Bottling success — shift toward locally produced drinks in Saudi Arabia

Bottling success — shift toward locally produced drinks in Saudi Arabia
1 / 2
Kinza has a spacious booth at SFS where they are showcasing their latest and original flavors. (AN Photo: Abdulrahman Bin Shalhoub)
Short Url
Updated 22 May 2024
Follow

Bottling success — shift toward locally produced drinks in Saudi Arabia

Bottling success — shift toward locally produced drinks in Saudi Arabia
  • The event features more than 1,000 exhibitors from 97 countries
  • Kinza beverages are also available in Jordan, Sudan, Libya, Tanzania and Senegal

RIYADH: Consumers in Saudi Arabia are moving away from traditional staple soda drinks toward locally produced, high-quality alternatives, says CEO of Kinza Drinks Bandar Okrin.

At the second Saudi Food Show, Okrin told Arab News: “As more people continue to embrace these alternatives, the beverage industry in Saudi Arabia is experiencing a renaissance, with innovation and quality at the forefront.”

The event features more than 1,000 exhibitors from 97 countries, making it a truly international showcase of food and beverage products and services. Held at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center, the three-day event ends on May 23.

The Saudi brand has returned this year as the “category beverage sponsor.” Okrin added that its presence as a sponsor fostered a sense of pride and support for local businesses.

Al-Jameel International, a Saudi company that recognized the shift toward locally produced drinks in 2022, introduced Kinza, a carbonated beverage that has quickly gained popularity among locals.

According to the SFS, the Saudi food and beverage sector is projected to experience substantial growth, with an expected annual growth rate of 3.44 percent, set to reach $27.83 billion by 2029.

This places Saudi Arabia as an attractive hub for both local and international players in the F&B sector looking for new prospects.

“We (at Kinza) are determined to shake up the beverage industry that a few large multinational companies have dominated for far too long,” Okrin said. “We currently have a strong presence in all GCC countries: Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE and Kuwait.”

Kinza beverages are also available in Jordan, Sudan, Libya, Tanzania and Senegal.

The company’s goal is to establish a strong market presence and become a household name in global markets, with innovative beverage products that cater to a variety of tastes and preferences.

Okrin said that they aim to establish a strong market presence and brand recognition in these regions by effectively distributing products and building relationships with key stakeholders.

Their booth at SFS showcases their range of flavors, including cola, lemon, citrus and orange. “This year, we introduced new flavors like pomegranate, berries, Saudi cocktail, and carbonated water,” Okrin said.

Last week, Kinza launched diet cola and zero lemon options. “These new varieties will be available in all designated stores within the next two weeks,” he said.

Kinza is part of the Made in Saudi Program that unites ministries, government agencies and the private sector in support of Saudi national products under a single brand, which will contribute to the Kingdom’s economic growth and the realization of Vision 2030.


Japan, OIC discuss Afghan humanitarian cooperation

Japan, OIC discuss Afghan humanitarian cooperation
(OIC)
Updated 24 April 2025
Follow

Japan, OIC discuss Afghan humanitarian cooperation

Japan, OIC discuss Afghan humanitarian cooperation

JEDDAH: Leading officials from Japan and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation held talks here Wednesday on bolstering joint humanitarian programs in Afghanistan.

The OIC officials included Tarig Ali Bakheet, assistant secretary-general for humanitarian, social and cultural Affairs, and special envoy of the OIC secretary-general for Afghanistan.

The Japanese delegation included Masayuki Kameda, principal deputy director of the Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, and Daisuke Yamamoto, the consul general in Jeddah.


Endangered wildlife released in Riyadh, rare oryx born in Qassim

Endangered wildlife released in Riyadh, rare oryx born in Qassim
Updated 24 April 2025
Follow

Endangered wildlife released in Riyadh, rare oryx born in Qassim

Endangered wildlife released in Riyadh, rare oryx born in Qassim
  • Sand gazelles, hares, steppe eagles, black kite included
  • Animals released under Saudi Arabia’s rewilding program

RIYADH: Over 30 endangered animals have been released into Riyadh’s King Khalid Royal Reserve under the Kingdom’s rewilding program, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

The release included 20 Arabian sand gazelles, five Arabian oryx, four wild hares, three steppe eagles, and a black kite, according to the National Center for Wildlife.

A Steppe Eagle is released into the wild at the King Khalid Royal Reserve on April 21, 2025. (SPA photo)

The NCW, in collaboration with the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve Development Authority, maintains a breeding center in the reserve.

Also, the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification reported the birth of an Arabian oryx in Qassim National Park.

The birth was documented by a team from the NCVC, allowing specialists to study the behavior of this endangered native species, according to a separate SPA report.

A new-born Arabian oryx is seen with its mother at the Qassim National Park. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia is a global leader in protecting the Arabian oryx. Since the 1970s it has collaborated with international organizations to save the species from extinction.

Efforts have included establishing reserves such as the Mahazat As-Sayd and Uruq Bani Ma’arid, implementing captive breeding programs, and supporting gradual reintroduction.


Saudi and Greek ministers chair inaugural meeting of joint cultural committee

Saudi and Greek ministers chair inaugural meeting of joint cultural committee
Updated 24 April 2025
Follow

Saudi and Greek ministers chair inaugural meeting of joint cultural committee

Saudi and Greek ministers chair inaugural meeting of joint cultural committee
  • They say it is important to strengthen cultural cooperation between the two nations and the committee will help achieve this
  • Ministers praise the Saudi Cultural Week hosted by Athens in 2024, which showcased music, theater, films, crafts, food, Arabic calligraphy and fashion from the Kingdom

JEDDAH: Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan and his Greek counterpart, Lina Mendoni, chaired the inaugural meeting of the Saudi-Greek Strategic Partnership Council’s Culture Committee on Wednesday.

The ministers said it was important to strengthen cultural cooperation between Riyadh and Athens, and activate a memorandum of understanding they signed in July 2022, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Prince Badr said the committee will help achieve this.

The ministers praised the Saudi Cultural Week hosted by Athens from Sept. 27 to Oct. 1, 2024, which showcased musical and theatrical performances, films, traditional crafts, food, Arabic calligraphy and fashion from the Kingdom.

Greece participated at Saudi International Crafts Week in Riyadh in November 2024, and the Benaki Museum in Athens is taking part in the Islamic Arts Biennale, which began in January in Jeddah and continues until May.

Other senior Saudi and Greek officials present at the committee meeting included Alexis Konstantopoulos, the Greek ambassador to the Kingdom.
 

 

 


Head of Saudi National Center for Meteorology elected regional chair of global organization

Head of Saudi National Center for Meteorology elected regional chair of global organization
Updated 23 April 2025
Follow

Head of Saudi National Center for Meteorology elected regional chair of global organization

Head of Saudi National Center for Meteorology elected regional chair of global organization
  • Ayman Salem Ghulam was chosen to lead the Asian branch of the World Meteorological Organization
  • He highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to efforts to improve meteorological and climate services, and address environmental challenges

JEDDAH: Ayman Salem Ghulam, the CEO of the Saudi National Center for Meteorology, was elected on Wednesday as the World Meteorological Organization’s regional chairperson for Asia.

He was chosen during the 18th session of the WMO’s Regional Association II — Asia by representatives of member states and bodies specializing in meteorology and climate services.

After his selection was confirmed, Ghulam highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to efforts to improve meteorological and climate services, and address urgent environmental challenges in Asia and worldwide, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Kingdom plans to introduce training programs and professional qualifications for people working in the field, and improve forecasting and monitoring infrastructure to benefit all members of the WMO, he added.

The Saudi National Center for Meteorology, which uses advanced atmospheric and climate-monitoring technologies for weather research and forecasting, was established in 2019. The World Meteorological Organization is a specialized UN agency responsible for promoting international cooperation on weather and climate-related activities.


Riyadh pavilion showcases Saudi literary, cultural diversity at Argentina book fair

Riyadh pavilion showcases Saudi literary, cultural diversity at Argentina book fair
Updated 23 April 2025
Follow

Riyadh pavilion showcases Saudi literary, cultural diversity at Argentina book fair

Riyadh pavilion showcases Saudi literary, cultural diversity at Argentina book fair
  • Riyadh’s selection highlights the city’s growing role in the global cultural scene, as well as its commitment to fostering dialogue, embracing diversity, and using culture as a bridge for human connection and knowledge exchange

RIYADH: The Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission launched the Riyadh pavilion at the 49th Buenos Aires International Book Fair in Argentina. 

Running from April 22 to May 12, the event features the Kingdom’s capital as guest of honor, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Riyadh’s selection highlights the city’s growing role in the global cultural scene, as well as its commitment to fostering dialogue, embracing diversity, and using culture as a bridge for human connection and knowledge exchange.

Saudi delegation includes representatives from the Theater and Performing Arts Commission, the Heritage Commission, and the Ministry of Islamic Affairs.

The King Fahd Glorious Qur’an Printing Complex, King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, King Abdulaziz Public Library, and King Fahad National Library are also taking part.

The Riyadh pavilion boosts Saudi cultural presence in Latin America, presenting the capital as a model of civilization aligned with Vision 2030. It features diverse literary and cultural content, including Spanish translations to foster cross-cultural understanding.

The launch was attended by Literature Commission CEO Abdullatif Alwasel, Buenos Aires Chief of Government Jorge Macri, Minister of Culture Gabriela Ricardes, and Fundacion El Libro President Christian Rainone.

During the fair, the Heritage Commission will highlight the richness of Saudi cultural heritage through global promotion and awareness efforts.

Its program includes live artisan demonstrations, panel discussions, and displays of archaeological replicas, along with publications documenting the Kingdom’s cultural legacy.

The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language is showcasing recent publications, including scientific books and research journals, emphasizing its role in enhancing linguistic knowledge.

It also highlights its work in language planning, computational linguistics, education, and cultural initiatives, alongside digital projects and tools.

The academy promotes Arabic publishing in new regions, encourages cultural and linguistic diversity, and fosters collaboration with communities interested in Arab culture.