Singapore food businesses looking to expand reach to the Middle East must be prepared with next-level persistence and a longer-than-average financial plan to succeed - but the returns can be tenfold, according to industry experts.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has praised five countries for their efforts in eliminating industrially produced trans-fatty acids (iTFA), marking the first time it has done so since launching an initiative in 2018 to encourage food manufacturers...
Saudi food manufacturing major Saudia Dairy and Foodstuff Company (SADAFCO) seeks to raise operational and supply chain efficiencies through its newly built depot in Makkah, amid rising demand from neighbouring markets.
FMCG e-commerce holds significant growth potential in the Middle East, as consumers in the region increasingly turn to online shopping for time-saving and convenience, filling larger virtual carts than in physical stores, say experts.
The rising prevalence of eating disorders (EDs) and disordered eating behaviours (DEBs) among adolescents and young adults in Saudi Arabia prompts the need to raise awareness of healthy food consumption, say researchers.
Greater attention should be paid to diet and nutrient intake, especially vitamin D, to improve bone mineral density among premenopausal women, say Saudi Arabian researchers.
National government support of food manufacturing localisation targets as well as the gradual rise of female leadership roles in the industry are serving as key factors behind Saudi Arabia’s rapid food industry growth in the Middle Eastern region, claim...
Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund Public Investment Fund (PIF) has set up a new firm called Sawani Company to catalyse the growth of the local camel dairy sector, as part of its efforts to transform the country’s economy.
The Indonesian government has its eye on expanding meat exports to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia where it hopes its halal certifications will appeal to consumers on pilgrimages.
One in three Saudi Arabian youths consume fast food more than twice a week, sparking concerns that the nation’s rapid economic development is leading to dramatic shifts in eating habits.
A first-of-its-kind Saudi Arabian study has found that although dietary supplement use is most prevalent among young, highly educated medical students or professionals, there is a lack of understanding of its importance among breastfeeding women.
Women with celiac disease following a strict, long-term gluten-free diet could face major deficiencies in major nutrients, including vitamin D, folate, calcium and iron, according to a new study.
Philippines' carabao ice cream brand Arce Dairy has made its debut in the Middle East with a recent launch in the UAE, and now harbours plans to enter Saudi Arabia and other GCC markets next year.
UAE speciality coffee roastery Emirati Coffee a is switching to a 50-50 strategy combining retail and food service on the back of strong online sales amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
There was a significant increase in the use of vitamin C, honey, black seed, citrus (lemon, orange), ginger, and costus supplements, and a drop in peppermint supplementation among patients with COVID-19 infection in Saudi Arabia.
‘Guilt-free’ ice cream brand The Brooklyn Creamery is churning up its low-calorie range for the Oman market, as it banks on product innovation to meet rising health and wellness trend in the Middle East region.
A study by researchers from Saudi Arabia, Egypt and China has found that the levels of iron, chromium, cadmium and nickel in fish caught from the Red Sea exceeded the levels recommended by various authorities such as the EU, FAO, and WHO.
SIG Combibloc has signed an agreement to take full ownership of its Middle East & Africa joint venture SIG Combibloc Obeikan by acquiring the 50% shareholding of its partner Obeikan Investment Group (OIG) in the two JV companies.
Saudi Arabian dairy company Almarai said it is the first brand in the world to obtain a Pandemic Prepared Certification from AIB International due to its application of best practices for food safety in times of epidemics.
Adults in Saudi Arabia were consuming almost 11g of salt daily, more than double the recommended salt intake of 5g/day by WHO, according to a recent study.
The Covid-19 pandemic in March and Ramadan in April and May led to distinct shifts in the food and beverage consumption patterns in Saudi Arabia, new data reveals.
Three Saudi Arabian food and beverages companies, Almarai, Safola Group and Abdullah Al Othaim Markets, have been ranked among the 100 most powerful companies in the Middle East according to Forbes ranking.
Global fruit giant Del Monte says a combination of the digital transformation sweeping the Middle East, coupled with its might as a global brand, is helping drive e-commerce sales across the region.
Consumers in Saudi Arabia have drastically ramped-up their online purchases of food products in the the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, new data reveals.
The Saudi Food & Drug Authority (SFDA) has implemented the regulation No. 2483/2018 which bans the use of partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) in the food industry with effect this year.
Demand for sustainably produced food products is increasing in the MEASA region (the Middle East, Africa and South Asia), especially in UAE and Saudi Arabia, according to emulsifier firm, Palsgaard.
The food and beverage giant’s philanthropic arm has partnered with INJAZ Al-Arab to launch a new entrepreneurship development program to empower Saudi female entrepreneurs.
The most dominant clean label trend across the Asia, Middle East and Africa (APMEA) region is the importance of safety, according to new research by Kerry.
Saudi Arabian consumers are becoming increasingly savvy when seeking out food and beverage bargains, and are also demanding new products with a stronger health focus.
Fears are mounting that a big chunk of India’s food exports would be hit after suggestions emerged that Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates would halt billions of dollars of imports because of issues surrounding quality.
Demographic changes and the increasing health challenges seen in Saudi Arabia will provide new opportunities for food and beverage growth, but firms have been warned that brand loyalty may be a thing of the past.
Global food and beverage manufacturers such as Kellogg's Arabia, Mars Saudi Arabia and Nestlé Middle East have signed a voluntary pledge with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) that seeks to reduce sugar, salt and fat content in their products....
Some 43m containers of bottled water, 35m bottles of refreshments, juices, and milk, 13m loaves of bread and pastries, and 4m meals have been provided to pilgrims at the Hajj in Saudi Arabia this year in an operation directed by the Ministry of Trade...
A Gulf-wide goods and services tax that will come into effect next year has been one of the main talking points among companies exhibiting at Gulfood Manufacturing this year, with its ripple effect likely to impact business in the food industry.
The Saudi Agriculture and Livestock Investment Company (Salic) has joined the UAE’s Al Dahra in a SAR5bn (US$1.3bn) joint venture to invest in the Black Sea region.
Gulf food processing is among the key sectors ripe for investment as India continues to strengthen its historic economic ties with the GCC, according to a new report by Alpen Capital.
Qatar's government has “effectively” protected the economy against sanctions imposed by neighbouring countries, according to an International Monetary Fund official.
