Saudi Arabia Dried Fruits and Nuts Market Analysis: Key Players and Market Forecast

According to IMARC Group's latest research publication, the Saudi Arabia dried fruits and nuts market size reached USD 590.61 Million in 2024. The market is projected to reach USD 1,059.61 Million by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate of 6.71% during 2025-2033.

How AI is Reshaping the Future of Saudi Arabia Dried Fruits and Nuts Market

• Smart Quality Detection Systems: AI-powered robotic sorters process up to 5,000 pounds per hour, detecting surface defects, rot, and contamination with over 96% accuracy, eliminating manual inspection errors across almond and date processing facilities.
• Precision Drying Optimization: Machine learning algorithms analyze moisture content, visual attributes, and temperature data in real-time, optimizing drying processes to preserve maximum nutritional value while reducing energy costs by 30-40%.
• Intelligent Freshness Monitoring: Deep learning models combined with colorimetric sensors achieve 97-99% freshness classification accuracy for fruits and nuts, enabling dynamic quality control from storage through retail delivery across supply chains.
• Automated Grading and Packaging: Computer vision systems sort nuts by size, color, ripeness, and internal quality characteristics, automatically routing products into premium, standard, and economy grades with minimal human intervention.
• Predictive Supply Chain Management: AI forecasting tools predict demand patterns, optimize inventory levels, and minimize food waste by up to 45%, helping distributors align stock with real-time consumer preferences and seasonal fluctuations.

Unlock the Latest 2026 Data, Insights & Outlook

How Vision 2030 is Revolutionizing Saudi Arabia Dried Fruits and Nuts Industry

Vision 2030's comprehensive food security framework is transforming how Saudi Arabia approaches dried fruits and nuts production and consumption. With agriculture contributing a record SAR 114 billion to GDP and food self-sufficiency goals accelerating, the government is investing heavily in reducing the Kingdom's 33% food waste rate—valued at SAR 40 billion annually—to just 15% through awareness campaigns and supply chain improvements. The Agricultural Development Fund has distributed substantial loans supporting over 63,000 agricultural projects, including date cultivation where Saudi Arabia maintains global leadership. Smart farming technologies, vertical agriculture, and precision irrigation are expanding local production capacity for fruits suitable for drying. The Jeddah Food Cluster aims to contribute SAR 8 billion annually to food exports within a decade, positioning dried fruits and dates as premium export commodities. Meanwhile, health-focused initiatives like the Quality of Life Program—targeting a 10% diabetes reduction by 2030—are driving consumer demand toward nutritious snacking alternatives, with dried fruits and nuts perfectly aligned as natural, fiber-rich, vitamin-packed options that support preventive healthcare goals while boosting domestic agricultural value chains.

Saudi Arabia Dried Fruits and Nuts Market Trends & Drivers

Escalating health concerns are fundamentally reshaping snacking preferences across Saudi Arabia, where obesity affects 20-39% of adults and obesity-related complications like hypertension (67.6%), type 2 diabetes (60.7%), and high cholesterol (51.3%) are reaching critical levels. Facing these alarming statistics, consumers are actively seeking preventive nutritional solutions, and dried fruits and nuts have emerged as go-to healthy alternatives. Dates, apricots, figs, almonds, walnuts, and pistachios deliver concentrated doses of essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fiber that support heart health, blood sugar regulation, and weight management. The surge in plant-based diets—driven by Vision 2030's focus on public health and nutrition—has positioned these products as natural protein sources and satisfying snacks that align with wellness goals. Government health awareness campaigns, including the Saudi Food and Nutrition Authority's sugar reduction initiatives launched during Diabetes Awareness Week, are educating consumers about the dangers of processed snacks and steering them toward whole-food options, creating sustained demand growth for premium dried fruits and nuts.

The explosive growth of e-commerce is revolutionizing how Saudi consumers discover and purchase dried fruits and nuts, breaking traditional retail barriers. With 36.84 million internet users representing 99% penetration and 11.3 million working professionals prioritizing convenience, online shopping has become the preferred channel for busy consumers. Digital platforms offer unprecedented product variety—from locally-sourced Saudi dates to imported Turkish apricots and California almonds—delivered directly to homes with detailed nutritional information, sourcing transparency, and organic certifications clearly displayed. The integration of Buy Now, Pay Later services and flexible installment options has made premium products accessible to middle-income households who previously considered imported nuts a luxury. Social media platforms, where 94.3% of Saudis are active, serve as powerful discovery channels with influencers showcasing creative uses for dried fruits in traditional Saudi desserts, smoothie bowls, and protein-packed trail mixes. E-commerce giants and specialty retailers like Mehbaj—operating 150 stores plus online channels—are capitalizing on this shift by offering curated selections, subscription boxes, and same-day delivery in major cities.

Rising disposable incomes coupled with premiumization trends are elevating dried fruits and nuts from commodity items to lifestyle products in Saudi Arabia's rapidly modernizing consumer landscape. The Kingdom's young, urbanized population—increasingly exposed to global food trends through travel and digital media—is seeking artisanal, organic, and ethically-sourced products that align with sophisticated tastes and values. Premium brands are responding with innovative offerings like chocolate-covered dates, flavored almonds, and superfood mixes combining goji berries with traditional favorites, targeting health-conscious millennials willing to pay premium prices for quality. The functional food movement has positioned dried fruits and nuts as nutritional powerhouses perfect for active lifestyles, pre-workout energy, and post-exercise recovery. With retail infrastructure expanding and organized specialty stores like Mehbaj (established 1977) introducing flagship megastores in Riyadh alongside traditional souks, consumers enjoy diverse shopping experiences catering to both heritage appreciation and modern convenience. The 16% reduction in food waste achieved since 2019 reflects growing consumer education about food value and sustainability, making premium dried fruits—which naturally resist spoilage and maintain nutritional integrity—increasingly attractive as smart, long-lasting pantry staples.

Saudi Arabia Dried Fruits and Nuts Market Industry Segmentation

The report has segmented the market into the following categories:

Type Insights:

• Dried Fruits
• Dried Apricots
• Dried Berries
• Others

Category Insights:

• Organic
• Conventional

Application Insights:

• Bakery
• Dairy
• Snacks
• Confectionery
• Cereals

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 Dried Fruits and Nuts Market

• February 2025: BAJA, a leading Saudi Arabian producer of nuts, tea, and coffee operating over 150 branches and 12,000 retail outlets, expressed interest in importing nuts and dried fruits from Kyrgyzstan, including Batken dried apricots and prunes, to diversify product offerings.
• September 2025: Saudi Arabia achieved a 16% reduction in food loss and waste since 2019, as announced by the General Food Security Authority during the launch of the National Platform for Reducing Food Loss and Waste, supporting sustainable consumption of shelf-stable products like dried fruits.
• November 2024: The Saudi Food and Nutrition Authority launched a campaign during Diabetes Awareness Week to raise awareness about added sugar dangers, celebrating companies reducing sugar while promoting healthier snack alternatives including dried fruits and nuts.
• December 2024: Saudi Arabia introduced Milaf Cola, a sugar-free beverage made from Saudi dates by Thurath Al Madina, showcasing the versatility of locally-produced dates and positioning the Kingdom as an innovative player in the global food industry.

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