Saudi Arabia Chocolate Market Size: A Deep Dive Into Trends, Growth Drivers & Future Outlook (2025–2033)

The Saudi Arabia chocolate market continues to evolve at a remarkable pace, fueled by cultural traditions, rising disposable incomes, and growing consumer appetite for premium, artisanal, and healthier chocolate options. According to Renub Research, the Saudi Arabia chocolate market was valued at US$ 1.32 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 2.00 billion by 2033, expanding at a CAGR of 4.75% from 2025 to 2033.

This growth is being propelled by a combination of demographic shifts, increasing tourism, major investments by global confectionery giants, and an evolving retail ecosystem that includes both advanced supermarkets and booming online sales channels.

In this article, we explore the full outlook of the Saudi Arabia chocolate market—from consumer trends and market drivers to segment analysis and competitive landscape—based on insights from the Saudi Arabia Chocolate Market & Forecast report.

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Chocolate Market Outlook in Saudi Arabia

Chocolate in Saudi Arabia is more than a sweet indulgence—it’s a cultural staple. Whether for weddings, Eid celebrations, birthdays, office visits, or simply everyday treats, chocolate plays an essential role in social expression and gifting etiquette.

The market includes diverse product types:

Dark chocolate

Milk and white chocolate

Artisanal truffles, bars, and filled varieties

As consumer tastes evolve, premium and super-premium chocolates are becoming increasingly popular. Higher cocoa content, cleaner ingredients, attractive gift packaging, and artisanal craftsmanship all cater to a growing segment of affluent and health-aware buyers.

Meanwhile, urbanization and a youthful population—over 50% under the age of 25—continue to drive consumption. Convenience, brand awareness, and a preference for Western-style indulgences further support rising chocolate demand.

Saudi Arabia Chocolate Market Trends

1. Local Innovation: Waw Chocolate Sets the Tone

Saudi-based brands like Waw Chocolate are reshaping the market by blending global chocolate-making techniques with local flavors unique to the Kingdom.

In 2024, Saudi Arabia imported an astonishing 123 million kg of chocolate, underscoring the Kingdom’s position as one of the region’s largest chocolate-consuming nations.

2. Youth Power and High Consumption Levels

Saudi youth remain heavy consumers of confectionery. In 2023:

Two-thirds of Saudi children consumed chocolate twice a day

This strong baseline consumption ensures a sustained demand trajectory for mass-market and premium products alike.

3. Pilgrimage Tourism Boosting Seasonal Demand

Religious tourism is one of the strongest growth engines for chocolate retailers. Each year:

2–3 million pilgrims visit during Hajj

Up to 18.5 million visitors participate in pilgrimage-related travel (2024 estimates)

Chocolate is among the most purchased souvenir items, driving seasonal sales spikes in regions like Mecca and Medina.

4. Strong Export and Manufacturing Base

Saudi Arabia exported US$ 62.5 million worth of chocolates in 2023, ranking 48th globally.

With 1,000+ chocolate factories, including 35% in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia now produces almost half of its domestic chocolate demand.

5. Affluent Consumers Spending More

The average annual chocolate expenditure in Saudi Arabia reached US$ 41 per person in 2023, compared to just US$ 4 in the broader Middle East—highlighting exceptional purchasing power.

Meanwhile, 66% of consumers are willing to pay more for quality, driving the premiumization trend.

6. Rise of Online Chocolate Retail

With 99% internet penetration, e-commerce is transforming how consumers shop for chocolate.

Supermarkets, too, are adopting digital signage and analytics-driven shelf management to entice customers.

7. Investments by Global Chocolate Leaders

Global giants are betting big on the Kingdom:

Nestlé announced an investment of SAR 7 billion over 10 years, including a new SAR 375 million factory opening in 2025.

Barry Callebaut launched its dairy-free, plant-based NXT chocolate in Saudi Arabia to capture the rising vegan and lactose-intolerant audience.

Key Growth Drivers in the Saudi Arabia Chocolate Market

1. Cultural Festivities Fueling Massive Demand

Chocolate plays a central role in Saudi traditions. Popular brands such as:

Patchi

Godiva

Aani & Dani

Bateel

Bostani

offer luxury gift boxes and seasonal packs designed specifically for Eid, weddings, and Ramadan gatherings.

This cultural integration ensures that chocolate remains a staple purchase across households.

2. Premiumization and Customization

Saudi consumers increasingly seek:

High-quality cocoa

Artisanal craftsmanship

Personalized packaging

Brands like Naeem Foods specialize in customizable luxury chocolates, while events such as Salon du Chocolat Riyadh 2023 nurture appreciation for gourmet chocolate.

3. Health Benefits Driving Dark Chocolate Demand

Growing awareness of the health advantages of dark chocolate—antioxidants, mood enhancement, cognitive support—is shifting preferences toward:

Low-sugar

High-cocoa

Organic

Vegan

dark chocolate varieties.

This trend is especially strong among young, fitness-conscious consumers seeking guilt-free indulgence.

Market Challenges

1. High Dependence on Imported Cocoa

Saudi Arabia’s chocolate production is entirely reliant on imported cocoa beans.

This creates exposure to:

Price volatility

Supply chain disruptions

Political instability in cocoa-producing nations

Rising costs can affect both manufacturers and consumers, especially in price-sensitive segments.

2. Need for Healthier Chocolate Options

With nearly 60% of Saudi adults overweight, there's increasing scrutiny of sugar and fat content in food products.

Manufacturers face mounting pressure to innovate:

Sugar-free chocolates

Organic options

Low-calorie formulations

However, innovation requires high investment and may not be feasible for smaller enterprises.

Saudi Arabia Chocolate Market Insights by Segment

1. Cocoa Beans Market

Saudi Arabia imported 37 million kg of cocoa in Q1 2023, surpassing the total cocoa imports for the entire year before.

This reflects:

Strong production growth

Lower-cost sourcing opportunities

Increased demand for milk and dark chocolate varieties

2. Dark Chocolate Market Overview

Dark chocolate is the fastest-growing segment driven by:

Health benefits

Premium appeal

Increasing availability of organic and artisanal products

Demand peaks during Ramadan and Eid, particularly in the Northern and Central regions where gifting culture is strong.

3. Regional Market Breakdown

Western Region (Jeddah, Mecca, Medina)

A major hub due to:

Pilgrimage tourism

High seasonal demand

Strong appetite for luxury and imported chocolate

Northern & Central Regions (Riyadh)

Characterized by:

High urbanization

Rising disposable incomes

Growing café and gifting culture

The International Coffee and Chocolate Exhibition in Riyadh reflects strong commercial interest and market expansion.

Eastern & Southern Regions

Smaller markets but rising steadily with improvements in retail infrastructure and population growth.

Competitive Landscape

Some of the major companies covered in the Saudi chocolate market include:

Aani & Dani

Artisan du Chocolat

Bateel

Al Nassama

Bostani Chocolate

Recent Developments:

Vlinder Chocolate (Saudi Arabia) expanded into South Korea (Oct 2024) with its signature “Dubai-style chocolate.”

Callebaut's NXT introduced plant-based chocolate options tailored for health and lifestyle-conscious consumers.

Nestlé is investing heavily to strengthen local production capacity and reduce import reliance.

Saudi Arabia Chocolate Market Segmentation

By Type

Dark Chocolate

Milk/White Chocolate

By Ingredient

Cocoa Beans

Cocoa Butter

Sweeteners

Chocolate Liquor

Others

By Distribution Channel

Hypermarkets/Supermarkets

Convenience Stores

Online Retail Stores

Other Channels

By Region

Western

Northern & Central

Eastern

Southern

Final Thoughts: A Market Poised for Premium Growth

The Saudi Arabia chocolate market is entering a new phase—one defined by premiumization, health-conscious innovation, and a thriving cultural and commercial ecosystem. With strong consumer spending, rising tourism, and global brands accelerating investment, the Kingdom’s chocolate industry is well-positioned for sustained expansion through 2033.

Whether it’s luxury gifting, healthier dark chocolate options, or innovative artisanal creations, Saudi Arabia’s appetite for chocolate is only getting stronger—and the market is evolving rapidly to keep up.