Saudi Arabia Poultry Meat Market to Reach US$ 5.62 Billion by 2033, Driven by Halal Demand, Food Security Programs, and Retail Expansion

Overview of the Saudi Arabia Poultry Meat Market

According to Renub Research Recent Report Saudi Arabia poultry meat market is experiencing steady growth, expected to reach US$ 5.62 billion by 2033 from US$ 4.75 billion in 2024, registering a CAGR of 1.90% from 2025 to 2033. Poultry meat is increasingly preferred over red meat due to its affordability, nutritional value, and versatility. Urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and a growing demand for convenient and processed protein sources have significantly contributed to the market’s expansion.

Saudi Arabia is the largest poultry meat consumer in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. The government’s efforts to enhance food security, increase local production, and reduce reliance on imports have further strengthened the sector. Recent years have seen significant investment in modern poultry farms, processing facilities, and technology-driven production systems. These initiatives have led to higher productivity, improved quality standards, and a consistent supply of halal-certified poultry products for domestic and export markets.

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Market Dynamics and Growth Drivers

1. Government Support and Food Security Programs

Saudi Arabia has prioritized food security under its Vision 2030 plan, encouraging domestic poultry production to reduce dependency on imports. The government provides financial incentives, research support, and access to modern farming technologies to enhance productivity. Initiatives such as interest-free loans and equipment subsidies have lowered production costs and attracted both local and foreign investors.

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) and the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture (MEWA) actively support poultry producers with grants and infrastructure development. The government aims to offer up to USD 187 million in incentives annually to boost domestic poultry output. Production is projected to rise by 80% in 2025 and reach 100% by 2030, positioning Saudi Arabia as the GCC’s largest producer of poultry meat.

2. Halal Certification and Cultural Alignment

Halal compliance is critical in Saudi Arabia’s poultry industry, ensuring that products meet Islamic dietary requirements. Halal certification not only aligns with cultural preferences but also drives consumer trust and loyalty. Producers adhering to stringent halal standards gain a competitive advantage in both domestic and international markets.

The increasing demand for halal-certified poultry has also opened export opportunities to other Muslim-majority countries. Companies focusing on quality and halal compliance have solidified their market position, supporting the long-term growth of the poultry meat sector.

3. Expanding Retail and Foodservice Channels

The rapid growth of supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores, and fast-food chains has increased the accessibility of poultry products across Saudi Arabia. Fresh cuts, frozen meat, and ready-to-eat options are widely available, catering to busy urban consumers seeking convenience.

The expanding foodservice sector, including restaurants, cafes, and delivery services, also contributes to higher demand for poultry products. Modern retail infrastructure enables producers to offer a diverse range of products, including marinated cuts, nuggets, sausages, and meatballs. These developments increase consumer reach and provide new avenues for product innovation.

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Market Trends and Consumer Preferences

Rising Urbanization and Disposable Income

With urbanization on the rise, Saudi consumers increasingly prefer convenient, affordable, and high-quality protein sources. Poultry meat, being less expensive than red meat, fits this demand. The growing youth population and dual-income households further boost the consumption of processed and ready-to-eat poultry products.

Focus on Processed and Value-Added Products

Processed poultry items such as marinated tenders, meatballs, and nuggets are gaining popularity due to their convenience. Manufacturers are investing in new product development, flavor innovation, and packaging enhancements to appeal to busy consumers.

Health Consciousness and Protein-Rich Diets

Health-conscious consumers are shifting toward lean meats and high-protein diets. Poultry meat, especially chicken, is perceived as a healthier alternative to red meat, driving consumption in urban areas. Producers are responding by offering lower-fat, organic, and antibiotic-free poultry products to meet evolving dietary preferences.

Challenges in the Saudi Poultry Meat Market

1. Competition and Market Saturation

As the domestic poultry industry expands, competition among local and international players is intensifying. Price wars, high production costs, and market saturation can challenge profit margins. New entrants face difficulties differentiating their products, requiring strategic branding, marketing, and innovative product offerings to stand out.

2. High Production and Import Costs

The cost of poultry production in Saudi Arabia has increased due to rising feed prices, labor costs, and energy expenses. Imported feed from France and Brazil has contributed to higher costs, resulting in a 7.84% increase in poultry prices between 2017 and 2022. A standard 1,000-gram chicken now costs around USD 4, up from USD 3.8 in early 2022.

High import costs of specialized equipment and raw materials also pose barriers for smaller producers. While local production is increasing, it still does not fully meet demand, leaving the market partially reliant on imports.

3. Shifting Consumer Preferences

While poultry remains popular, a growing segment of health-conscious consumers is exploring plant-based alternatives and leaner meats. Producers must adapt by offering healthier, organic, and value-added products to sustain growth in a competitive environment.

Production and Domestic Supply Trends

Saudi Arabia accounts for approximately 71% of the Middle East’s poultry production, with domestic production increasing from 45% in 2016 to 68% in 2022. The mortality rate in poultry farms has decreased by 8% over the past five years, improving overall productivity.

Foreign investments are also contributing to local growth. For example, MHP SE of Ukraine partnered with Tanmiah Food Company in 2022 to expand domestic production, while BRF, a Brazilian firm, established a joint venture in 2023 to meet halal chicken production requirements. These collaborations align with Saudi Arabia’s food security strategy and help stabilize the domestic supply chain.

Segment Analysis

By Type

Chicken (largest share)

Turkey

Duck

Other

By Form

Fresh/Chilled

Frozen

Canned

Processed (Deli Meats, Marinated/Tenders, Meatballs, Nuggets, Sausages, Others)

By Distribution Channel

Supermarkets and Hypermarkets

Convenience Stores

Online Channels

Others

Key Players in the Saudi Poultry Meat Market

Al-Watania Poultry – Largest domestic poultry producer with advanced processing capabilities.

Almarai Food Company – Leading integrated food producer focusing on fresh and processed poultry.

Almunajem Foods – Offers a wide range of halal poultry products to local and regional markets.

Americana Group – Invests in poultry farming and processing to supply retail and foodservice channels.

BRF S.A. – Brazilian multinational partnering to enhance halal chicken production in Saudi Arabia.

Golden Chicken Farm Factory Company CJSC – Focuses on high-quality, processed poultry products.

Sunbulah Group – Expanding its poultry portfolio to cater to processed and convenience segments.

Tanmiah Food Company – Collaborates with international partners to boost local poultry output.

The Savola Group – Engaged in poultry feed production and integrated farming solutions.

Future Outlook

The Saudi poultry meat market is poised for moderate but steady growth over the next decade. Factors such as government support, halal certification, urbanization, and evolving consumer preferences will continue to drive demand.

Projected Market Size: US$ 5.62 billion by 2033

CAGR: 1.90% from 2025–2033

Key Opportunities: Processed and ready-to-eat products, health-oriented poultry, online distribution channels

The integration of advanced farming technologies, strategic partnerships, and focus on food safety will strengthen domestic production. Meanwhile, expansion in retail and e-commerce will enhance accessibility, ensuring that Saudi Arabia remains the Middle East’s largest and most influential poultry market.

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia’s poultry meat industry is a critical segment of the nation’s food economy, balancing affordability, convenience, and halal compliance. With the support of Vision 2030, growing domestic production, and evolving consumer demands, the market is set for sustained growth. Key players are investing in product innovation, modern processing, and retail expansion to meet the increasing demand for high-quality poultry products.

As Saudi Arabia continues to prioritize food security, halal compliance, and health-conscious consumption, the poultry meat market will remain an essential growth engine, supporting both economic development and nutritional needs across the kingdom.

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