The agricultural and food industry is one of the most important sectors contributing to the development of the national economy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and plays a major role in ensuring food security in line with the goals of Vision 2030.

The agricultural sector is a major contributor to the local Gross Domestic Product (over $29 billion at the end of 2023).

The Saudi Arabian economy is the largest in the Middle East and North Africa, reaching a turnover of $ 1.07 trillion.

General Information about the Saudi Arabian Market

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is among the leading olive growing countries, especially in the Al Jouf region. In 2023, the number of olive trees in the Kingdom reached about 25 million trees, producing more than 150 thousand tons of table olives per year and more than 18 thousand tons of olive oil.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the largest date producers in the world, with production of over 1.9 million tonnes in 2023, harvested from over 31 million palm trees.

The sector has seen growing interest from Russian, Danish and Indian companies, as agreements have been signed to invest in Saudi Arabia’s fisheries resources.

In 2023, total fish and shrimp production was around 139.9 thousand tonnes, of which shrimp was 66.4 thousand tonnes and fish was 73.5 thousand tonnes.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the leading Arab country in poultry production, with a total production of over 1.1 million tons.

The aquaculture sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has shown significant growth over the past five years, with production increasing from 100,000 tonnes in 2019 to 214,000 tonnes in 2023, representing a 114% increase.

Organic agriculture grew by 25% year-on-year, reaching 23,310 hectares in 2023. Economy Greenhouse production grew by approximately 57% in 2023, reaching 721 thousand tons, compared to last year's production of 407 thousand tons.

The share of the Kingdom's agricultural production increased and reached 95,200 tons in 2023, reflecting the continuous expansion of the sector.

Pet food market

The pet food market opportunity is estimated at $3.11 billion

Cold Chain Market Expands to $2.3 Billion

Cold Chain Market

500% Expected growth of the aquaculture products and services sector

Aquaculture products

Expected growth of 17.4% Creating the fastest and largest organic market in the region

Organic market

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is among the top 10 coffee-consuming countries, spending over $266 million annually

Coffee-consuming

$191 million Guaranteed growth in the veterinary medicine market

Medicine market

Heads of cattle

$4.5 million heads of cattle and its constant growth

Expanding the Egg Market by $1 Billion

Expanding the Egg Market

Agri-food market size + imports of $6.88 billion

Agri-food market

$30.68 billion Food and Beverage Market Growth

Food and Beverage Market

$17.3 billion Loans for agricultural development

Agricultural development

Investments in the agricultural sector are expected to reach $70 billion by the end of 2030.

Saudi Arabia's agricultural sector is a significant contributor to the country's GDP, with investments expected to reach $70 billion by 2030. The sector has seen remarkable growth in recent years, driven by government support, favorable trade agreements, and increasing demand for food products.

Overall, Saudi Arabia's agricultural sector presents significant opportunities for investment and growth, driven by government support, increasing demand for food products, and favorable trade agreements.

The growing demand for food products, coupled with government support, creates opportunities for investment in agriculture, livestock, dairy, and food processing.

The Saudi government has allocated $17.3 billion for agricultural development loans, providing opportunities for investors in the sector.

Major expansion is underway in multiple segments, including aquaculture, poultry, and greenhouse production.

Saudi Arabia aims to achieve food security and become self-sufficient in food production.

The agricultural sector's contribution to GDP was approximately $19.37 billion in 2022.

The organic food market in Saudi Arabia is growing rapidly, with a projected growth rate of 17.4% to 2026.

The Saudi Arabian food and beverage market is valued at $28.8 billion and is projected to register a CAGR of 3.22% over the next five years.

The dairy market is growing, driven by increasing demand for dairy products. Opportunities exist for dairy farming equipment, animal feed, and veterinary services.

Production jumped by 183% over the past five years, reaching 85,000 tons. The sector is expected to grow further, with opportunities for aquatic health services, fish farming equipment, and packaging and processing systems.

Broiler chicken production grew to over 60% of domestic demand. The poultry market is projected to reach $18.01 billion by 2025, with opportunities for farm buildings and equipment, feeds, packaging, and processing equipment.

Over 190 farms in Al-Bahah region provide olive oil to local markets, supporting both the domestic economy and consumer demand.

Jawf Province hosts an annual Olive Festival to promote olive cultivation and products.

Saudi Arabia’s olive oil production has grown, with exports reaching countries like Spain, Switzerland, the UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait.

Found in the same regions as Picual, offering an oil content of 20-27%.

Primarily cultivated in Jawf Province, with moderate oil content.

Grown in Jawf, Tabuk, and Hail provinces, with an oil content ranging from 15-22%.

These regions also support olive cultivation due to their Mediterranean-like climate.

These areas have favorable climate and soil conditions for olive farming.

The largest region for olive farming in Saudi Arabia, with over 25 million olive trees and an annual production of 18,000 tons of olive oil.

Olive farming in Saudi Arabia has experienced significant growth since its inception in 2002. The Olive Research Unit in Jawf Province spearheaded the cultivation of various olive varieties, ultimately resulting in the development of the world’s largest modern olive farm, spanning over 52,000 acres.

The industry presents significant investment potential, especially in organic olive farming and olive oil production, which can cater to both local and international markets.

The primary challenge for olive farming in Saudi Arabia is the harsh desert climate. However, with the use of innovative farming techniques, olive cultivation has become a viable agricultural pursuit.

The kingdom's date industry also produces a range of products, including date paste, date molasses, date jam, and date vinegar.

Saudi Arabia produces over 300 varieties of dates, with some of the most popular ones being Khalas, Sukary, and Ajwa.

Despite the challenges posed by the kingdom's desert climate and Rhynchophorusferrugineus (red palm weevil) insect, palm tree farming and date production have proven to be a successful venture. The industry offers opportunities for investment, particularly in organic date farming and date processing. The kingdom's government has also implemented initiatives to support the date industry, including the establishment of the National Center for Palms and Dates.

Saudi Arabia is one of the world's leading date producers, with an annual production of over 1.6 million tons.

The kingdom's date exports have also seen significant growth, reaching 321,000 tons valued at SAR1. 28 billion in 2022.

The top export destinations for Saudi dates include countries in the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia.

Al Qassim Region: Known for its abundant groundwater system, making it an ideal location for growing healthy date palms.

Al Madinah Region: A fertile haven for growing fruits and vegetables, with its opportune geographical positioning.

Riyadh Region: Produces over 400,000 tons of dates, representing 24% of the kingdom's total date production.