Business Trip Saudi Arabia and UAE – Food Industry
On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL), GEFA Exportservice GmbH, in cooperation with the Delegation of German Industry & Commerce for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Yemen in Saudi Arabia and the German Emirati Joint Council for Industry and Commerce United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the association Food - Made in Germany e. V., organized a business trip on the topic of food. The aim of the business trip was to initiate business, exchange experiences and deepen contacts with local companies and experts.
Following a briefing at the GESALO headquarters by Dr. Dalia Samra-Rohte, Delegate of German Industry & Commerce for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Yemen, providing an overview over the current market situation, a visit to the Ministry of Investment (MISA) gave insights into particularly financial questions. Ensuing store checks at different Saudi supermarkets granted the 9 participating companies the opportunity for first-hand exploration and offered direct insights into the product ranges of respective market chains, as well as potential market niches. This way, further insights into opportunities to enter the Saudi market and product promotion could be gained.
During B2B talks with established players in the Saudi food sector, prospective business opportunities and existent market potentials could be explored. This gave room for exchange with interesting partners establishing first contacts and for networking with potential future partners.
Beyond that, at a roundtable with senior experts from renowned businesses in the Saudi Food & Beverage Sector gave room for exchanging experiences and strategies on how to enter the market, showcasing paths already taken.
Following their stay in Saudi Arabia, the delegation continued its market exploration trip in Dubai.
The market at a glance
As the largest economic nation in the Middle East, one of the most important markets in the Gulf region and a large population of more than 30 million people with rising incomes, Saudi Arabia is an economically attractive market. The import of foodstuffs is of existential importance for Saudi Arabia, as the country is 95% desert, has hardly any cultivable land of its own and needs to meet a growing demand. Due to the high import rate of food (approx. 80%), food security is the focus of the Kingdom's "Vision 2030". The aim is to secure supply chains for staple foods by increasing local production and investing abroad. At the same time, the opening up of the country is contributing to an increased culture of eating out with a boom in restaurants, cafés and the convenience food industry.
The UAE is Germany's most important trading partner in the region. Despite government efforts to stabilize prices and increase domestic production, the UAE is also dependent on food imports. The issue of food safety also plays an important role. The Emirati National Food Security Strategy 2051 offers great opportunities for bilateral cooperation. For companies interested in the Gulf region, the UAE offers very attractive conditions for setting up a regional distribution center.
