TUTTOFOOD Launches Global Dates Platform to Expand International Market Opportunities for Saudi Producers
Announced during an exclusive networking event in Jeddah attended by the Consul
General of Italy, Saudi food companies, buyers and industry representatives, the
new initiative reflects Saudi Arabia’s leadership in global date exports and the rapid growth of its agri-food industry.
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, September 28, 2026 – TUTTOFOOD, Southern Europe’s leading
international food & beverage business platform organized by Fiere di Parma, announced
that its 2028 edition will debut The Global Date Experience, a new dedicated business
platform for the international date industry, responding to the growing global importance of
one of the Gulf region’s most strategic agricultural products.
The announcement was made during an exclusive TUTTOFOOD networking event at
The Jeddah EDITION, held alongside The Saudi Food Show and bringing together Saudi
food companies, buyers, media and institutional representatives. The event was attended
by Marco Bocchi, Consul General of Italy in Jeddah, further highlighting the growing
business dialogue between Italy and Saudi Arabia in the agri-food sector.
Marco Bocchi, Consul General of Italy in Jeddah, stated: Economic relations between
Italy and Saudi Arabia are growing stronger and increasingly diversified, creating new
opportunities for long-term partnerships. The agri-food sector is particularly promising,
combining Italian excellence, technology and know-how with the ambitions and growing
capabilities of the Saudi market. Strengthening cooperation across our respective agri-
food value chains can generate new opportunities for companies on both sides and foster
increasingly innovative and mutually beneficial partnerships."
The Global Date Experience will be a dedicated business platform within TUTTOFOOD
2028, connecting date producers and exporters with international buyers, retailers, food
manufacturers and foodservice operators. The area will showcase premium varieties
alongside innovative date-based ingredients and applications, creating new sourcing and
business opportunities across the global food industry.
HRH Princess Sarah bint Bandar bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Executive Director of the
International Dates Council, commented: The International Dates Council was
established at the initiative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to bring together countries
engaged in the date sector. Today, we work with our member states and partners to
improve date quality, develop standards and exchange expertise, contributing to a stronger
global presence for the sector. In this context, we see The Global Date Experience at
TUTTOFOOD 2028 as an opportunity to broaden market access and build partnerships
that support the growth of the sector and date-based industries.
Antonio Cellie, CEO of Fiere di Parma, said: Saudi Arabia is rapidly strengthening its
position not only as the world’s leading exporter of dates, but as one of the fastest-growing
agri-food exporters globally. The international market is also changing: dates are
increasingly appreciated not only as a premium fruit, but as an ingredient for innovative
food products. TUTTOFOOD wants to accompany this evolution by creating new business
opportunities across the entire value chain, from producers to food manufacturers, retailers
and international buyers.
The announcement is part of a broader expansion plan for TUTTOFOOD. After its largest
edition ever this year, which attracted 123,000 professional visitors (+30% vs 2025),
5,000 exhibiting brands (+20% vs 2025) and 4,000 top international buyers,
TUTTOFOOD 2028 will expand with two new exhibition halls, increasing its overall
exhibition capacity and creating additional space to accommodate growing international
demand from exhibitors and buyers.
TUTTOFOOD, held every two years in Milan, Italy, will return from May 8 to 11, 2028.
The event has become one of Europe’s fastest-growing international food business
platforms, connecting producers, retailers, distributors, wholesalers and foodservice
operators across global markets through one of the global food industry's most advanced
hosted buyer programs.
About TUTTOFOOD
TUTTOFOOD is Southern Europe’s leading food business platform and an international
hub for agrifood sourcing. Based in Milan and organized by Fiere di Parma, it brings
together Italian and international agribusiness supply chains, connecting producers,
distributors, retailers, foodservice operators and buyers from around the world. The record-
breaking 2026 edition welcomed more than 123,000 professionals, 5,000 exhibiting brands
and over 4,000 top buyers. TUTTOFOOD combines business opportunities, market
insights and international networking to support cross-border trade and the evolution of the
global food industry.
