Saudi Food Industry Surpasses SAR 200 Billion

Saudi Arabia's food industry has crossed the SAR 200 billion mark, cementing its position as a key pillar of national food security and economic diversification. The milestone reflects steady growth across the sector's core segments and a rising role in the wider economy.

The food industry is now estimated at around SAR 200 billion and ranks as the second-largest industrial sector in the Kingdom in terms of employment, powered by roughly 1,900 food factories. Its reach spans grain storage, wheat milling and baking, dairy, dates, red meat, poultry, seafood, and cold-chain infrastructure.

Production and exports on the rise

Official food security data places the total value of food production in the Kingdom at about SAR 296.5 billion in 2024. On the export side, Saudi food exports have grown roughly 60% between 2021 and 2025, climbing from around SAR 13 billion to about SAR 22 billion, with shipments reaching more than 125 countries.

The sector contributes an estimated SAR 100 billion to national GDP, based on 2022 figures, underscoring its role as a cornerstone of economic progress. Different reports use varying definitions and methodologies, so some broader estimates of the total food and beverage market run significantly higher than the core industrial-sector figure.

For residents and expats across Riyadh, Jeddah and beyond, the expansion signals stronger local production, greater variety of domestically made goods on shelves, and a food supply chain that is becoming more resilient. As the sector grows, it also continues to create jobs and support the Kingdom's long-term goals for self-sufficiency and diversification.

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