For decades, Saudi Arabia’s food security strategy depended heavily on imports and strategic reserves. Today, under Vision 2030, the Kingdom is reshaping that equation. Saudi Arabia is investing in the infrastructure, manufacturing capacity, technologies and partnerships needed to build a more resilient and globally competitive food ecosystem.
These statistics reflect this transition. Saudi Arabia hosts a robust food manufacturing base comprising over 1,900 food factories, with total investments exceeding SAR 88 billion and is targeting additional investments of SAR 78 billion by 2035.
‘Made in Saudi’: What it means to the Saudi economy
As part of its vision, the kingdom is now converting imported raw materials into finished Saudi-made products. ‘Made in Saudi’ is not simply a promotional slogan for the Kingdom. It is also a key pillar of non-oil GDP growth and national resilience. Through the program, Saudi Arabia is expanding local manufacturing capacity, encouraging consumers and businesses to choose products manufactured inside the country, while strengthening the international visibility of national brands, which already have a presence in markets across 180 countries worldwide.
The country’s localisation ambitions extend beyond production to include raw-material sourcing, technology transfer, skills development, and the creation of specialised employment opportunities for Saudi talent. In line with this, Saudi Arabia is encouraging the integration of manufacturing technologies such as automation, AI, smart processing systems and data-driven production to improve productivity, quality and operational efficiency.
For a nation that relies on food imports, rising commodity prices, the risk of food shortages, and the lingering impact of external tensions have made strengthening food infrastructure more than an option. The country is working towards an integrated domestic food ecosystem, accelerating investments across food processing, packaging, cold-chain infrastructure, logistics and storage.
This transformation also depends on Saudi manufacturers, SMEs, and emerging food brands to innovate, diversify the economy, and expand non-oil exports. At the same time, international partnerships are important for bringing global expertise and advanced technologies into the Kingdom, while enabling knowledge transfer and building local capabilities. Sustainability is woven into every stage of this transition. Energy efficiency, responsible water management and innovative packaging can help manufacturers strengthen food security while supporting the Kingdom’s wider environmental objectives.
Jeddah advancing Saudi Arabia’s food ambitions
Jeddah is emerging as a key centre of the country’s efforts to establish a resilient food sector. Anchored by the world’s largest specialised food cluster and major regional trade infrastructure, the Jeddah Food Cluster, the city serves as a strategic trade, logistics and commercial gateway, connecting Saudi food manufacturers with regional and international markets.
Spanning 11 million square metres, the Cluster has set a Guinness World Record as the world’s largest food cluster. The Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON) announced ambitious plans for the cluster, targeting investments of up to SAR 20 billion and creating 43,000 job opportunities by 2035. The Cluster aims to stimulate economic growth, enhance food security, and support national exports. In the coming decades, it is projected to contribute SAR 8 billion to national exports and add SAR 7 billion to the GDP. By integrating services and optimising supply chains, the Cluster will reduce operational costs by 5-12 per cent, further strengthening national food security and self-sufficiency in essential commodities.
Saudifood Show 2026 and Saudifood Manufacturing 2026
Saudifood Show 2026 and Saudifood Manufacturing 2026, co-located in Jeddah, cover the entire value chain, from manufacturing, processing and packaging to sourcing, distribution, retail and foodservice. The integrated platform connects manufacturers, technology providers, investors, buyers, distributors and policymakers to identify opportunities across the Kingdom’s rapidly developing food sector.
The two events will further accelerate localisation by showcasing advanced technologies, manufacturing expertise and investment opportunities that strengthen domestic production capabilities. They also provide a platform for strategic partnerships, commercial agreements and knowledge exchange across both industrial and commercial sides of the food industry.
As Saudi Arabia builds on its ambition to become a leading regional hub for food production, innovation and trade, manufacturing excellence is key to its long-term goal. The shift towards a stronger ‘Made in Saudi’ food ecosystem is not limited to producing more locally. It also extends to building the capabilities, infrastructure, partnerships, and technologies needed to make the Kingdom’s food sector more resilient, competitive, and globally connected.
Source: Riyadh Daily