Saudi Arabia’s culinary landscape is getting a makeover, and it’s all about plants! Forget meatless Mondays – imagine indulging in a juicy, plant-based shawarma or whipping up a salad with vegan tuna. This isn’t a fantasy; it’s thanks to the kingdom’s growing interest in agritech and sustainable food production. Driven by environmental and health concerns, Saudi Arabia is witnessing a surge in plant-based food consumption.
The government and businesses are joining forces to revolutionise the food industry, promoting eco-friendly practices, and encouraging healthier eating habits for all. This shift is fuelled by a trifecta of forces: government initiatives, cutting-edge technology, and changing consumer preferences. In 2021, the ministry of environment, water and agriculture partnered with key players to develop delicious plant-based alternatives.
These collaborations aim to promote healthy choices with high-quality, locally-made vegan and vegetarian options, utilise advanced technology to create meat and dairy substitutes, modernise farming and marketing practices to ensure food security and boost the overall development of the agricultural sector. Leading the charge is Ayla’s Choice, the first company licensed by the ministry to produce plant-based products in Saudi Arabia.
Their goal? Not to eliminate meat and dairy entirely, but to provide healthy alternatives. They’re already coming up with innovative creations like vegan caviar and plant-based versions of classic sushi – think carrot “smoked salmon.” This movement extends beyond trendy restaurants. Saudi greenhouses management (Al-Rasheed greenhouses), a regional powerhouse in farming and horticulture, is collaborating with Ayla’s Choice to cultivate plant-based ingredients.
This includes lion’s mane mushrooms, a meaty substitute that’s perfect for vegetarians and vegans. This partnership aims to encourage local farmers to cater to this growing demand, potentially boosting their profits and reducing food waste. Sustainability is at the heart of this plant-powered push. Neom, a futuristic smart city project, recently partnered with a Dutch greenhouse company to build a self-sufficient agricultural haven.
This collaboration will utilise cutting-edge technology to cultivate fresh produce despite the region’s harsh climate. Another potential partner is Swegreen, a Swedish vertical farming company. Their innovative technology utilises soilless farming and ai-powered monitoring systems, allowing supermarkets to grow crops right on-site! This ensures complete control over the quality and growth process.
But Swegreen doesn’t just offer convenience. Their technology boasts record-breaking efficiency and sustainability. They achieve the lowest co2 emissions, energy consumption, and water usage per kilogram of produce compared to traditional methods. This is especially crucial for Saudi Arabia, a region facing water scarcity. Swegreen’s technology requires only 1.3 litres of water per kilogram of greens, a significant advantage.
Experts believe this technology can benefit local farmers through collaboration and encourage healthier food choices amongst consumers, ultimately leading to a healthier population. Partnerships like these represent a win-win for Saudi Arabia. They promote good health and environmental sustainability. By embracing international expertise, the kingdom can effectively address food production challenges and achieve its vision 2030 goals for a more sustainable and secure future, all while offering delicious plant-based options for its citizens.
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