From a nation celebrated for its rich culinary heritage now springs a commercial powerhouse, as Saudi Arabia's food and beverage industry, having reached a market size of USD 28.5 billion in 2023, is on a dynamic growth trajectory to USD 45.2 billion by 2029.
Key Takeaways
- The Saudi Arabia food and beverage market size reached USD 28.5 billion in 2023, driven by population growth and rising disposable incomes
- Saudi F&B sector expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% from 2024 to 2029, reaching USD 45.2 billion by 2029 due to urbanization and tourism boom
- Non-alcoholic beverages segment in Saudi F&B market valued at USD 7.2 billion in 2023, with 5.4% YoY growth from e-commerce penetration
- Saudi Arabia's annual poultry production reached 1.65 million metric tons in 2023, up 4.2% from feed efficiency improvements
- Dairy production in KSA totaled 2.8 million MT in 2023, with local milk output covering 45% of demand via new farms
- Saudi wheat milling capacity hit 4.2 million MT/year in 2023, 85% utilization rate from 12 major mills
- Per capita food consumption in Saudi Arabia averaged 450 kg in 2023, with grains at 160 kg highest
- Soft drink consumption reached 120 liters per capita in 2023, carbonated 85 liters
- Dairy intake per person 180 liters/year in 2023, fresh milk 120 liters dominant
- Saudi F&B imports totaled USD 15.2 billion in 2023, 42% of total food needs
- Poultry meat imports reached 900,000 MT in 2023, Brazil 55% supplier share
- Dairy imports USD 2.1 billion in 2023, milk powder 40% volume from New Zealand
- F&B FDI inflows USD 2.1 billion in 2023, 25% of total FDI
- Vision 2030 allocated SAR 10 billion for F&B localization by 2023, 500 new projects
- Private equity in Saudi F&B USD 850 million in 2023, dairy/bev focus
Saudi Arabia's food and beverage market is thriving and diversifying due to major growth drivers.
Consumption and Retail
- Per capita food consumption in Saudi Arabia averaged 450 kg in 2023, with grains at 160 kg highest
- Soft drink consumption reached 120 liters per capita in 2023, carbonated 85 liters
- Dairy intake per person 180 liters/year in 2023, fresh milk 120 liters dominant
- Poultry meat consumption 52 kg/capita in 2023, up 3% from affordability
- Date consumption totaled 12 kg per capita in 2023, seasonal peaks at Ramadan 20 kg
- Bottled water usage 250 liters/capita in 2023, highest in GCC region
- Bakery products intake 65 kg/person/year in 2023, flatbread 40 kg
- Confectionery consumption 8.5 kg/capita in 2023, chocolate 5 kg share
- Fruit consumption per capita 85 kg in 2023, citrus 35 kg leading
- Vegetable intake averaged 120 kg/capita/year in 2023, tomatoes 25 kg
- Red meat consumption 22 kg/capita in 2023, lamb/sheep 15 kg
- Coffee consumption 2.5 kg/person/year in 2023, roasted beans rising 10%
- Tea intake 1.2 kg/capita annually in 2023, black tea 95%
- Juice consumption 25 liters/person in 2023, 100% fruit 12 liters
- Ice cream per capita 4.5 liters/year in 2023, impulse buys 60%
- Snack foods intake 18 kg/person in 2023, extruded 9 kg
- Ready-to-eat meals consumption up 15% to 8 kg/capita in 2023
- Yogurt consumption 18 kg/person/year in 2023, Greek style 30% growth
- Edible oils use 22 liters/capita in 2023, olive oil premium up 12%
- Organic food consumption 2.5 kg/capita in 2023, urban areas 4 kg avg
- Plant-based meat alternatives 1.8 kg/person in 2023, burgers 40%
- Energy drinks intake 8 liters/capita/year in 2023, youth 18-24 at 15 liters
- Pet food consumption per pet 25 kg/year in 2023, premium 15 kg
- Functional foods intake 5 kg/capita in 2023, fortified cereals 2 kg
- Sauces and condiments 4.2 kg/person/year in 2023, mayo 1.5 kg
- Meal kit adoption 12% households in 2023, weekly use 2.5 times
- Supermarket F&B sales share 55% in 2023, hypermarkets 30%
- Online grocery penetration for F&B 18% in 2023, Riyadh 25%
Consumption and Retail Interpretation
The Saudi appetite reveals a nation well-fed on tradition, with grains and dates anchoring the table, yet increasingly tempted by modern convenience, from soaring soft drinks and bustling online grocery carts to the quiet rise of Greek yogurt and coffee, painting a portrait of a culinary culture in dynamic and flavorful transition.
Imports and Exports
- Saudi F&B imports totaled USD 15.2 billion in 2023, 42% of total food needs
- Poultry meat imports reached 900,000 MT in 2023, Brazil 55% supplier share
- Dairy imports USD 2.1 billion in 2023, milk powder 40% volume from New Zealand
- Wheat imports 3.1 million MT in 2023, Russia/Ukraine 70% despite disruptions
- Sugar imports 2.4 million MT in 2023, Brazil dominant at 65%
- Vegetable oil imports 1.8 million MT in 2023, Indonesia palm 80%
- Fruit imports 1.5 million MT in 2023, apples/bananas from South Africa/Jordan
- Processed food imports USD 4.5 billion in 2023, snacks/confectionery 25%
- Beverage imports USD 1.2 billion in 2023, juices/malt 60% value
- Seafood imports 250,000 MT in 2023, shrimp/salmon from India/Norway
- Date exports from Saudi Arabia 320,000 MT in 2023, India/UAE top markets 40%
- Poultry exports 50,000 MT in 2023, GCC neighbors 90% destination
- Dairy exports USD 450 million in 2023, yogurt/labneh to Gulf states
- Mineral water exports 120 million liters in 2023, premium brands to Europe
- Fruit exports 200,000 MT in 2023, citrus/grapes to EU 30%
- Vegetable exports 150,000 MT in 2023, tomatoes/cucumbers to Kuwait
- Confectionery exports USD 280 million in 2023, halal certified to Asia
- Bakery products exports 80,000 MT in 2023, flatbreads regional
- Juice exports 50 million liters in 2023, date-based to Middle East
- Meat exports 30,000 MT in 2023, camel meat niche to Asia
- Coffee products exports USD 150 million in 2023, blends to Africa
- Snack exports 45,000 MT in 2023, GCC sales 75%
- Pet food exports USD 25 million in 2023, premium to UAE
- Organic exports 12,000 MT in 2023, EU certifications key
- Halal processed foods exports USD 1.8 billion in 2023, global Muslim markets
Imports and Exports Interpretation
Saudi Arabia’s dinner plate tells a story of global pragmatism and domestic ambition, importing half its food from a handful of powerhouse nations while shrewdly exporting its own culinary identity, from dates to camel meat, to a world hungry for trusted halal products.
Investments and Sustainability
- F&B FDI inflows USD 2.1 billion in 2023, 25% of total FDI
- Vision 2030 allocated SAR 10 billion for F&B localization by 2023, 500 new projects
- Private equity in Saudi F&B USD 850 million in 2023, dairy/bev focus
- New food parks investments SAR 5.2 billion in 2023, 20 facilities operational
- Almarai expansion capex USD 1.2 billion in 2023, dairy/poultry upgrades
- Savola Group invested SAR 1.5 billion in 2023 for oils/sugar mills
- PepsiCo Saudi plants upgrade USD 300 million in 2023, localization 70%
- National Agricultural Development Co. (NADEC) SAR 800 million capex 2023
- Sustainability investments in F&B SAR 3.4 billion in 2023, water recycling 40%
- Green bonds for F&B projects USD 500 million issued 2023, hydroponics focus
- E-commerce F&B startups funding USD 420 million in 2023, Jahez/Nana top
- Aquaponics farms investments SAR 650 million in 2023, 15 new sites
- Plant-based innovation funds USD 180 million in 2023, local R&D
- Halal certification tech investments USD 120 million 2023, blockchain tracking
- Desert farming tech capex SAR 2.1 billion 2023, drones/IoT 50%
- Recycling plants for F&B waste SAR 900 million 2023, zero-waste goals
- Renewable energy for F&B factories USD 250 million 2023, solar 80%
- R&D spend in F&B 1.2% of revenue in 2023, SAR 1.8 billion total
- Women-led F&B ventures funding SAR 450 million 2023, 30% growth
- Export promotion funds SAR 700 million 2023, halal global push
Investments and Sustainability Interpretation
Saudi Arabia’s kitchen is getting a major 2030-style renovation, blending massive foreign investment and homegrown ambition to not only feed a nation but to sustainably engineer its food future from desert drones to blockchain-tracked halal meals.
Market Size and Growth
- The Saudi Arabia food and beverage market size reached USD 28.5 billion in 2023, driven by population growth and rising disposable incomes
- Saudi F&B sector expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% from 2024 to 2029, reaching USD 45.2 billion by 2029 due to urbanization and tourism boom
- Non-alcoholic beverages segment in Saudi F&B market valued at USD 7.2 billion in 2023, with 5.4% YoY growth from e-commerce penetration
- Saudi packaged food market hit USD 12.4 billion in 2023, fueled by demand for convenience foods amid working population increase to 15 million
- Dairy products market in Saudi Arabia grew to USD 4.8 billion in 2023, with 8.2% CAGR projected through 2030 from health-conscious consumers
- Saudi bakery products sector valued at USD 3.1 billion in 2023, growing 7.5% annually due to cultural staples and modern retail expansion
- Confectionery market in KSA reached USD 1.9 billion in 2023, with premium segment up 12% from expatriate influences
- Saudi meat and poultry market size was USD 6.7 billion in 2023, projected to USD 10.2 billion by 2028 at 8.7% CAGR via localization initiatives
- Soft drinks market in Saudi Arabia totaled USD 4.5 billion in 2023, with energy drinks sub-segment surging 15% YoY
- Saudi fruits and vegetables processed market valued at USD 2.3 billion in 2023, growing 9.1% from supply chain efficiencies
- Overall F&B e-commerce sales in KSA reached USD 1.8 billion in 2023, representing 6.3% of total F&B market
- Saudi F&B industry contributed 1.2% to GDP in 2023, up from 1.0% in 2020
- Halal food market in Saudi Arabia estimated at USD 22.1 billion in 2023, with 7.3% growth from global Muslim consumer demand
- Saudi ready-to-eat meals market grew to USD 1.2 billion in 2023, 11.4% CAGR expected to 2028 from busy lifestyles
- Infant nutrition segment in KSA F&B valued at USD 450 million in 2023, rising 6.8% due to birth rate stabilization
- Saudi edible oils market size was USD 1.6 billion in 2023, with palm oil dominating 65% share amid import dependencies
- Pet food market in Saudi Arabia reached USD 250 million in 2023, growing 14.2% from pet ownership rise to 2.5 million
- Saudi functional foods market valued at USD 900 million in 2023, 10.5% CAGR projected from wellness trends
- Ice cream and frozen desserts market in KSA hit USD 350 million in 2023, up 9.8% from summer demand peaks
- Saudi sauces, dressings, condiments market was USD 750 million in 2023, growing 7.9% via fusion cuisine popularity
- Meal kits delivery market in Saudi Arabia valued at USD 120 million in 2023, 22% YoY growth from urban millennials
- Saudi plant-based food market reached USD 180 million in 2023, exploding 28% CAGR to 2030 from vegan shifts
- Traditional sweets market in KSA was USD 650 million in 2023, steady 5.2% growth from festivals
- Energy bars and snacks segment valued at USD 280 million in 2023, 13.6% growth from fitness culture
- Saudi bottled water market size hit USD 1.1 billion in 2023, 8.9% CAGR from health hydration trends
- Organic food sales in Saudi F&B reached USD 320 million in 2023, doubling every 3 years per capita income rise
- Saudi coffee market (beverage) valued at USD 850 million in 2023, 12.1% growth from cafe culture
- Tea market in KSA F&B was USD 420 million in 2023, stable 4.7% growth as cultural staple
- Saudi juices market size USD 950 million in 2023, 9.3% up from natural health preferences
- Sports nutrition drinks in Saudi market reached USD 150 million in 2023, 18.4% CAGR from youth sports
Market Size and Growth Interpretation
While Saudi diners are still staunchly loyal to their traditional sweets and tea, the booming F&B market—propelled by a surging youth population, cafe culture, and an obsession with convenience and wellness—is building a future where the energy drink competes with the gahwa and the meal kit rivals the family feast.
Production and Manufacturing
- Saudi Arabia's annual poultry production reached 1.65 million metric tons in 2023, up 4.2% from feed efficiency improvements
- Dairy production in KSA totaled 2.8 million MT in 2023, with local milk output covering 45% of demand via new farms
- Saudi wheat milling capacity hit 4.2 million MT/year in 2023, 85% utilization rate from 12 major mills
- Date production in Saudi Arabia was 1.5 million MT in 2023, leading global exporter with Al-Qassim region at 32% share
- Red meat local production reached 450,000 MT in 2023, up 6.8% from Vision 2030 farm expansions
- Saudi fish and seafood aquaculture output was 85,000 MT in 2023, 15% growth targeting 200,000 MT by 2030
- Fruit production totaled 4.1 million MT in 2023, with citrus at 1.2 million MT from advanced irrigation
- Vegetable output in KSA hit 3.9 million MT in 2023, greenhouse tech boosting tomatoes to 1.5 million MT
- Saudi edible oilseed crushing capacity 1.2 million MT/year in 2023, 70% palm from 5 key refineries
- Bakery production volume 2.5 million MT in 2023, industrial plants supplying 60% of retail needs
- Soft drink bottling plants produced 3.2 billion liters in 2023, PepsiCo and Coca-Cola holding 75% capacity
- Saudi confectionery factories output 250,000 MT in 2023, chocolate segment at 120,000 MT
- Packaged water production reached 8.5 billion liters in 2023 from 150+ plants
- Juice processing volume 1.1 billion liters in 2023, NFC juices up 20% via local orchards
- Ice cream manufacturing output 95,000 MT in 2023, with 40% premium artisanal
- Ready meal production lines hit 180,000 MT in 2023, frozen segment dominant
- Saudi pet food manufacturing capacity 50,000 MT/year in 2023, local brands 25% share
- Organic product processing facilities produced 45,000 MT in 2023, certified farms rising to 500
- Plant-based dairy alternatives production 15,000 MT in 2023, oat milk leading at 40%
- Coffee roasting output 12,000 MT in 2023, specialty blends up 25%
- Snack food extrusion lines produced 350,000 MT in 2023, potato chips 55% volume
- Sauce and condiment bottling 120,000 MT in 2023, ketchups at 30,000 MT
- Functional beverage production 450 million liters in 2023, probiotics dominant
- Bread production daily 1.8 million loaves in 2023, automated lines 70%
- Canned goods output 220,000 MT in 2023, vegetables 60% share
- Yogurt fermentation plants produced 650,000 MT in 2023, flavored 45%
- Pasta manufacturing volume 180,000 MT in 2023, durum wheat local 80%
Production and Manufacturing Interpretation
Saudi Arabia's food sector has clearly moved beyond riding camels into the sunset, now striding with purpose toward self-sufficiency as evidenced by rising production across poultry, dairy, and wheat, while also cultivating modern tastes from specialty coffee and oat milk to artisanal ice cream and probiotic drinks.
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