Italian food company Barilla, has expanded to Saudi Arabia through a partnership with distributor, Mayar Foods.
Fifty-five thousand tons of pasta are consumed in Saudi Arabia with around 2kg per capita each year. Pasta consumption is expected to keep growing year on year as preferences in the country continue to shift to a more Mediterranean diet.
Barilla managing director Loay Elkhouly, commented: “Our expansion into Saudi Arabia marks a major milestone for Barilla as we continue to experience increased demand from the region for Barilla’s Italian pasta products.
“Since opening our Dubai MEA head office we have also expanded in North Africa and continue to focus on the company’s Italian rooted culture of providing delicious and nutritious food that is healthy, convenient and good for the planet.”
Barilla is currently working with more than 2,000 retail stores, 5,000 restaurants and five airlines, across the GCC. Its expansion to the Saudi Arabian market will help fortify its presence in the region.
Elkhouly added: “We are proud to be working with Mayar Food on our expansion into Saudi Arabia and are confident in the joint success that will be brought through their expertise and vision to provide Saudi Arabia consumers with top quality food products.”
Mayar Foods’ general manager Ahmed S. Al-Muhaidib, said: “Mayar Foods beliefs match well with the Barilla Group. Barilla’s top quality farming and production, and Mayar Food’s expertise in product distribution will allow consumers to have the best of traditional Italian cuisine across all major supermarkets in the Kingdom.
“We are proud to be working with Barilla to provide consumers and the trade in Saudi Arabia with the world’s best Italian pasta products.”
Barilla entered the GCC market back in 2014 when it opened its head office in Dubai and from there expanded to North Africa and now to Saudi Arabia.
Words: Marouane Al Mandri
