Saudi Arabia Poultry Meat Market Trends & Summary

The Saudi Arabia poultry meat market is entering a new era driven by rapid modernization, evolving consumer preferences, and ambitious national policies aimed at bolstering food security. According to Renub Research, the market is projected to reach US$ 5.62 billion by 2033, rising from US$ 4.75 billion in 2024, and expanding at a CAGR of 1.90% from 2025 to 2033. The surge is fueled by urbanization, rising disposable incomes, health-focused consumer shifts, and growing demand for affordable, high-quality, halal-certified poultry products.

As Saudi Arabia accelerates its domestic agricultural development under Vision 2030, poultry has emerged as a strategic commodity — essential for dietary preferences, national resilience, and economic diversification. With sustained government support, the country is rapidly reducing dependency on imports while attracting substantial foreign investment into local production.

This deep-dive explores the forces transforming the Saudi poultry meat industry, from growth drivers to structural challenges, retail dynamics, and opportunities shaping the sector’s future.

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Saudi Arabia Poultry Meat Industry Overview

Poultry meat plays a central role in Saudi Arabia’s food ecosystem, serving as the most consumed animal protein due to its affordability, versatility, and cultural acceptance. As the largest poultry consumer in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Saudi Arabia’s consumption levels continue to surge, driven by a growing population and strong demand for convenient protein options.

Urbanization and an expanding middle class have contributed significantly to this trend. Today’s Saudi consumers prefer quick-to-cook, ready-to-eat, and value-added poultry products that align with fast-paced lifestyles. Modern retail channels — from hypermarkets to online grocery platforms — have amplified access to fresh, frozen, and processed poultry products nationwide.

Domestic production has risen sharply in recent years. Saudi Arabia accounted for 71% of the Middle East’s poultry output in 2022, marking a 73.85% increase in production between 2017 and 2022. Importantly, Saudi Arabia produced 68% of its chicken meat locally in 2022, up from just 45% in 2016. This trend reflects strategic government policies aimed at lowering import reliance and improving food independence.

A key turning point has been the improvement in farm productivity. The national broiler mortality rate dropped by around 8% over five years, a result of better farm infrastructure, modern technologies, and improved disease management programs. These efficiency gains are allowing local farms to supply more poultry at competitive prices.

Government-backed financial support — including interest-free loans, equipment subsidies, and incentives for new farm setups — has successfully reduced production costs. As a result, the industry is attracting foreign companies eager to partner with or invest in Saudi agribusiness.

Recent examples include:

MHP SE (Ukraine) signing a memorandum of understanding with Tanmiah Food Company in 2022 to boost domestic chicken production.

BRF (Brazil) launching a joint venture in 2023 to expand halal poultry manufacturing in the Kingdom.

Additionally, the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture (MEWA) is offering up to USD 187 million annually in incentives to encourage further production expansion.

Under Vision 2030, foreign firms can own poultry farms outright, opening doors for global participation. Production is expected to grow 80% by 2025 and 100% by 2030, according to government projections. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) is simultaneously strengthening import controls to prioritize domestic producers — a move that aligns with the national food security strategy.

Key Growth Drivers in the Saudi Poultry Market

1. Strong Government Support and Focus on Food Security

The Saudi government’s strategic emphasis on food security is the backbone of poultry market expansion. Investments in modern farming technologies, disease control, refrigerated logistics, and large-scale production facilities have strengthened the value chain.

Government initiatives include:

Funding research in poultry genetics and feed optimization.

Supporting automation in slaughterhouses and processing plants.

Providing low-interest financing for farm expansion.

Encouraging vertical integration to enhance supply chain stability.

These measures are helping stabilize poultry prices, ensure consistent supply, and equip the country to withstand global supply chain disruptions.

2. Halal Certification and Cultural Alignment

Halal standards are a critical component of Saudi Arabia’s food identity. The poultry market thrives on strict adherence to Islamic slaughter principles, which enhances consumer trust and drives local and export demand.

Halal compliance offers two major advantages:

Domestic trust: Saudi consumers prioritize halal-certified meat above all alternatives.

Export potential: Global demand for halal meat — particularly in Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East — provides future opportunities for Saudi producers.

Companies that meet these expectations consistently are rewarded with strong customer loyalty and a premium market position.

3. Expanding Retail and Foodservice Networks

Saudi Arabia’s rapid retail modernization — from hypermarket expansion to the rise of app-based grocery delivery — has transformed poultry access nationwide. Retail chains offer a broad assortment of poultry types and cuts, including fresh, frozen, marinated, deli slices, nuggets, tenders, and other processed forms.

Simultaneously, the booming foodservice sector has amplified demand. The Kingdom’s restaurant ecosystem — fueled by tourism growth, changing social norms, and high dining-out culture — heavily relies on poultry.

The expansion of:

Fast-food chains

Casual dining restaurants

Cloud kitchens

Catering companies

Food delivery platforms

…has created a robust market for bulk poultry purchases, strengthening the sector’s long-term growth trajectory.

Challenges Impacting the Saudi Poultry Meat Industry

1. Market Saturation and Competitive Pressure

As domestic production expands, competition among local producers is intensifying. Small and medium-sized farms face particular pressure as large-scale vertically integrated companies dominate distribution networks.

Price competition grows sharper as producers aim to maintain shelf presence in supermarkets and supply contracts with restaurant chains. Additionally, imported poultry from low-cost countries sometimes undercuts domestic prices, appealing to cost-sensitive consumers.

Maintaining profitability requires producers to invest in:

Product innovation

Strong branding

Efficient operations

Higher-quality offerings

This is a challenge for smaller players operating with limited capital and market access.

2. Rising Consumer Preference for Healthier Food Options

Saudi Arabia is experiencing a shift toward healthier diets, driven by growing awareness of obesity, cholesterol issues, and overall nutrition. While poultry is already seen as a healthier protein compared to red meat, some consumers are reducing overall meat consumption or exploring plant-based alternatives.

This evolving preference challenges traditional poultry demand.

To remain competitive, producers must diversify into:

Organic or antibiotic-free chicken

Lower-fat poultry cuts

High-protein, clean-label processed poultry items

Transparently sourced and traceable poultry products

Health-driven innovations will be essential for market relevance in the coming decade.

3. Rising Production Costs and Retail Prices

Poultry prices in Saudi Arabia increased by 7.84% between 2017 and 2022, primarily due to feed cost inflation. Since Saudi Arabia imports most of its poultry feed — especially from France and Brazil — global price fluctuations directly impact local production expenses.

In 2022, poultry prices reached USD 3,426 per ton.

Major companies controlling over 80% of domestic production include:

National Company (largest supplier, contributing one-third of total production)

Fakeeh

Almarai

In January 2022, poultry companies raised prices by USD 0.1 per chicken due to feed, fuel, and logistics cost pressures. Following Saudi Aramco’s decision to increase diesel prices by 21%, operational costs escalated further.

These cost surges trickle down to consumers, influencing consumption patterns and occasionally reducing demand among budget-conscious families.

Saudi Arabia Poultry Meat Market Segmentation

By Type

Chicken

Turkey

Duck

Other

Chicken dominates consumption due to availability, affordability, and widespread culinary use.

By Form

Canned

Fresh / Chilled

Frozen

Processed Poultry:

Deli Meats

Marinated / Tenders

Meatballs

Nuggets

Sausages

Other Processed Products

Processed poultry is seeing rapid growth as demand for convenience continues to rise.

By Distribution Channel

Convenience Stores

Online Channels

Supermarkets and Hypermarkets

Others

E-commerce grocery platforms are witnessing accelerated growth due to fast delivery options and increasing digital adoption among young consumers.

Key Companies Covered (4-Point Profiling)

Overview | Key Persons | Recent Developments | Revenue

Al-Watania Poultry

Almarai Food Company

Almunajem Foods

Americana Group

BRF S.A.

Golden Chicken Farm Factory Company CJSC

Sunbulah Group

Tanmiah Food Company

The Savola Group

These companies collectively shape the Kingdom’s poultry supply chain through modern production facilities, advanced processing systems, and widespread retail distribution.

⭐ Final Thoughts

Saudi Arabia’s poultry meat market stands at a pivotal moment. Strengthened by ambitious government policies, rising consumer demand, and increasing domestic production, the sector is evolving into a highly competitive and technologically advanced industry.

With the market expected to reach US$ 5.62 billion by 2033, growth opportunities abound — from processed poultry innovations to farm modernization, halal exports, digital retail channels, and foreign investment partnerships.

However, rising feed costs, competitive pressures, and shifting dietary preferences mean that producers must innovate continuously to stay ahead. Companies that embrace sustainability, health-focused products, and efficiency-enhancing technologies will lead Saudi Arabia’s next chapter of poultry industry expansion.