Saudi Arabia Edible Meat Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2030

Saudi Arabia Edible Meat Market Analysis

The Saudi Arabia Edible Meat Market size is estimated at 6.51 billion USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 7.14 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 1.89% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

The Saudi Arabian edible meat industry is undergoing significant transformation driven by changing demographics and workforce dynamics. With foreigners comprising 13.4 million of the country's 32.2 million population, there is a growing demand for diverse meat products catering to varied cultural preferences. The increasing participation of women in the workforce, reaching 33.6% as of March 2022, has led to changing consumption patterns favoring convenience and ready-to-cook meat products. This demographic shift is particularly notable in the private sector, where foreign nationals constitute 76.4% of the workforce, influencing both retail and foodservice meat consumption patterns.

The retail landscape for edible meat is evolving rapidly with the modernization of distribution channels. The country currently hosts approximately 1,300 supermarkets and hypermarkets, representing a small but growing 2.9% of all retail establishments. These modern retail formats are increasingly becoming preferred destinations for meat purchases due to their ability to maintain consistent cold chains, offer diverse product selections, and provide quality assurance. The sector is witnessing significant expansion with major chains like Danube, Spinneys, and Lulu opening new outlets to meet growing consumer demands.

Digital transformation is revolutionizing meat retail in Saudi Arabia, supported by robust technological infrastructure. The country's impressive 99% internet penetration rate in 2023, coupled with mobile internet speeds exceeding 181 megabits per second twice the global average has created a strong foundation for e-commerce growth. This digital advancement is complemented by a substantial investment of USD 24.7 billion in digital infrastructure development, enabling sophisticated cold chain logistics and online meat retail operations.

The industry is witnessing a strategic shift towards domestic production and food security. Under Vision 2030, the government has implemented comprehensive initiatives to reduce import dependency and establish Saudi Arabia as a regional food hub. The National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP) is creating specialized manufacturing clusters that integrate farmers, manufacturers, packaging plants, and retail companies. These initiatives aim to enable the local food processing sector to meet 85% of domestic demand for processed food products by 2030, representing a significant transformation in the country's meat production and distribution ecosystem.

Saudi Arabia Edible Meat Market Trends

The government is providing various financial subsidies to encourage local production

• Of all the countries in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia accounted for a share of 3.60% in 2022 in terms of beef production.. The overall production of beef in Saudi Arabia decreased by 7.80% from 2017 to 2022. Hence, the production is likely to be boosted by various government initiatives and policies, such as government assistance to lower the cost of producing red meat in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through direct financial subsidies based on monthly production, interest-free loans, and rebates for the purchase of cattle equipment. Using more than 70% local content is required of caterers who provide food to government institutions (hospitals, schools, and universities). Easy access to labor, approval of foreign suppliers, and a streamlined licensing and permit process will allow for faster industry localization.
• Beef production is predicted to increase from 2023 to 2029 because consumers demand more premium beef, which is grass-fed and locally produced. Most Saudi Arabian consumers prefer fresh meat over frozen and processed forms. The market is seeing a relaxation of regulations, like an increase in the shelf life for chilled beef sold in Saudi Arabia by 50 days to the new standard of 120 days by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority.
• Out of the total meat produced in the country, beef accounted for only 2.26% in 2022. Private and government entities are taking various initiatives to uplift local production in the country. The partnership by Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Co. (SALIC) with Brazil's Minerva Foods to set up a joint venture for the processing and export of beef is expected to enhance operating synergies, reduce risks, and contribute to an increase in the production of beef.

Initiatives to increase local production are expected to optimize the prices during the forecast period

• The overall price of beef in Saudi Arabia increased by 5.26% from 2016 to 2022. In 2022, the price per kg of beef was around USD 4, an increase of 0.96% from 2021. The price increase was mainly due to the implementation of value-added tax (VAT) in 2018. The introduction of value-added tax, along with rising inflation from 2019, led to an increase in the prices of beef and associated costs like production prices, feed prices, manufacturing prices, and export prices since 2019.
• The increase in food prices across different channels raised the consumer price index. With the VAT raised from 5% to 15%, transportation prices increased by 19.3% compared to the previous year. The Cabinet enacted Decision No. 599 to amend the Harmonized Tariff Schedule and increase customs duty rates, which increased the landing cost of beef, and the new tax rate of 7-25% levied on the prices resulted in a spike in 2021.
• Beef prices in 2022 increased because of an 11.5% rise in the wholesale price index (WPI) compared to the previous year. The number of live animals, like cattle, in Saudi Arabia also increased by 9%, and the associated costs, like producer prices, also soared to 151 base points compared to 2021. Due to increased local demand, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) lifted its suspension on Brazilian meat imports in 2021. Saudi Arabia is attracting foreign investors to boost local production, thus reducing the prices. Productivity-adjusted wages in the country do not include the annual recurring charge of USD 1.23/hour for a work permit, resident identity (iqama), and health insurance, which is likely to reduce the production charges for manufacturers.

OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT

Segment Analysis: Type

Poultry Segment in Saudi Arabia Edible Meat Market

The poultry segment dominates the Saudi Arabian edible meat market, accounting for approximately 79% of the total market share in 2024. This significant market position is primarily driven by the country's high domestic production capabilities, with self-sufficiency reaching 68% in recent years. The segment's dominance is further strengthened by consumer preferences for poultry meat due to its affordability compared to other meat types, higher protein content, and lower fat content. The Saudi government's Vision 2030 initiatives supporting local poultry production, including direct financial subsidies and interest-free loans for producers, have helped maintain the segment's strong market position. Additionally, the extensive distribution network and well-established cold chain infrastructure have enabled efficient delivery of both fresh and frozen poultry products across the kingdom.

Mutton Segment in Saudi Arabia Edible Meat Market

The mutton segment is projected to be the fastest-growing category in the Saudi Arabian edible meat market during 2024-2029, with an expected growth rate of approximately 2%. This growth is primarily driven by increasing consumer preference for locally produced mutton products that meet higher Halal standards. The segment's expansion is supported by government initiatives to boost domestic livestock production through various subsidies and support programs. The growth is further accelerated by the rising demand during religious festivals and cultural celebrations, where mutton is traditionally preferred. Additionally, the increasing number of specialized butcher shops and modern retail outlets offering premium quality mutton products has contributed to the segment's growth trajectory.

Remaining Segments in Saudi Arabia Edible Meat Market

The beef and other meat segments complete the Saudi Arabian edible meat market landscape. The beef segment maintains a steady presence in the market, supported by both domestic production and imports, with consumers particularly favoring it for its nutritional value and versatility in traditional Saudi cuisine. The other meat segment, which includes specialty meats like camel meat, serves niche market demands and maintains its position through traditional consumption patterns and cultural preferences. Both segments benefit from the kingdom's modern retail infrastructure and strict quality control measures, ensuring consistent product availability and maintaining consumer trust in the market.

Segment Analysis: Form

Fresh/Chilled Segment in Saudi Arabia Edible Meat Market

The fresh/chilled segment dominates the Saudi Arabian edible meat market, commanding approximately 54% market share in 2024. This significant market position is primarily driven by strong consumer preference for fresh meat products, particularly in the poultry category, which accounts for over 79% of fresh/chilled meat sales. Saudi Arabian consumers demonstrate a clear willingness to pay premium prices for fresh/chilled meat compared to other forms, often paying up to 50% more to obtain natural flavors and better nutritional value. The segment's dominance is further strengthened by the expanding network of modern retail channels and the growing domestic production capacity, with the country's livestock production index showing consistent growth. Additionally, the segment benefits from strict Halal compliance requirements and quality standards maintained by local producers and importers.

Processed Segment in Saudi Arabia Edible Meat Market

The processed meat segment is emerging as the fastest-growing category in the Saudi Arabian edible meat market, projected to expand at approximately 2% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. This growth is being driven by several factors, including the rising demand for convenience foods, particularly among the urban population and working professionals. The segment's expansion is supported by increasing investments in food processing facilities and the growing credibility of Saudi Halal food manufacturers. The rise in quick-service restaurants and the expanding food delivery sector are creating additional demand for processed meat products. Furthermore, technological advancements in meat processing and packaging, combined with longer shelf life requirements, are contributing to the segment's growth trajectory.

Remaining Segments in Form Segmentation

The frozen and canned segments complete the form segmentation of the Saudi Arabian edible meat market. The frozen segment maintains a significant presence in the market, particularly strong in the retail sector and institutional foodservice industry, benefiting from the country's expanding cold storage infrastructure and improved distribution networks. The canned segment, while smaller, serves a crucial role in meeting the demands of remote areas and institutional buyers, offering extended shelf life and convenience. Both segments are seeing technological advancements in preservation methods and packaging solutions, while also adapting to changing consumer preferences and modern retail formats.

Segment Analysis: Distribution Channel

On-Trade Segment in Saudi Arabia Edible Meat Market

The on-trade channel continues to dominate the Saudi Arabian edible meat market, commanding approximately 50% of the total market value in 2024. This significant market presence is primarily driven by the Saudi population's increasing preference for Western-style informal dining, particularly in European and American restaurants. International cuisine accounts for nearly 21% of the country's food service business, with American cuisine representing 16% of this share. The segment's strong performance is further bolstered by the expansion of notable food delivery chains like Jahez, Nana, and Talabat, which are continuously growing their customer base through enhanced internet and smartphone usage. Additionally, the mandatory requirement for catering contracts serving government facilities to utilize more than 70% local content has significantly contributed to the segment's dominance, particularly in institutional foodservice sectors.

Online Channel Segment in Saudi Arabia Edible Meat Market

The online channel is experiencing remarkable growth in the Saudi Arabian edible meat market, projected to expand at approximately 10% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. This exceptional growth is primarily fueled by the country's impressive digital infrastructure development, supported by investments worth USD 24.7 billion. The Kingdom's mobile internet speed now exceeds 181 megabits per second, twice the global average, positioning Saudi Arabia among the top 10 countries globally in terms of mobile internet speed. The segment's growth is further accelerated by the increasing adoption of user-friendly internet applications, including Carrefour, LuLu Hypermarket, and Taiba Farms, which offer diverse meat cuts and brand alternatives. The channel's expansion is also supported by Saudi Arabia's high internet penetration rate, which stood at 99.0% of the total population at the start of 2023, creating a vast market of potential customers for online meat retailers.

Remaining Segments in Distribution Channel

The remaining distribution channels in the Saudi Arabian edible meat market include supermarkets/hypermarkets and convenience stores, each playing distinct roles in serving consumer needs. Supermarkets and hypermarkets serve as crucial retail points, offering a wide variety of brands and products at discounted rates in a single location, making them particularly attractive to the growing working population, especially the increasing female workforce. Convenience stores, on the other hand, cater to immediate and smaller purchase needs, with popular chains like LuLu Hypermarket, Hyperpanda, Petromin Express, and Red Tag operating across various regions. These traditional retail formats continue to maintain their relevance by offering personalized service, immediate product access, and the ability to physically inspect products before purchase, particularly important for fresh meat products.

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