NEOM Launches TOPIAN to Create Sustainable Food Systems

Topian aims to create sustainable food systems and redefine the ways food is produced, distributed and consumed. (SPA)
Topian aims to create sustainable food systems and redefine the ways food is produced, distributed and consumed. (SPA)
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NEOM Launches TOPIAN to Create Sustainable Food Systems

Topian aims to create sustainable food systems and redefine the ways food is produced, distributed and consumed. (SPA)
Topian aims to create sustainable food systems and redefine the ways food is produced, distributed and consumed. (SPA)

NEOM on Sunday announced the launch of Topian, the NEOM Food Company, which aims to create sustainable food systems and redefine the ways food is produced, distributed and consumed.
In a statement, NEOM said that Topian will seek to redefine food production, distribution, and consumption through the creation of sustainable and innovative food solutions across five vertical pillars: climate-proof agriculture, regenerative aquaculture, novel foods, personalized nutrition, sustainable food supply and environmental, social and institutional governance.

Nadhmi Al-Nasr, CEO of NEOM, said: “NEOM is an accelerator of human progress and Topian reflects our dedication to creating a positive, long-lasting transformation to lives in Saudi Arabia and the rest of the world.”
He continued: “Topian’s innovative approach will be a key driver in shaping the future landscape of a sustainable and secure food industry. We look forward to working closely with investors, partners, and food industry experts in turning ambitious ideas into reality, supporting economic diversification in the Kingdom and aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.”
For his part, Dr. Juan Carlos Motamayor, Chief Executive Officer of Topian, said: “As a wholly-owned subsidiary of NEOM, Topian is fully aligned with NEOM’s commitment to providing high-quality food products to the market, and promoting food security and sustainability, while contributing to the Kingdom’s self-sufficiency objectives and long-term economic goals.”
He added: “Topian is leading the food-security conversation to create a resilient food supply in line with the Saudi Green Initiative and the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals. We are not only committing to shaping a transformative global food system, but also to setting a global benchmark by pioneering new technologies and innovative solutions to overcome food-related challenges and create a more secure, sustainable, and prosperous future for all.”
Topian has signed many local and international strategic partnership agreements with organizations and companies that share its commitment and dedication to reshaping the future of food.
These agreements include King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Tabuk University, as well as Tabuk Fish Company, BlueNalu, Van der Hoeven Horticultural Projects, and Cargill.

 

 

 

 



Saudi Non-Oil Exports Hit Two-Year High

The King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, eastern Saudi Arabia. (“Mawani” port authority)
The King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, eastern Saudi Arabia. (“Mawani” port authority)
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Saudi Non-Oil Exports Hit Two-Year High

The King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, eastern Saudi Arabia. (“Mawani” port authority)
The King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, eastern Saudi Arabia. (“Mawani” port authority)

Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports soared to a two-year high in May, reaching SAR 28.89 billion (USD 7.70 billion), marking an 8.2% year-on-year increase compared to May 2023.

On a monthly basis, non-oil exports surged by 26.93% from April.

This growth contributed to Saudi Arabia’s trade surplus, which recorded a year-on-year increase of 12.8%, reaching SAR 34.5 billion (USD 9.1 billion) in May, following 18 months of decline.

The enhancement of the non-oil private sector remains a key focus for Saudi Arabia as it continues its efforts to diversify its economy and reduce reliance on oil revenues.

In 2023, non-oil activities in Saudi Arabia contributed 50% to the country’s real GDP, the highest level ever recorded, according to the Ministry of Economy and Planning’s analysis of data from the General Authority for Statistics.

Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan emphasized at the “Future Investment Initiative” in October that the Kingdom is now prioritizing the development of the non-oil sector over GDP figures, in line with its Vision 2030 economic diversification plan.

A report by Moody’s highlighted Saudi Arabia’s extensive efforts to transform its economic structure, reduce dependency on oil, and boost non-oil sectors such as industry, tourism, and real estate.

The Saudi General Authority for Statistics’ monthly report on international trade noted a 5.8% growth in merchandise exports in May compared to the same period last year, driven by a 4.9% increase in oil exports, which totaled SAR 75.9 billion in May 2024.

The change reflects movements in global oil prices, while production levels remained steady at under 9 million barrels per day since the OPEC+ alliance began a voluntary reduction in crude supply to maintain prices. Production is set to gradually increase starting in early October.

On a monthly basis, merchandise exports rose by 3.3% from April to May, supported by a 26.9% increase in non-oil exports. This rise was bolstered by a surge in re-exports, which reached SAR 10.2 billion, the highest level for this category since 2017.

The share of oil exports in total exports declined to 72.4% in May from 73% in the same month last year.

Moreover, the value of re-exported goods increased by 33.9% during the same period.