Saudi Arabia Showcases Culinary Heritage With Dates And Coffee At World Water Forum

The Saudi pavilion at the World Water Forum Exhibition in Indonesia, held from May 18 to 25, attracted significant attention from visitors. Saudi hospitality, exemplified by the quality and variety of dates and coffee on offer, proved a major draw. Saudi coffee, presented as a symbol of hospitality, added a unique cultural touch to the pavilion.

The Kingdom's diverse and flavorful dates impressed attendees, enhancing the positive image of Saudi agricultural products on the international stage. This participation not only elevates the profile of Saudi products globally but also opens doors for commercial cooperation and cultural exchange. The quality of dates and coffee embodies elements of Saudi national identity and reflects the Kingdom's commitment to supplying premium products to international markets.

Saudi Arabia's date exports saw a 14% increase in 2023, reaching a value of SAR 1.462 billion compared to SAR 1.280 billion in 2022. The number of countries importing Saudi dates has grown to 119, with exports of dates and by-products experiencing a staggering 152.5% increase since 2016, reaching SAR 1.462 billion by the end of 2023.

The Kingdom ranks among the top 10 coffee-consuming nations globally, exceeding 80,000 tons annually. This high per capita consumption translates to an estimated 70,000–90,000 tons of coffee imported into Saudi markets each year. Saudis spend over SAR 1 billion annually on coffee preparation, prompting significant efforts to increase coffee cultivation and production through establishing 60 model coffee farms on agricultural terraces.

Efforts in Sustainable Agriculture

These initiatives aim to strengthen food security in rural areas and boost overall agricultural output. The organizers expressed pride in the presence of the Kingdom at this crucial international forum. They emphasized that Saudi participation extended beyond product displays, also highlighting the nation's efforts to improve sustainable agriculture and promote water efficiency, aligning with the World Water Forum's global objectives.

With inputs from SPA