FOOD

Neom, the sustainable regional development in northwestern Saudi Arabia, has launched Topian to revolutionise food production, distribution, and consumption in the country.

The company has a focus on sustainable and innovative food solutions across five key pillars: climate-resilient agriculture, regenerative aquaculture, novel foods, personalised nutrition, and sustainable food supply chains rooted in environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles.

Supported by the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture (MEWA), Topian’s mission is aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasises food security, economic diversification, and environmental sustainability.

The initiative highlights Saudi Arabia’s expanding investment in the food sector, particularly in response to growing global challenges such as climate change and resource depletion.  

With agriculture and food security at the forefront of the kingdom’s ambitions, Saudi companies have been making significant strides in domestic and international markets, particularly in Africa. These investments are vital for bolstering the nation’s food self-suffciency and reducing reliance on imports. 

FOOD SUSTAINABILITY

Topian also represents Saudi Arabia's growing leadership in sustainable food practices. The country has been investing in agricultural projects, including partnerships with African nations, to enhance food production and distribution networks. Saudi entities like the Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC) have been heavily involved in African agriculture, contributing to local economies while ensuring the kingdom’s long-term food security.

“Neom is committed to being an accelerator of human progress, and Topian exemplifies this vision by leading the way in sustainable food solutions,” said Nadhmi Al-Nasr, CEO of Neom. “Our partnerships and investments will not only help diversify the kingdom’s economy, but also support the global shift towards a more secure and resilient food supply." 

Topian has signed numerous strategic partnerships with organisations that share its vision for reshaping the future of food. These include collaborations with local entities like King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and Tabuk Fish Company, as well as international firms like Cargill and BlueNalu.

Through these partnerships, Topian seeks to develop innovative food systems that will address the global challenges of population growth, shifting consumption patterns, and climate change. The initiative underscores Saudi Arabia’s broader role in pioneering sustainable agriculture and food security both domestically and abroad, including ongoing projects in Africa aimed at enhancing food production through strategic investments.

"As a subsidiary of Neom, Topian is committed to contributing to Saudi Arabia’s goals of food security and sustainability,” said Dr Juan Carlos Motamayor, chief executive offcer of Topian. “Our collaboration with global experts and local institutions will set new benchmarks in food technology, aligning with the Saudi Green Initiative and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals." 

FOOD SECURITY INVESTMENTS

The kingdom recently enhanced its food security through five new agricultural investment projects in the Al-Baha region, part of its Vision 2030 initiative to achieve self-suffciency. MEWA announced these opportunities via its FURAS portal. The projects include the cultivation of orchards, coffee, palm trees, and the production of flowers and wild plants.

Despite nearly 90% of Saudi Arabia being desert, it is undergoing an agricultural boom to boost domestic crop production and reduce reliance on food imports. Already, the country has achieved self-suff- ciency in dates, fresh dairy products, and table eggs.

Among the new initiatives is a coffee city project, which will see the cultivation of over 150,000 coffee trees across more than 2.29 million square metres (sqm) of land, with a production capacity exceeding 15,000 tonnes. The deadline for bids on this project was set for 10 September, with envelopes scheduled to be opened the following day.

Another notable initiative is the Al-Ennab Village project, near Al-Janabeen Dam, which will focus on cultivating palm and fruit trees over an area of 4.6 million sqm. Bids for this project are due by 24 September, with results to be announced the following day.

Additionally, a lavender fields project aims to plant more than 2,500 lavender seedlings annually, along with developing irrigation networks and mother fields across 11,710 sqm of area. The deadline for submissions was 2 September.

A fruit nursery project in Qilwah governorate has also been planned, with the goal of cultivating 100,000 seedlings annually for various fruits, covering an area of 33,370 sqm. In the same district, a flower nursery project will produce 500,000 seedlings annually for flowers and wild trees over 34,790 sqm, with bids also due in September.

In August, MEWA launched the first Saudi AgriFood Tech Alliance, with founding partners such as the Research, Development, and Innovation Authority, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, and Neom’s Topian Food Company. This alliance seeks to unite public and private sector stakeholders, academia, and non-profit organisations to accelerate the deployment of agricultural technologies across the kingdom, driving sustainable food production and long-term food security.