Sweet Success: Saudi Arabia Chocolate Market to Reach US$ 2.00 Billion by 2033, Driven by Premiumization and Cultural Festivities

Saudi Arabia Chocolate Market Size and Forecast 2025–2033

According to Renub Research, the Saudi Arabia chocolate market was valued at US$ 1.32 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.75% from 2025 to 2033, reaching US$ 2.00 billion by 2033. This robust growth reflects the nation’s increasing appetite for premium chocolates, fueled by rising disposable incomes, changing consumer preferences, and the deep-rooted culture of gifting chocolates during festivals and celebrations.

The Saudi Arabia Chocolate Market & Forecast (2025–2033) report covers segmentation by Type (Dark Chocolate, Milk/White Chocolate), Ingredients (Cocoa Beans, Cocoa Butter, Sweeteners, Chocolate Liquor, Others), Distribution Channel (Hypermarkets/Supermarkets, Convenience Stores, Online Retail Stores, Others), along with Regional and Company Analysis.

Saudi Arabia Chocolate Market Outlook

Chocolate, a universal symbol of indulgence and affection, holds a special place in Saudi society. Made primarily from cocoa beans, sugar, and milk, it takes the form of bars, truffles, pralines, and beverages. Whether consumed as a personal treat or a luxury gift, chocolate’s appeal transcends generations and occasions.

In Saudi Arabia, chocolates are deeply intertwined with cultural and social traditions—from Eid celebrations and weddings to Ramadan gatherings and gift-giving seasons. With urbanization and western influence accelerating lifestyle changes, chocolate consumption has transformed from an occasional luxury to an everyday indulgence.

Today, premium chocolates—often dark, artisanal, or imported—are enjoying a surge in demand, as Saudi consumers increasingly associate them with quality, sophistication, and well-being.

Saudi Arabia Chocolate Market Trends

1. Waw Chocolate and the Rise of Local Artisans

Saudi brands like Waw Chocolate are redefining local taste by infusing global recipes with regional flavors, marking a new era of homegrown innovation. In 2024, Saudi Arabia imported over 123 million kilograms of chocolate, highlighting immense demand for both everyday treats and luxury confectionery.

2. Youth-Driven Consumption Patterns

Over 50% of Saudi Arabia’s population is under 25, representing a powerful consumption base. Surveys reveal that two-thirds of Saudi children eat chocolate twice daily, reflecting strong ingrained habits. As these young consumers mature, they are expected to drive sustained demand for healthier, premium chocolate options.

3. Religious Tourism Boosts Chocolate Sales

With 2–3 million pilgrims visiting the Kingdom annually for Hajj, and a total of 18.5 million expected for pilgrimage-related visits by 2024, the demand for chocolates as souvenirs and gifts has skyrocketed. Local producers are responding with special edition boxes and high-quality packaging tailored for travelers.

4. Export and Domestic Production Growth

Saudi Arabia exported US$ 62.5 million worth of chocolates in 2023, ranking 48th globally. The country now boasts 1,000+ chocolate factories, with 35% located in Riyadh, producing nearly half of domestic consumption needs—a strong indicator of growing self-sufficiency and industrial capability.

5. Digital Retail Revolution

With 99% internet penetration, the shift to online chocolate retail is transforming the market. Platforms like Noon and Amazon.sa, alongside local chocolatiers’ e-commerce stores, are expanding reach. Supermarkets are also integrating digital signage and smart checkout, blending tradition with technology.

6. Premiumization and Health-Conscious Demand

Over 50% of consumers in 2023 preferred premium chocolates, particularly dark varieties known for antioxidant and heart-health benefits. Brands like Barry Callebaut’s NXT are launching dairy-free and plant-based chocolates, while Nestlé’s SAR 7 billion investment in a new Saudi manufacturing facility signals a long-term commitment to innovation and localization.

Key Growth Drivers in the Saudi Arabia Chocolate Market

1. Cultural Significance and Gift-Giving Tradition

In Saudi Arabia, chocolates symbolize hospitality and joy. Festivals like Eid, Ramadan, and weddings have become pivotal in boosting sales, as consumers exchange luxury assortments from brands like Patchi, Godiva, Bostani, Aani & Dani, and Bateel. Customized packaging and limited-edition flavors during festive seasons further strengthen brand appeal.

2. Personalization and Premiumization

Rising disposable incomes have led consumers to demand custom-made chocolates with unique flavors and packaging. Brands such as Naeem Foods cater to this luxury segment, offering tailored chocolate boxes for weddings and corporate events. The inaugural Salon du Chocolat held in Riyadh (November 2023) highlights the nation’s growing artisanal and connoisseur culture.

3. Health-Driven Indulgence

Growing health awareness has elevated dark chocolate consumption, thanks to its antioxidant properties and reputation for improving mood and heart health. The trend reflects a wider shift toward “permissible indulgence”, allowing consumers to enjoy treats with perceived wellness benefits.

Challenges in the Saudi Arabia Chocolate Market

1. Dependence on Imported Cocoa

Since Saudi Arabia lacks domestic cocoa production, it relies heavily on imports from Africa and Latin America, exposing it to global price volatility and supply chain disruptions. Political or climatic instability in cocoa-producing countries can raise local production costs, impacting affordability.

2. Rising Demand for Healthier Alternatives

While an opportunity for innovation, the demand for low-sugar, vegan, or organic chocolates requires significant reformulation costs. Manufacturers lagging in product innovation risk losing market share to agile brands introducing “better-for-you” chocolate lines.

Segment Analysis: Saudi Arabia Chocolate Market

By Type

Dark Chocolate: Fastest-growing category, driven by health and premium trends.

Milk/White Chocolate: Largest market share, popular among families and children.

By Ingredient

Cocoa Beans – Core ingredient for flavor and richness

Cocoa Butter – Enhances texture and smoothness

Sweeteners & Chocolate Liquor – Add taste diversity

Others – Include nuts, fruits, and fillings

By Distribution Channel

Hypermarkets/Supermarkets – Key sales channel for mainstream brands

Convenience Stores – Rising in small towns and gas stations

Online Retail Stores – Fastest-growing channel post-pandemic

Other Channels – Duty-free outlets and gourmet shops

By Region

Western Region (Jeddah, Mecca, Medina): Largest market share due to pilgrimage-driven gifting demand.

Northern & Central (Riyadh): Growing rapidly with urbanization and young demographics.

Eastern & Southern: Emerging markets with expanding retail infrastructure.

Saudi Arabia Cocoa Beans and Dark Chocolate Markets

Saudi Arabia imported 37 million kg of cocoa in early 2023—exceeding total 2022 imports—signaling aggressive local manufacturing expansion. Cocoa beans are especially prized for crafting dark and premium chocolates, which now dominate consumer preference.

The dark chocolate segment benefits from perceived health advantages and a reputation for luxury. Sales spike during Ramadan and Eid, particularly in Northern and Central Saudi Arabia, where gifting culture is strongest. Local brands are innovating with vegan, organic, and sugar-free offerings to capture health-conscious buyers.

Regional Insights

Western Saudi Arabia

Cities like Jeddah, Mecca, and Medina form the heart of the chocolate market, boosted by religious tourism and retail development. Pilgrims purchasing chocolate souvenirs drive significant seasonal surges, while rising urban affluence fuels year-round demand for premium and imported chocolates.

Northern & Central Saudi Arabia

Urbanization in Riyadh and neighboring cities has made this region a hotspot for international chocolate chains and artisanal cafés. The International Coffee and Chocolate Exhibition held in Riyadh (2024) attracted global players, reflecting the region’s growing market potential.

Competitive Landscape

Leading players in the Saudi Arabia Chocolate Market include:

Aani & Dani

Artisan du Chocolat

Bateel

Al Nassama

Bostani Chocolate

Recent Developments:

October 2024: Vlinder Chocolate launched its “Dubai-style” chocolates in South Korea, enhancing Saudi’s confectionery export presence.

2024: Barry Callebaut unveiled its plant-based NXT chocolates in Saudi Arabia.

Nestlé Investment (2025): SAR 375 million facility to strengthen local production.

September 2024: Chocolate Art Salon debuted in Saudi Arabia, showcasing edible chocolate art and sculptures—a first-of-its-kind event in the Kingdom.

Final Thoughts

The Saudi Arabia Chocolate Market is entering a golden era of growth, powered by premiumization, digital transformation, and cultural tradition. The mix of young, tech-savvy consumers and a strong gifting culture ensures sustained expansion through 2033.

However, local manufacturers must balance indulgence with health-conscious innovation and reduce import dependency through supply chain resilience. As international and domestic players continue investing heavily in production and marketing, Saudi Arabia is poised to emerge as the chocolate hub of the Middle East—where tradition meets taste, and indulgence meets innovation.

Source: Renub Research, Saudi Arabia Chocolate Market Size, Share, and Forecast 2025–2033