Italian agri-food exports to Saudi Arabia approach SAR 2.2 billion
Italian agricultural, food and beverage exports to Saudi Arabia approached SAR 2.2 billion in the first 11 months of 2025. Italy is seeking further growth through a 37-company delegation covering food products, processing technology and packaging at Saudi Food 2026 in Jeddah.
Food shipments increase by 7.7%
Italian exports of agricultural products, food and beverages to Saudi Arabia approached SAR 2.2 billion in the first 11 months of 2025, according to Eye of Riyadh. More than SAR 1.77 billion came from food products, whose value increased by 7.7% from the corresponding period of 2024. The figures show that food already represents most of the reported agri-food and beverage flow between the two countries.
The rise comes as Saudi Arabia strengthens its position as a major regional market for food and beverages. Demand is growing alongside opportunities for cooperation and investment across the food value chain. For Italian suppliers, the market therefore extends beyond sales of finished products to sourcing, distribution, processing and packaging.
Italy brings 37 companies to Jeddah
Italy is presenting that broader offer at Saudi Food 2026 and the co-located Saudi Food Manufacturing 2026 exhibition in Jeddah. The Italian delegation comprises 37 companies. Seventeen are showcasing products and capabilities from Italy’s food and agri-food industry, while another 20 are presenting technology for food processing and packaging.
The Italian Trade Agency is supporting the participation in cooperation with the Italian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah. The two exhibitions run from 27 to 29 September at the Jeddah Superdome. By bringing product suppliers and equipment manufacturers to the same venue, the Italian delegation is targeting both Saudi buyers of imported food and companies investing in local production capacity.
Participating businesses include Alefood, Natale Alessandro & Co, MB Consulting and Seaside Foodlink, which work in international sourcing, business development and distribution. Zilli and Bellini are presenting industrial food-processing, filling and packaging solutions. Their presence illustrates the two commercial tracks behind Italy’s approach: expanding sales of food products while supplying the machinery needed to manufacture and package food inside Saudi Arabia.
Machinery demand adds a second opportunity
Saudi Arabia’s market for industrial machinery used in food and beverage processing was valued at about SAR 1.02 billion in 2024, Eye of Riyadh reported. It grew by more than 50% year on year. That pace makes equipment a significant opportunity alongside the SAR 2.2 billion agri-food trade flow, particularly for manufacturers able to supply processing lines, packaging systems and related technical solutions.
The food relationship sits within a much larger bilateral trade corridor. Total trade between Italy and Saudi Arabia reached approximately SAR 45.3 billion in 2025, while Italian exports to the kingdom amounted to around SAR 27.8 billion. On those reported figures, agricultural products, food and beverages remain a relatively focused part of Italy’s overall commercial presence, but their growth and connection to machinery investment give the sector wider strategic relevance.
For producers and distributors, the immediate issue is whether the 7.7% increase in food exports can be sustained through stronger market access and local partnerships. For equipment suppliers, the more than 50% expansion of the machinery market points to demand tied to Saudi processing and packaging investment. The Jeddah exhibitions connect these groups in one place, allowing Italian companies to pursue imported-product sales and industrial supply contracts at the same time.
