• Attention to the quality of products and raw materials.
• Control of the quality of products and operating supplies.
• Availability of distinguished and experienced workers.
• The workforce is characterized by vitality and activity.
• The presence of a number of qualified technicians and production supervisors.
• Production supervisors’ concern for the quality of packaged products.
• Sorting food before packaging.
• Attention to the general cleanliness of the factory and the packing area.
• Relying on competitive prices in marketing the product.
• The presence of a distribution network of qualified and experienced personnel.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries account for 0.7% of the world’s population. However, they contribute 3% of global spending on processed food and beverages, totaling $102 billion out of $3.4 trillion worldwide. This indicates higher per capita food consumption in the region, surpassing the global average.

This is not surprising, considering that the GCC population exceeds 58 million, with 56.3% of residents aged 25 to 54 years—a young and active demographic that significantly drives the food industry.

Saudi Arabia’s Food and Beverage Market

Saudi Arabia accounts for 59.7% of the GCC’s total population and holds a 53% share of the region’s food and beverage market. Given this, “Mashroo3k” presents key indicators of this vital sector in the Kingdom based on the latest available statistics:

• By the end of Q2 2021, there were 916 operating food manufacturing plants, with 249 under construction.
• The beverage industry had 209 factories, with 71 under construction.
• Food manufacturing plants represent 11.1% of all operating factories (8,258 in total), while beverage factories account for 2.5%.
• Saudi Arabia’s food and beverage market was valued at 168.8 billion SAR.
• By the end of 2021, food consumption reached 221 billion SAR, growing at a 6% annual rate.
• According to global reports, food consumption in Saudi Arabia was valued at $70 billion, making up 60% of the GCC’s total food consumption.
• The fast-food market in Saudi Arabia is projected to reach $4.5 billion within the next three years.
• The organic, healthy, and specialty food market in the Kingdom is valued at $27 billion, while the halal food market is worth $6 billion.
• Saudi Arabia imports $14.5 billion worth of food and beverages annually.
• In 2020, operating expenses for food and beverage services were estimated at 34,032.10 million SAR, up from 30,069.23 million SAR in 2018.
• Operating revenues for food and beverage services were valued at 61,557.77 million SAR in 2020, compared to 54,866.87 million SAR in 2018.
• By 2027, operating expenses for food and beverage services are expected to reach 52,489.34 million SAR, while operating revenues are forecasted to hit 92,084.64 million SAR.
• The total expected operating revenue for Saudi Arabia’s food manufacturing industry in 2027 is projected to be 128,540,573 thousand SAR.

Global Food Industry Overview

• According to UNICEF, the global malnutrition rate increased to 9.8% in 2021.
• 702 to 828 million people worldwide suffer from hunger.
• The global food market revenue is approximately $8.66 trillion.
• 7.8% of total food market revenue is generated through online sales.
• 9.4 billion tons – total global primary crop production.
• 337 million tons – global red and white meat production.
• 883 million tons – total fruit production worldwide.
• 1,128 million tons – total vegetable production worldwide.
• 201 million tons – total vegetable oil production worldwide.
• 883 million tons – total milk production worldwide.
• 83 million tons – total egg production worldwide.