Anicav, Italy’s National Association of Canned Vegetable Industries, confirms its strong international commitment by participating in the upcoming edition of The Saudi Food Show, scheduled to take place in Jeddah from September 27 to 29, 2026. This initiative is part of the broader Greatest Tomatoes from Europe project, co-funded by the European Union, which aims to enhance the excellence of tomato processing on global markets.
Focus on the Middle East: a resilient market
The event serves as a strategic platform for the Italian canning industry, bringing together buyers, retailers, and foodservice operators in a region that continues to demonstrate significant resilience despite the complex geopolitical scenario. In 2025, Italian exports of red preserves generated a value of approximately 83 million euros in this area, with Saudi Arabia standing out as a key player with a market share exceeding 20 million euros.
Strategic investments for global growth
“The Middle East represents an area with significant potential. Being present in international markets is fundamental to strengthening the positioning of our products,” says Giovanni De Angelis, Director General of Anicav. The executive, however, highlights how the stability of trade flows is influenced by local security concerns: “This is precisely why we must continue investing in promotion to value the quality that distinguishes our companies and support the competitiveness of Made in Italy.”
With a turnover of 3.7 billion euros in 2025 and a processing capacity covering 70% of the tomatoes processed in Italy, Anicav remains the driving force of a sector that exports over 60% of its production. This consolidates the role of the tomato as a global ambassador for the entire Italian food industry.