RIYADH: The second Saudi Food Show, the Kingdom’s largest food and beverage sourcing event, will begin Tuesday at the Riyadh Front. This year’s show, which will run until May 23, is sponsored by Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Al-Khorayef in collaboration with the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones, or MODON. It features 1,000 exhibitors presenting 100,000 product innovations from 97 countries, including newcomers and returning successes like Top Table Saudi and Youth X Saudi in expanded formats. The first day, curated by MODON, emphasizes technology’s role in enhancing food production efficiency in Saudi Arabia, alongside investments in human capital for competitiveness in the F&B sector and fintech’s financial support role. Ali Al-Omeir, MODON’s vice president of business development, underscored their focus on localizing the F&B industry to bolster food security in Saudi Arabia, aligning with the National Strategy for Industry and Saudi Vision 2030. Over the second and third days, over 90 leaders from public and private sectors, including ministries, food investors, retailers, innovators, and food service providers, will share insights on maximizing opportunities in the Saudi F&B market, fostering success for businesses in the Kingdom through keynote addresses, panels, and workshops. The event will introduce Saudifoodpreneur, a workshop series for F&B entrepreneurs. Led by industry experts and successful entrepreneurs, these workshops and business support clinics will guide startups through navigating Saudi Arabia’s dynamic F&B landscape, equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in the vibrant market.