Italian food companies are exploring Saudi Arabia’s growing food sector through major exhibitions in Jeddah. A total of 37 Italian businesses joined the events from September 27 to 29. The companies presented food products, production equipment, and packaging solutions. They also used the exhibitions to explore new commercial opportunities across the Saudi market.
Seventeen companies displayed agricultural products, food items, and beverages at the Jeddah Superdome. Meanwhile, 20 other firms focused on food processing, manufacturing, and packaging technologies. The Italian Trade Agency supported the participation. The Italian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah also supported the initiative. Together, the events created opportunities for Italian businesses to meet Saudi buyers and potential partners.
Italy’s Consul General in Jeddah, Marco Bocchi, highlighted the importance of the delegation. He said the companies wanted to introduce their products and industrial expertise. The delegation also aimed to strengthen economic and trade ties between Italy and Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, Bocchi pointed to cultural connections between the two countries. He highlighted their links through the Mediterranean and Red Sea regions.
Trade between Italy and Saudi Arabia already covers a broad range of sectors. Italian exports of agricultural products, food, and beverages approached SR2.2 billion in 2025. The figure covers the first 11 months of that year. Food products represented more than SR1.77 billion of those exports. That figure also marked a 7.7 percent increase from the previous year. Meanwhile, total trade between the two countries reached about SR45.3 billion in 2025.
Italian businesses brought a wide range of products to the exhibitions. Flour producers Antimo Caputo and Molino Naldoni presented specialized products. Their offerings serve pizza, bread, and pastry production. Several companies also represented Italy’s tomato and preserved food industries. These included Casalasco Società Agricola, Compagnia Mercantile D’Oltremare, and La Doria. Other exhibitors included Novi and Sica.
The exhibition also featured companies from Italy’s confectionery and seafood industries. Crespo presented products linked to its long-established confectionery operations. Rizzoli Emanuelli showcased its seafood production and preservation expertise. Another participant presented Parmigiano Reggiano cheese through an integrated supply chain. Mangiatorella also displayed natural mineral water from southern Italy.
In addition, several firms focused on sourcing, distribution, and business development. Other exhibitors presented industrial equipment for food production. Zilli & Bellini displayed large-scale processing, filling, and packaging solutions. These technologies support manufacturers across different parts of the food supply chain. Therefore, the Italian presence covered both consumer products and industrial capabilities.
The wider exhibition program also included Saudi Food Manufacturing 2026. Twenty Italian companies joined that event to present manufacturing technologies. Their solutions covered food and beverage production, processing, and packaging. The participation reflects growing interest in Saudi Arabia’s food manufacturing industry. It also gives international suppliers access to regional buyers and producers.
Saudi Arabia’s industrial food machinery market has expanded significantly. The market reached approximately SR1.02 billion in 2024. It also recorded annual growth above 50 percent. That growth has increased attention from international equipment manufacturers. Consequently, Italian suppliers see opportunities across processing and production segments.
Italian Trade Commissioner Simona Autuori described Saudi Arabia as an important market for Italy. She highlighted opportunities for stronger commercial cooperation. She also pointed to connections with Saudi buyers and business partners. The exhibitions therefore provide a platform for companies seeking market expansion.
The move to Jeddah also broadens the events’ regional reach. Saudi Food 2026 brought international suppliers together with buyers from the region. It ran alongside the manufacturing-focused exhibition. Together, the events connected food ingredients with production and distribution technologies.
For Italian food companies, the exhibitions offer several routes into Saudi Arabia. They can introduce established brands to new buyers. They can also present machinery and technical solutions to manufacturers. At the same time, the events can support partnerships between companies from both countries. As Saudi Arabia develops its food sector, these connections could support additional trade activity.
The latest participation also shows the wider range of Italian offerings. Food producers can now meet Saudi buyers alongside industrial technology suppliers. This creates opportunities across multiple stages of the food supply chain. It also supports broader commercial engagement between Italy and Saudi Arabia.
The events in Jeddah therefore brought together food products and industrial expertise. They also highlighted the expanding links between the two markets. With trade already reaching billions of riyals, businesses continue to explore new opportunities. The latest delegation adds another step to that growing commercial relationship.
