Saudi Arabia Flour Market Size and Forecast 2025–2033

Market Overview

The Saudi Arabia Flour Market is projected to grow from US$ 2.01 billion in 2024 to US$ 3.03 billion by 2033, registering a CAGR of 4.66% during 2025–2033.

Population growth, the surging demand for processed and baked foods, government-led food security programs, and rapid urbanization are among the most influential forces driving the market. Technological innovation in milling and packaging, coupled with evolving consumer preferences for healthier, functional, and gluten-free products, is reshaping Saudi Arabia’s flour landscape.

Flour—a humble yet indispensable staple—forms the backbone of countless Saudi dishes, from khubz and samoon to modern pastries and noodles. Behind every bag of flour lies a blend of agricultural tradition, industrial innovation, and consumer evolution. In Saudi Arabia, this blend has become increasingly dynamic as the Kingdom aims to strengthen domestic food production and reduce dependency on imports through Vision 2030.

The Changing Face of Flour Consumption in Saudi Arabia

The Saudi flour market has transformed from a basic commodity sector into a diversified and innovation-driven industry. Demand for staple flour types like wheat and maize remains strong, but there is growing traction for specialty flours such as rice, multigrain, and fortified variants. Consumers are showing heightened awareness of health benefits, driving interest in high-fiber and vitamin-enriched products.

Furthermore, the rising middle class and working population are contributing to higher consumption of convenience foods—from packaged breads and pastries to noodles and biscuits. The flourishing retail network, both offline and online, has also made flour products more accessible nationwide.

Key Growth Drivers

1. Population Growth and Urbanization

Saudi Arabia’s population reached 35.3 million in mid-2024, expanding at an annual rate of 4.7% from 2023. Nearly 92% of citizens now live in urban areas, where diets lean more toward processed and ready-to-eat products. This demographic shift directly fuels demand for flour-based goods like bakery products, noodles, and fast foods.

Urban households favor the convenience and consistency of packaged flour products. This urban-centric consumption pattern pushes flour producers to expand capacity, diversify product lines, and invest in improved milling and storage technologies.

2. Economic Diversification and Food Security

Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s food industry is rapidly evolving to reduce dependency on oil and imported food products. The government aims to domesticate 85% of its food sector by 2030, potentially saving SAR 70 billion annually in food import costs.

Major initiatives like the Jeddah Food Cluster, attracting over SAR 20 billion in private investments, are transforming Saudi Arabia into a regional hub for food manufacturing and flour exports. The privatization of state-owned milling companies is another milestone—exemplified by the Fourth Milling Company’s US$ 229 million IPO—that enhances efficiency, competitiveness, and innovation in the sector.

3. Health and Wellness Trends

A visible consumer shift toward whole-grain, organic, and gluten-free flours reflects rising health awareness in Saudi Arabia. Flour enriched with dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals is increasingly sought after, especially by younger consumers and health-conscious families.

With rising incidences of gluten intolerance and celiac disease, the gluten-free flour segment—based on rice, maize, and other grains—is expanding steadily. Producers are diversifying their product portfolios to include functional flours targeting specific health needs, positioning themselves advantageously in an evolving marketplace.

Market Challenges

1. Water Scarcity

Saudi Arabia’s limited freshwater reserves remain a persistent challenge for domestic wheat cultivation. The country’s dependency on imported wheat makes it vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions and price fluctuations.

Water-intensive agricultural practices strain the already scarce resources, complicating long-term efforts to achieve food self-sufficiency. The government continues to explore sustainable agricultural technologies, but achieving full-scale domestic wheat production remains a daunting task.

2. Rising Production Costs

Higher input costs—particularly for energy, labor, and imported raw materials—are inflating production expenses for flour manufacturers. While modernization in milling technology is essential for efficiency, the upfront investment burden is significant.

Fluctuating global grain prices, coupled with local energy cost variations, contribute to profit margin pressures. Producers may eventually pass these costs to consumers, risking slower demand growth in price-sensitive segments.

Recent Industry Developments

June 2024: First Milling Company (First Mills) secured a US$ 39.98 million loan from the Saudi Industrial Development Fund (SIDF) to restructure working capital and upgrade operational capabilities.

April 2024: First Mills launched operations at its new Durum Mill in Jeddah—the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia—to produce semolina for pasta, desserts, and other products, enhancing value-added production within the Kingdom.

These developments underscore Saudi Arabia’s commitment to boost domestic flour processing and reduce import dependency while fostering advanced food manufacturing.

Saudi Arabia Flour Market Segmentation

By Raw Material

Wheat

Maize

Rice

Others

By Application

Noodles and Pasta

Bread and Bakery Products

Wafers, Crackers, and Biscuits

Animal Feed

Non-Food Application

Others

By Sales Channel

Supermarkets

Hypermarkets

Online Stores

Others

Key Players in the Saudi Arabia Flour Market

The competitive landscape is evolving, with both global and regional players focusing on efficiency, innovation, and localization.

Major companies include:

King Arthur Flour Company

Associated British Foods Plc.

Hindustan Unilever Ltd

Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM)

Conagra Foods Inc.

Cargill, Incorporated

ITC Ltd

General Mills, Inc.

These companies are actively expanding their footprints through strategic partnerships, product diversification, and supply chain modernization to capture the growing Saudi demand for specialized flour products.

Outlook and Opportunities (2025–2033)

The future of Saudi Arabia’s flour market is tightly interwoven with national food security goals and shifting consumer patterns. Increasing domestic wheat cultivation, coupled with the adoption of smart agricultural and milling technologies, is expected to enhance productivity and sustainability.

Online sales channels will gain momentum as e-commerce flour distribution platforms expand, particularly in urban regions. Meanwhile, health-focused product categories like organic, fortified, and gluten-free flours will drive premiumization.

Investors and manufacturers focusing on local partnerships, sustainability initiatives, and value-added production will likely see long-term success. The market’s gradual evolution from basic staples to nutrient-enriched and customized flour offerings represents a major shift in Saudi Arabia’s food industry landscape.

Final Thoughts

The Saudi Arabia Flour Market, valued at US$ 2.01 billion in 2024, is on a steady path to reach US$ 3.03 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.66%. As Vision 2030 continues to shape the country’s economic future, the flour industry is emerging as a critical pillar of food independence, innovation, and sustainable growth.

While challenges like water scarcity and rising costs persist, technological progress, retail expansion, and shifting health preferences offer vast opportunities. Saudi Arabia’s flour sector is not just about grain and grind—it’s a story of transformation, resilience, and innovation powering the Kingdom’s culinary and economic landscape.