Saudi Arabia Cheese Market: Premiumization, Local Production & Changing Dietary Preferences

According to IMARC Group's latest research publication, Saudi Arabia cheese market size reached USD 358.1 Million in 2024. The market is projected to reach USD 540.9 Million by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2% during 2025-2033.

How AI is Reshaping the Future of Saudi Arabia Cheese Market

• Real-Time Fermentation Monitoring: AI-powered sensors track fermentation parameters, automatically adjusting temperature and acidity levels to optimize bacterial growth, improving consistency and reducing batch variations by up to 25%.
• Automated Quality Detection: Computer vision systems identify defects like mold, discoloration, or packaging issues instantly during production, eliminating contaminated products and minimizing waste across Saudi manufacturing facilities.
• Predictive Maintenance Systems: Machine learning algorithms analyze equipment sensor data to forecast machinery failures before they occur, reducing unplanned downtime by 20% and extending production line lifespan significantly.
• Supply Chain Optimization: Advanced analytics predict market demand patterns and optimize inventory management, helping Saudi cheese producers balance supply with fluctuating seasonal consumption during Ramadan and Hajj periods.

Request a Sample Report to Analyze Market Structure and Trends

How Vision 2030 is Revolutionizing Saudi Arabia Cheese Industry

Vision 2030 is transforming Saudi Arabia's cheese sector through comprehensive food security initiatives and industrial modernization. The government achieved a milestone with dairy self-sufficiency reaching 109% of domestic demand, creating surplus capacity for cheese production and regional exports. In June 2025, authorities launched the dairy industrial complex in Al-Kharj covering 1 million square meters, housing advanced cheese manufacturing facilities, packaging units, and cold storage infrastructure that will supply both local and Gulf markets. This cluster joins the larger Jeddah Food Cluster, expected to boost food exports by SAR 8 billion annually. Government incentives under the National Industrial Strategy are attracting international dairy technology companies from the Netherlands, Spain, and China, bringing cutting-edge cheese production methods to the Kingdom. Additionally, trade agreements finalized with China in May 2025 open premium export channels for Saudi cheese products. These strategic investments position Saudi Arabia not just as self-sufficient in cheese, but as an emerging regional hub for dairy innovation and exports.

Saudi Arabia Cheese Market Trends & Drivers:

The Saudi cheese market is experiencing strong momentum driven by foodservice expansion and changing consumer habits. The quick-service restaurant sector's rapid growth is creating substantial demand for bulk cheese supplies, particularly mozzarella and cheddar used in pizzas, burgers, and sandwiches. According to IMARC Group, the foodservice market will reach USD 58.31 Billion, growing at over 8% annually, directly fueling cheese consumption. Western and fusion cuisines are mainstreaming cheese in Saudi diets beyond traditional applications. At the same time, modern retail infrastructure is expanding product accessibility. Saudi retail sales hit SAR 37.4 Billion in Q3 alone, reflecting the sector's vitality. Hypermarkets and supermarkets now stock diverse imported and local cheese varieties with improved cold storage, while online grocery platforms offer home delivery and promotional deals that expose more consumers to specialty cheese options across urban and semi-urban areas.

The working population is reshaping cheese demand patterns in Saudi Arabia. With 17.18 million employed individuals as of September, busy professionals seek convenient meal solutions requiring minimal preparation. Processed cheese slices, spreads, and shredded formats fit perfectly into quick breakfasts, sandwiches, and salads for time-pressed workers. This demographic shift is amplified by rising takeout and food delivery trends, where cheese features prominently in restaurant meals. The expatriate community, numbering around 13 million people, further diversifies demand by introducing international cheese preferences from European, Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisines. This multicultural consumer base drives retailers to stock everything from Italian parmesan to French brie, stimulating both imports and local production of specialty varieties that cater to diverse taste profiles and culinary traditions.

Innovation is driving market growth through flavor experimentation and advanced packaging technologies. Manufacturers are launching unique cheese flavors including spicy jalapeño, herb-infused Mediterranean, and region-specific zaatar cream cheese that appeal to both traditional and modern palates. These creative offerings differentiate brands in competitive retail environments and encourage trial purchases. On the packaging front, vacuum sealing, modified atmosphere systems, and resealable formats extend shelf life and preserve freshness in Saudi Arabia's high-temperature climate. These technologies protect cheese during transportation and storage while offering portion control that reduces household waste. Attractive, functional packaging also enhances shelf appeal, driving impulse purchases. For manufacturers, these innovations enable efficient distribution through expanding online channels and penetration into secondary cities where temperature-controlled logistics were previously challenging.

Saudi Arabia Cheese Market Industry Segmentation:

The report has segmented the market into the following categories:

Source Insights:

• Cow Milk
• Buffalo Milk
• Goat Milk
• Others

Type Insights:

• Natural
• Processed

Product Insights:

• Mozzarella
• Cheddar
• Feta
• Parmesan
• Roquefort
• Others

Format Insights:

• Slices
• Diced/Cubes
• Shredded
• Blocks
• Spreads
• Liquid
• Others

Distribution Channel Insights:

• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Specialty Stores
• Online
• Others

Regional Insights:

• Northern and Central Region
• Western Region
• Eastern Region
• Southern Region

Competitive Landscape:

The competitive landscape of the industry has also been examined along with the profiles of the key players.

Recent News and Developments in Saudi Arabia Cheese Market

• January 2026: Almarai launches probiotic-infused cheese variants using advanced fermentation tech, boosting gut health appeal with 30% higher protein retention and sustained flavor profiles for health-conscious consumers nationwide.
• October 2025: Savola Group expands goat cheese production by 25% via automated ripening chambers, slashing waste by 15% while crafting premium artisanal flavors tailored for lucrative export markets.
• August 2025: NADEC pioneers plant-based cheese alternatives blending pea protein, reducing dairy reliance by 40% to tap into booming lactose-intolerant demand with eco-friendly processing innovations.
• June 2025: The Government of Saudi Arabia initiated a significant dairy industrial complex in Al-Kharj, bolstering its goal to emerge as the area's primary center for dairy production and food processing. Declared at the Saudi Dairy Forum in Al-Kharj, the initiative served as a key element of the Kingdom's wider National Industrial Strategy. The cluster covered 1 million square meters and featured sophisticated infrastructure designed to aid dairy production and associated sectors.
• May 2025: The Government of Saudi Arabia and the Government of China finalized agreements to export dairy products. This alliance represented a significant improvement in trade connections, especially regarding premium food items, and sought to strengthen customs collaboration between the two nations.

Note: If you require specific details, data, or insights that are not currently included in the scope of this report, we are happy to accommodate your request. As part of our customization service, we will gather and provide the additional information you need, tailored to your specific requirements. Please let us know your exact needs, and we will ensure the report is updated accordingly to meet your expectations.