The growing health consciousness among Saudi residents coupled with rising income levels that allow for flexibility in food choices has transformed the Kingdom into the GCC’s top organic foods market. The KSA’s domestic organic and natural foods sector is currently valued at around SAR 1 billion, accounting for 90 per cent of the regional market. Efforts are underway to further develop organic food production in the country to boost the Saudi share in the thriving SAR 825 billion global organic food industry. A private-sector Saudi Organic Farming Association established at a budget of SAR 15 million is currently providing support to organic farmers. Considerable Saudi investments into the sector bode well for the broader Saudi agro-food business as organic produce will be processed and packaged locally and thus raise demand for equipment, technology and related services. Opportunities in the Saudi organic foods sector will rank high in the agenda of the upcoming Saudi Agro-Food 2011 - The 18th International Exhibition for Food Processing and Packaging running from Sept.19 to 22, 2011 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event will provide an ideal business-to-business platform for organic food players as well as international organisations seeking to position themselves in the Middle East’s fastest-growing food market.“Saudi Agro-Food is a perfect venue to learn more about the opportunities, issues and trends surrounding the Kingdom’s robust organic foods market. The Kingdom is an excellent springboard for building an organic food business as it has a strong influence on the regional markets and a rapidly growing population that is putting greater emphasis on health,” said Khalid Daou, Project Manager of Saudi Agro-Food at Riyadh Exhibitions Company. From / Gulf Today