Latest news with #SaudiFoodShow
Web Release
7 days ago
- Business
- Web Release
Summit Trading drives growth of Japanese food culture in the UAE and beyond
For nearly fifty years, Summit Trading has been at the forefront of delivering authentic Japanese food to the UAE and the wider Middle East. The company now supplies approximately 70 per cent of all Japanese food distributed in the UAE, strengthening the country's position as a strategic gateway for Japanese ingredients and cuisine throughout the region. At the heart of this transformation is Mr. Shiro Ohkubo, a long-time UAE resident and the region's first Japanese Food Goodwill Ambassador. Under his leadership at Summit Trading, Japanese food and agricultural imports into the UAE have increased from 400 million yen to over 2.6 billion yen over the past decade. This growth reflects not only rising demand but also a deepening cultural appreciation for Japanese cuisine across various communities. 'The UAE is fast becoming a global centre for food logistics, and Summit Trading has worked to ensure the UAE is seen as the key entry point for Japanese food into the Middle East,' said Mr. Ohkubo. A legacy built on logistics and trust Established in the UAE over 47 years ago, Summit Trading imports around 80 per cent of its products from Japan, sourcing directly from food manufacturers, cooperatives, and wholesale distributors. With logistics hubs in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the company supplies more than 2,000 clients across the GCC, including national airlines, five-star hotels, high-end restaurants, embassies, celebrity chefs, and major supermarkets. Summit also distributes to over 10 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman. It was the first to bring halal-certified Japanese wagyu beef to Dubai in 2014, to Qatar in 2015, and to Saudi Arabia in 2023. The company introduced regular air freight services to deliver fresh Japanese seafood, a category previously limited to frozen options in the region. Promoting Japanese food and culture Summit Trading's impact goes beyond its supply chain. The company regularly participates in flagship food exhibitions such as Gulfood and the Saudi Food Show, offering logistical and promotional support to Japanese producers seeking to enter the region. Collaborations with local chefs and restaurants help showcase regional specialities, while fairs and tasting events introduce new audiences to the diversity of Japanese cuisine. In 2022, Mr. Ohkubo hosted a live-streamed Japanese cooking session in the UAE, with support from Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries. He also launched a trilingual website featuring over 20 recipes in Japanese, English, and Arabic, many of which blend Japanese and Middle Eastern flavours. His contributions were most visible during Expo 2020 Dubai, where Summit Trading managed all food logistics for the Japan Pavilion restaurant, Sushiro. The operation encompassed over 500 product categories, resulting in Sushiro achieving its highest monthly sales among its 64 international branches in March 2022. E-Commerce and everyday access Recognising growing local interest in Japanese home dining, Summit launched Hinomaru Shokudo in Abu Dhabi. The restaurant, which expanded in June 2024, offers bento boxes, sushi, ramen, and a variety of Japanese dishes using authentic ingredients. To support home chefs, the company created the Summit WEB Store, an e-commerce platform with more than 2,000 products available for delivery. The platform includes a mobile app, online payment options, and the first Arabic-language Japanese food site in the region. Its customer base now includes a broad mix of UAE nationals, Westerners, Filipinos, Indians, and Arabs. Supporting the community and global events Summit Trading has supported major international events by supplying Japanese food products, including the FIFA World Cup 2022, the World Judo Championships, and the AFC Asian Cup 2024. It also played a key role in diplomatic events and national celebrations, including the Emperor's Birthday reception hosted by the Japanese Embassy and the official luncheon for Prime Minister Kishida's visit to the UAE in 2023. The company has actively collaborated with UAE institutions as well. In March 2024, under the ne'ma food security strategy, Mr. Ohkubo conducted a food waste awareness session for schoolchildren and held a cooking workshop using Japanese and Middle Eastern ingredients. 'Our mission has always been to go beyond just importing food. We are here to introduce the heart of Japanese culture through its cuisine, and to build lasting bridges between Japan and the Middle East through trust, quality, and shared experiences,' said Mr. Ohkubo. Awards and recognition For his contributions to cultural diplomacy and trade, Mr. Ohkubo received the UAE Golden Visa in 2023, recognising his status as a key contributor to the nation's business and cultural landscape. Summit Trading has also received multiple recognitions from JETRO for its efforts in e-commerce and food service, including being the first wholesaler and restaurant in the Middle East certified as 'Japanese Food Supporters.' With over 500 Japanese restaurants now operating in the UAE, compared to just 140 in 2013, Summit Trading's role in shaping this culinary transformation is clear. Through logistics, advocacy, and a passion for cultural exchange, the company continues to deepen the UAE's ties with Japan and redefine what it means to bring a culture to the table. Driving restaurant growth and culinary confidence Mr. Ohkubo has played a pivotal role in supporting the rapid growth of Japanese restaurants across the region. Through lectures, workshops, and promotional events, he continues to raise awareness of authentic Japanese ingredients and cooking techniques, helping demystify the cuisine for both entrepreneurs and consumers. His hands-on guidance has been instrumental for companies seeking to open Japanese restaurants in the Middle East, offering practical insights drawn from decades of operational experience. This has helped lower barriers to market entry and instilled greater confidence in overseas expansion. Beyond the initial setup, Summit Trading ensures these establishments are set up for long-term success, providing reliable logistics, consistent quality control, and access to a comprehensive range of imported Japanese ingredients. Mr. Ohkubo also regularly leads delegations of local chefs to visit farms and production sites in Japan, fostering deeper understanding of the craft and culture behind the cuisine. Through these initiatives, Summit Trading continues to shape not only the availability but the authenticity and appreciation of Japanese food in the region.
Mid East Info
14-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
The SaudiFood Show Drives Innovation and Strategic Growth to Accelerate Thriving Market - Middle East Business News and Information
SaudiFood Excellence Award winners were revealed, recognising businesses' innovative products and services RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA –May 2025: The Saudi Food Show 2025 opened its doors for its second day as the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Centre once again transformed into a vibrant hub of business and trade. Thousands of visitors explored, tested, and experienced hundreds of thousands of cutting-edge products and innovations in a dynamic showcase designed to elevate the nation's billion-dollar market. Among those to gather were top business leaders and buyers from around the world as they joined professionals and experts in the capital to embrace new opportunities and fuel the country's food sector. At a time where the Kingdom's F&B market is projected to reach USD $24.29 billion by the end of this year, Fawaz Shakaa, CEO of Farm Dairy Company and Board Member of the Jordan Chamber Industry said he is seeing the benefits of being present for the first time. He commented: 'Consumption patterns in the country are clearly evolving, as more consumers show a growing preference for international products. At the same time, the Kingdom is growing rapidly and is attracting different tourists from around the world, making it a key market. As such, Saudi Food Show allows us to network and do business with one another, benefitting both Saudi and Jordan.' Bandar Okrin, CEO of Saudi-born Kinza, said consumers are at the forefront of its strategy. He stated: 'We focus more on the consumer's preferences as we believe they are key to success in the future. Today, we are placing more emphasis on utilising Saudi ingredients in our products which is a top priority while empowering local talent to grow our brand and contribute to the Vision 2030 strategy.' The event has attracted thousands of leading global companies and national pavilions. Among them is Mexico's iAURA with its representatives engaging with over 100 potential buyers, generating significant interest in its portfolio of products. iAURA's CEO, Guadalupe Miranda confirmed they will return next year after being impressed with the scale of the event. He said: 'We've already decided that we'll return every year as we've seen strong interest from businesses in our chickpeas, which are exclusively produced in Mexico. This is no surprise as it is widely used for hummus – one of the most popular dishes in this region.' At the Saudi Food Summit, the audience gained a fascinating insight on the trends and growth opportunities in the retail sector from expert speakers in the public and private sectors. Justin Emmanuel Steinbach, CEO of IFFCO Professional, Manuel Garabato, Marketing Director of Global Emerging Markets, General Mills, Bobby Rajendran, CEO of Tamimi Markets, and Jens Sievert, Director- International Design and Branding – Daymon, spoke about why organisations need to embrace AI in their day-to-day operations, saying it can speed up experimentation, simulation, and decision-making. The panel also highlighted that there is an increasing preference for personalisation, emotional connection and purpose from consumers in the retail sector. The interactive and popular Top Table Saudi continued with both Saudi and international chefs delivering engaging masterclasses. They shared fresh ideas and showcased signature dishes while providing a glimpse into the future of gastronomy. Top Chef Middle East participant and esteemed Saudi cuisine ambassador, Areej AlShareef, was among the highly influential culinary experts present, captivating the crowds with her expertise and showcasing the rich, authentic flavours of the Kingdom She stated: 'Cooking is my passion, I don't really focus too much on recipes and I try to give the real flavour but with a different kick. There are so many fresh ingredients in Saudi Arabia which I use and people will now know, which they can put in their dishes.' Another chef in attendance was Azzam Al Sowayan, Sous Chef at Fairmont Riyadh. He shared key tips on combining Saudi cuisine with international dishes, as well as advice on pursuing a career in cooking. He explained: 'Saudi cuisine has incredibly rich and abundant ingredients. Blending global cuisine with Saudi flavours may seem easy to attempt but can be challenging to perfect. My advice for anyone wanting to become a chef is patience and endurance are key to overcome the challenges that go side by side to becoming a successful chef.' The winners of the Saudi Food Excellence Awards were also announced. Aimed at recognising innovative food and beverage products within the F&B sector, the awards were organised in 10 categories: Euroaliment Proeedor Alimantos Calidad took the Best Gourmet Product prize for their Pons Janiroc Lecciana Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Neon Sanayi Ve Gida won Best Coffee Innovation for their Turkish Coffee Mocha with Orange Essence. Best Innovative Packaging went to Le Bonheur for their Set of 3 pralines with a musical barrel organ. Coppola Foods won Best Food Innovation for their Fabalous Organic Hazelnut & Cocoa Spread. Best Saudi Made went to Gandour's Tamria cakes, carefully crafted using premium dates sourced exclusively from Saudi farmers. A Spice Affair/Nutrivlla Foods Inc was named winner of Best Health Product for their Golden Booster Latte & Smoothie Mix, while Parmafood Group won Best Plant-Based Product for their Cashew 'Tina' plant-based Ricotta Cheese alternative. Best Dairy Product went to Gündoğdu for their Poucheese Bohça Peyniri. Best Beverage Product was awarded to Habso Drinks for their Black Seed Sparkling Infusion; and Best Snack Product went to Nestle for their Fitness Fiber no added sugars cereal bar. The Saudi Food Show concludes on Wednesday with doors open between 2pm and 10pm. Tickets to the event are for trade professionals only and available on About KAOUN International: KAOUN International is the independent events company and wholly owned subsidiary of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), organiser of Gulfood, the world's largest food show, as well as Gulfood Manufacturing. KAOUN International was established to organize and manage events internationally, including the Saudi Food Show and SaudiFood Manufacturing, among others. Derived from the Arabic word 'universe', KAOUN International's mission is to 'Create Limitless Connections' for the industries and markets in which it operates. Created to leverage the 40-year legacy of DWTC's events management business and drive future MICE sector opportunity in the MENASA region. KAOUN International delivers game-changing live experiences that build robust business connections, create opportunity, and stimulate economic growth, building on DWTC's extensive portfolio of business and consumer events spanning multiple sectors, including technology, food and hospitality, sustainability, broadcast and satellite, automotive, talent development and leisure marine. About dmg events: dmg events is a leading organizer of face-to-face events and publisher of information services. Our aim is to create dynamic marketplaces to connect businesses with the right communities to accelerate their growth in today's rapidly evolving landscape. With a presence in over 20 countries and organizing more than 90 events each year, dmg events is a global leader in the industry. Attracting over 425,000 attendees and delegates annually, we organize events in the construction, hospitality, interiors & design, energy, coatings, entertainment, food & beverage and transportation sectors. To better serve our customers, dmg events has offices in 10 countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, South Africa, the UK, Canada, Singapore and India. By being on the ground, we can better understand market needs and nurture relationships to create unforgettable experiences for our attendees. Our flagship events including the Big 5 Global, ADIPEC, Gastech, EGYPES, The Hotel Show, INDEX and The Saudi Food Show.
Arab News
14-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi Food Show drives innovation, strategic growth to accelerate thriving market
RIYADH: The Saudi Food Show 2025 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center from May 12–14 transformed the space into a vibrant hub as thousands explored, tested and experienced cutting-edge products and innovations. The event was designed to showcase and elevate the nation's billion-dollar food market. Among those to gather were top business leaders and buyers from around the world who joined experts in the capital to embrace new opportunities and fuel the country's food sector. At a time where the Kingdom's F&B market is projected to reach $24.29 billion by the end of this year, Fawaz Shakaa, CEO of Farm Dairy Company and board member of the Jordan Chamber of Industry, said that he was seeing the benefits of participation. 'Consumption patterns in the country are clearly evolving, as more consumers show a growing preference for international products. At the same time, the Kingdom is growing rapidly and is attracting different tourists from around the world, making it a key market. As such, the Saudi Food Show allows us to network and do business with one another, benefitting both Saudi and Jordan,' he said. Bandar Okrin, CEO of Saudi-born Kinza, said that consumers were at the forefront of its strategy. 'We focus more on the consumer's preferences as we believe they are key to success in the future. We are placing more emphasis on utilising Saudi ingredients in our products, which is a top priority, while empowering local talent to grow our brand and contribute to the Vision 2030 strategy.' Guadalupe Miranda, CEO of Mexico's iAURA, said that they engaged with more than 100 potential buyers, generating significant interest in its portfolio of products, and confirmed they will return next year after being impressed with the scale of the event. He said: 'We have already decided that we will return every year as we have seen strong interest from businesses in our chickpeas, which are exclusively produced in Mexico. This is no surprise as it is widely used for hummus — one of the most popular dishes in this region.' At the Saudi Food Summit, the audience gained a fascinating insight into the trends and growth opportunities in the retail sector from expert speakers in the public and private sectors. Justin Emmanuel Steinbach, CEO of IFFCO Professional, Manuel Garabato, marketing director of Global Emerging Markets, General Mills, Bobby Rajendran, CEO of Tamimi Markets, and Jens Sievert, director — international design and branding — Daymon, spoke about why organizations needed to embrace AI in their day-to-day operations, explaining how it could speed up experimentation, simulation and decision-making. The interactive Top Table Saudi continued with both Saudi and international chefs delivering engaging masterclasses, and showcased signature dishes while providing a glimpse into the future of gastronomy. Top Chef Middle East participant and esteemed Saudi cuisine ambassador, Areej Al-Shareef, was among the highly influential culinary experts present, captivating the crowds with her expertise and showcasing the rich, authentic flavours of the Kingdom. 'Cooking is my passion, I don't really focus too much on recipes and I try to give the real flavour but with a different kick,' she said. 'There are so many fresh ingredients in Saudi Arabia which I use, and people will now know which they can put in their dishes.' Another chef, Azzam Al-Sowayan, sous chef at the Fairmont Riyadh, said: 'Saudi cuisine has incredibly rich and abundant ingredients. Blending global cuisine with Saudi flavours may seem easy to attempt but can be challenging to perfect. My advice for anyone wanting to become a chef is that patience and endurance are key to overcoming the challenges that go side-by-side to becoming a successful chef.' Matthews Matthew, managing director of Matt Media LLC and editor of Food Business Gulf & Middle East, Gulf Agriculture, and Livestock and Poultry Middle East Magazine told Arab News: 'Saudi Food 2025, the region's premier F&B exhibition, was an exceptional platform for networking and relationship-building. We connected directly with industry leaders, including manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and decision-makers. It also strengthened our media partnerships, enabling us to build collaborations with event organizers.' The winners of the Saudi Food Excellence Awards were also announced. Euroaliment Proveedor Alimantos Calidad took the best gourmet product prize for their Pons Janiroc Lecciana Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Neon Sanayi Ve Gida won best coffee innovation for their Turkish Coffee Mocha with Orange Essence. Best Innovative Packaging went to Le Bonheur for their set of three pralines featuring a musical barrel organ. Coppola Foods won best food innovation for their Fabulous Organic Hazelnut and Cocoa Spread. Best Saudi-made went to Gandour's Tamria cakes, crafted using premium dates sourced exclusively from Saudi farmers. Spice Affair/Nutrivilla Foods Inc. was named winner of best health product for their Golden Booster Latte & Smoothie Mix, while Parmafood Group won best plant-based product for their cashew 'Tina' plant-based ricotta cheese alternative. Best dairy product went to Gundogdu for their Poucheese Bohca Peyniri. Best beverage product was awarded to Habso Drinks for their Black Seed Sparkling Infusion; and best snack product went to Nestle for their Fitness Fiber no-added-sugar cereal bar. The food show, which ended on Wednesday, was inaugurated on Monday by Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, supervisor-general of KSrelief, who was accompanied by Majed bin Rafid Al-Argoubi, CEO of the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones, or MODON, as they toured the exhibition. Speaking at the food summit, Al-Argoubi said that the Kingdom's efforts to localize the food industry and ensure food security reflected its commitment to contributing to global food security by empowering research, development and innovation, and strengthening supply chains — positioning Saudi Arabia as a vital partner in securing food for the world. He added that the number of food manufacturing facilities within MODON's cities has surpassed 1,400 factories, contributing to the creation of more than 90,000 jobs. The food show, held in partnership with MODON, has attracted more than 1,300 exhibitors from around the world. The first day saw the signing of several food industry and logistics contracts exceeding SR600 million ($160 million), with Kudu and Yousef Abdul Latif Jameel Group among the organizations to put pen to paper.
Arab News
13-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
SADAFCO showcases products, growth at Saudi Food Show
Saudia Dairy and Foodstuff Company, known as SADAFCO, a leading manufacturer and distributor of high-quality dairy and food products, is participating in Saudi Food Show 2025, held from May 12–14 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center. SADAFCO is welcoming visitors at Booth #C4-2, where it is showcasing key products, aiming to connect with clients, partners, and industry leaders in the Kingdom's premier F&B trade environment. 'Saudi Arabia's food landscape is moving fast — and so are we,' said Patrick Stillhart, CEO of SADAFCO. 'Our goal is not only to deliver trusted products, but to play a central role in shaping the future of food in the Kingdom. Events like the Saudi Food Show allow us to listen, lead, and grow alongside our partners.' In line with Vision 2030, SADAFCO continues to strengthen its local presence and future-ready operations. Key recent developments include: • On top of the SR130 million ($34.6 million) investment in the new ice cream factory, which opened in 2021, SADAFCO has now invested another SR20 million to expand capacity and product variety. • A strategic digital transformation partnership with SAP and NTT DATA to modernize operations and enhance efficiency. • A long-term sustainability roadmap, including a zero-carbon fleet transition by 2045 and net-zero ambition for the company by 2060. Based in Jeddah, SADAFCO operates sales and distribution depots in 24 locations across the Kingdom and Middle East.
Mid East Info
13-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
The Saudi Food Show 2025, the Kingdom's leading F&B event, gets underway - Middle East Business News and Information
H.E Dr. Abdullah Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah, Advisor to the Royal Court Supervisor General of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, opens the largest arena of global food trade and innovation in the Kingdom Food industry and logistics contracts worth of investments exceeding SAR 600 million signed on the first day RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – May 2025: H.E Dr. Abdullah Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah, Advisor to the Royal Court Supervisor General of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, inaugurated the opening of the Saudi Food Show 2025 exhibition today (Monday) at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre in Riyadh Front. He was accompanied by His Excellency Eng. Majed bin Rafid Al-Argoubi, CEO of the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON), and distinguished guests as they toured the exhibition. The Saudi Food Show, organised by KAOUN International and dmg events, and held in strategic partnership with MODON, is running until Wednesday. It has attracted 1,300+ exhibitors from around the world, designed to to accelerate the growth of the F&B industry. The first day saw the signing of several food industry and logistics contracts worth of investments exceeding SAR 600 million with Kudu and Yousef Abdul Latif Jameel Group among the organisations to put pen to paper, reaffirming the strategic importance to the Kingdom's economy and boost the sector. In the Saudi Food Summit, His Excellency Eng. Majed bin Rafid Al-Argoubi took to the stage, stating the Saudi Food Show is an important platform for expanding a key sector. He said the Kingdom's efforts to localise the food industry sector and ensure food security reflect its commitment to contributing to global food security, by empowering research, development, and innovation, and strengthening supply chains – positioning Saudi Arabia as a vital partner and global role model in securing food for the world. He added the number of food manufacturing facilities within MODON's cities has surpassed 1,400 factories, covering a total area of 12 million square metres, contributing to the creation of over 90,000 job opportunities. In a special ministerial panel session, H.E. Eng. Khalid bin Mohammed Al-Salem, President of the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, H.E. Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah and H.E. Dr. Hisham bin Saad Aljadhey, CEO of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), discussed the importance of enhancing food safety. They agree the Kingdom is quickly establishing itself as a food-producing nation with now more than 1,000 food factories being launched – varying from entrepreneurial initiatives to large-scale production with advanced technologies at the heart of food manufacturing while also attracting investment. Away from the stage, the opening day also attracted several country ambassadors from around the world including New Zealand, Malaysia, and Italy, reflecting their full support in fostering deeper trade relationships with Saudi Arabia. Charles Kingston, New Zealand's Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, emphasised the importance of the Saudi Food Show for both New Zealand and Saudi Arabia, saying: 'New Zealand produces safe, high quality and sustainable food and there is absolutely a huge potential for the country to play a role in Saudi Arabia's future in food security – both through selling our products and also collaborating with the country in the market to fill that gap. The Saudi Food Show gives us an opportunity to showcase the story of our world-class quality to consumers, distributors and importers in Saudi.' Carlo Baldocci, Ambassador of Italy to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, stressed the Saudi Food Show is a vital opportunity to accelerate the growth of the food industry and strengthen ties with the Kingdom. He stated: 'There are many initiatives which are taking place including the Saudi Food Show, which will boost the relationships of both countries. We believe this is the beginning of a new start as the food sector is one of the crucial industries and one that will make our collaboration stronger. Italy and Saudi Arabia share many of the same values, having been cooperating for decades and have avenues ahead of them to be very successful.' Visitors also explored the six exhibition halls and hundreds of thousands of products from different exhibitor brands from around the world, interacting with companies launching new products, while showcasing their culinary expertise and engaging in commercial trade deals.
