The Saudi Arabia Edible Meat Market Sizeis projected to grow from USD 6.51 billion in 2025 to USD 7.14 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 1.89% during the forecast period. This moderate yet steady expansion reflects structural transformations in demographics, government-backed localization initiatives, and the modernization of the meat supply and retail chains. As the nation implements Vision 2030, targeting greater food security and local production, the edible meat industry is poised for significant shifts across form, type, and distribution segments.
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Key Trends Driving Saudi Arabia Edible Meat Market Growth
Demographic Changes Influence Meat Demand Patterns
Saudi Arabia's labor force composition is reshaping meat consumption. With foreign nationals accounting for 13.4 million of the 32.2 million population, and 76.4% of the private sector workforce, the country’s edible meat market caters to diverse cultural preferences. Simultaneously, the rise in female workforce participation—33.6% as of March 2022—has increased the demand for convenience-based meat products, including fresh/chilled and ready-to-cook formats.
Vision 2030 and Domestic Production Boost
A central element of market transformation is the government's focus on food self-sufficiency. Under the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP), specialized clusters that integrate farming, processing, packaging, and retail are being developed to meet 85% of processed food demand domestically by 2030. Direct subsidies, tax incentives, and support for local procurement (especially for institutional food suppliers) are accelerating this shift.
Digitalization Enhances Cold Chain and E-Commerce
Saudi Arabia's robust digital infrastructure—marked by a 99% internet penetration rate and mobile speeds over 181 Mbps—has enabled rapid growth in online meat retailing. Platforms like Carrefour, LuLu Hypermarket, and Taiba Farms are expanding their reach with cold chain-enabled logistics and diversified offerings. Online distribution is emerging as the fastest-growing channel, forecasted to grow at a CAGR of ~10% between 2024 and 2029.
Government Policies Support Local Meat Production
To increase beef production—only 2.26% of total domestic meat in 2022—the government is offering financial subsidies, interest-free loans, and cattle equipment rebates. The introduction of long shelf-life standards for chilled beef (extended to 120 days) also aids logistics. Strategic alliances such as the Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Co. (SALIC)’s joint venture with Brazil’s Minerva Foods are expected to enhance local processing capabilities.
Saudi Arabia Edible Meat Market Segmentation
By Type:
- Poultry: With ~79% share of the edible meat market in 2024, poultry is the dominant segment. This is driven by affordability, lower fat content, and supportive government policies. Self-sufficiency has reached 68%, backed by direct subsidies and interest-free loans.
- Mutton: Expected to be the fastest-growing segment with a ~2% CAGR. Cultural preferences and increased demand during festivals, combined with government subsidies for livestock farmers, are fueling this rise.
- Beef: Maintains a steady presence, supported by both local production and strategic imports. Consumer preference leans toward premium, grass-fed beef. Partnerships and regulatory relaxations, such as increased import shelf life, are enhancing accessibility.
Other Meats (e.g., camel):
Serves niche cultural preferences. These meats remain relevant in traditional consumption settings and remote areas.
By Form:
- Fresh/Chilled: The largest segment with ~54% market share in 2024. Consumers prefer freshness and natural flavors, especially in poultry. Prices can be 50% higher than other forms, reflecting quality perception.
- Processed: Fastest-growing form segment at ~2% CAGR. Urbanization, food delivery growth, and rising quick-service restaurant demand drive this trend.
- Frozen: Serves both retail and institutional buyers, benefiting from improved cold storage networks.
- Canned: A niche but vital form, especially in remote locations and among institutional buyers seeking extended shelf life.
By Distribution Channel:
- On-Trade (Restaurants, Caterers): Accounts for ~50% of total market value in 2024. The growth of Western-style dining, combined with institutional procurement rules mandating over 70% local sourcing, strengthens this segment.
- Online Channel: Poised for rapid growth due to infrastructure and internet penetration. Digital platforms are enabling consumer access to a wider range of fresh and frozen cuts.
- Supermarkets/Hypermarkets: Serve urban centers with diversified offerings and bundle discounts. They are a key access point for working professionals and families.
- Convenience Stores: Serve smaller purchase needs. Local chains such as Hyperpanda and Petromin Express meet last-minute and neighborhood-specific demand.
Saudi Arabia Edible Meat Market Regional and Retail Insights
Urbanization and Female Workforce Reshape Retail
Urban consumers, especially the rising female workforce, are gravitating toward supermarkets, hypermarkets, and online platforms for their meat needs. The convenience, quality assurance, and product variety offered by these formats support market expansion in urban centers like Riyadh and Jeddah.
Meat Imports and Strategic Sourcing
To counter rising costs caused by VAT (increased to 15%) and customs duties, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) relaxed import bans on Brazilian beef. Such moves reflect the balancing act between food security and cost control. Additionally, producers now benefit from lower productivity-adjusted labor charges, easing operational overheads.
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Saudi Arabia Edible Meat Market Key Players and Competitive Landscape
The Saudi Arabia Edible Meat Market is fragmented, with both regional and global players adopting various strategies to gain market share. The market is marked by vertical integration, technology adoption, and partnership models.
Leading Companies:
- Almarai Food Company: Known for vertically integrated operations and a dominant presence in poultry.
- BRF S.A.: A major global player bringing advanced meat processing capabilities into the Saudi market.
- Sunbulah Group: A key domestic player known for its processed meat portfolio and expanding footprint in retail chains.
- Tanmiah Food Company: Strong local brand with government backing and wide distribution.
- The Savola Group: A diversified conglomerate with operations spanning edible meat and food services.
Consolidation is increasing, with local and foreign players forming joint ventures to scale operations and optimize technology use. Companies are increasingly investing in farming and processing to gain better supply control and ensure Halal certification and food safety compliance.
Conclusion
The Saudi Arabia Edible Meat Market is undergoing dynamic change, shaped by demographic shifts, technological adoption, Vision 2030 goals, and changing retail preferences. Poultry remains the backbone of the market, while mutton and processed forms are witnessing accelerated growth. Government incentives and strategic investments are enabling a gradual transition toward self-sufficiency and localized production. As digital and traditional channels converge and food quality standards evolve, companies that adapt to these market dynamics through innovation, integration, and strategic partnerships will likely lead the next phase of growth.
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