saudi Arabian representation at Gulfood is always strong," said organiser DWTC senior vice president Trixee Loh.

"This year, more than ever, food buyers and key decision makers within the KSA food & beverage industry will be making the trip to Dubai to meet with the largest number of suppliers and producers that Gulfood has ever hosted. There is no doubt that the show is critical for meeting the growing demand in the Kingdom and throughout the region," she added.

Currently valued at SAR 49 billion (US $13 billion) in 2011 by Alpen Capital, KSA’s hospitality market is reported to be the fastest growing the GCC and is expected to reach SAR 68 billion ($18 billion) by 2016.