Saudi Arabia hosted the JEC Composites Talks Middle East on June 24 in Alkhobar, marking the region’s first event fully dedicated to composite materials. Organized by JEC and hosted by the OSP, the event promotes polymer‑based applications, fosters industrial diversification through non‑metallic materials, and accelerates the transfer of innovative technologies while forging partnerships between local and international stakeholders.

Against the backdrop of Saudi Vision 2030 and significant investments in the region in advanced materials, fiber‑reinforced composites are emerging as key enablers across sectors such as mobility, construction, energy, oil and gas, and infrastructure.

The JEC Composites Talks Middle East gathered industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, and entrepreneurs to explore market trends, localization strategies, technological innovation, sustainability, and the composites value chain, capped by a curated networking reception. On June 25, participants visited SPARK, Mateen Bar, and Novel facilities to experience firsthand regional capabilities.

Mohammad Al-Tayyar, program director of OSP, said: “Our partnership with JEC marks a new era for the composites industry in Saudi Arabia paving the way for significant advancements in environmentally efficient solutions and industrial partnerships, ensuring that the Kingdom remains at the forefront of the composites market.”

Thomas Lepretre, vice president sales, events and operations at JEC Group, said: “Middle East and Saudi Arabia represent a strong market potential for composites materials. We are very pleased to be partnering with OSP and being able to serve the composites industry by organizing events in the Kingdom.”

Building on this momentum, the first JEC Forum Middle East — a business meetings‑focused event— will be held in Riyadh on June 23–24, 2026, uniting the region’s composites value chain.

A new survey has revealed global concern (85 percent of respondents) about inflation’s impact on grocery prices, illustrating consumer unease and clear changes in purchasing decisions across the world. Blue Yonder, a world leader in end-to-end digital supply chain transformation, announced the results of its 2025 Global Consumer Sentiment on Grocery Inflation Survey, spotlighting how sustained inflation, supply chain challenges and global tariffs are influencing grocery spending and broader consumer behavior across generations and regions. The survey polled consumers across Australia and New Zealand, France, Germany, the Middle East, the UK, and the US.

“The findings of this survey underscore just how widespread and deeply felt the impact of inflation is on consumers’ everyday lives,” said Ben Wynkoop, senior director, global industry strategist, grocery and convenience, Blue Yonder. “From buying fewer grocery items and cutting back on certain purchases to shopping at discount retailers and reprioritizing spending across other categories, consumers are navigating prolonged uncertainty — and retailers must adapt accordingly.”

Nearly half (49 percent) of all respondents believe newly introduced global tariffs are the leading factor behind inflated grocery prices, followed by increased costs for raw materials (42 percent), increased labor costs in manufacturing and food processing (39 percent), and increased profit margins for brands and manufacturers (33 percent).

The perceived top factor driving inflated grocery prices differs across regions. Consumers in the US (65 percent), the UK (56 percent) and the Middle East (50 percent) feel global tariffs are the leading cause of rising prices. Consumers in ANZ (50 percent) feel that increased profit margins for brands and manufacturers is the top factor for inflated prices, while consumers in France (48 percent) and Germany (47 percent) believe the increased cost of raw materials is the leading cause of grocery inflation.

There is a generational divide, too. Baby Boomers uniquely believe that increased labor costs in manufacturing and food processing are the leading cause for grocery inflation (52 percent), whereas all other generational groups believe global tariffs are the top cause of inflated prices.

Inflation’s grip on grocery bills is triggering global concern from consumers. Almost two-thirds of consumers (65 percent) report they would buy fewer grocery items across categories to cope with price increases, while 42 percent would shop at discount and wholesale stores. In addition, approximately one-third would prefer shopping based on promotions and discounts (36 percent) and switching to private label brands (34 percent).

Globally, consumers in ANZ are the most likely to reduce spending on clothing and footwear (67 percent), followed closely by the US (62 percent), the UK (61 percent), France (49 percent), Germany (49 percent), and the Middle East (47 percent).

“With most consumers willing to adjust shopping habits in response to grocery inflation and mounting financial pressures, retailers — not just grocers — need to recognize the importance of building trust with shoppers through transparency, targeted promotions and affordability-first strategies,” Wynkoop added. “Having the right supply chain solutions can help retailers win with consumers during times of both economic prosperity and difficulty.”