Sweet Growth Ahead: Saudi Arabia’s Chocolate Market Set to Reach $2 Billion by 2033

Introduction: A Market of Indulgence and Opportunity

Chocolate, a timeless indulgence loved across the globe, is fast becoming a cultural and economic symbol in Saudi Arabia. Valued at US$ 1.32 billion in 2024, According to Renub Research Recent AnalysisSaudi chocolate market is forecast to reach US$ 2.00 billion by 2033, growing at a healthy CAGR of 4.75% between 2025 and 2033.

This steady rise reflects a combination of higher disposable incomes, evolving consumer preferences, tourism and pilgrimage flows, and an appetite for premium gifting traditions. From Ramadan treats to artisanal boutique creations, chocolate is no longer just a Western import—it is a dynamic segment of Saudi Arabia’s modern food culture.

👉 Want to explore detailed market trends, segment insights, and forecasts? 🔗 Request Free Sample Report

Why Saudis Love Chocolate: The Changing Consumer Landscape

1. Chocolate as a Gifting Tradition

Saudi Arabia’s deeply rooted culture of hospitality and celebration has fueled chocolate’s status as a gift of choice. Weddings, Eid, Ramadan, and family gatherings often feature specialty chocolate assortments and decorative gift boxes. Brands like Patchi, Godiva, and Bateel thrive by offering luxury packaging and seasonal collections, while local players provide artisanal and customized options.

2. Premiumization & Customization

More than 50% of Saudi consumers preferred premium chocolates in 2023, with dark chocolate leading the trend due to perceived health benefits and luxury appeal. Younger buyers, in particular, are drawn to personalized packaging, unique flavors, and artisanal craftsmanship. Events like the Salon du Chocolat in Riyadh (2023) highlight this growing culture of chocolate appreciation.

3. Health & Wellness Influence

With 60% of Saudi adults overweight, the demand for healthier chocolate alternatives is rising. Dark chocolate, plant-based products, and sugar-free options are becoming popular indulgences. International giants like Barry Callebaut introduced plant-based chocolate NXT in Saudi Arabia to meet this demand.

4. A Youth-Driven Market

Saudi Arabia’s demographic advantage—over half the population under 25 years of age—makes it a high-potential market. Studies in 2023 revealed that two-thirds of Saudi children ate chocolate twice daily, reflecting a robust and sustained consumption base.

5. Tourism & Pilgrimage Boost

Religious tourism, especially Hajj and Umrah, significantly amplifies chocolate demand. With 18.5 million pilgrims recorded in 2024, chocolates are increasingly purchased as souvenirs and gifts, boosting both retail and artisanal chocolate sales.

Market Trends Reshaping Saudi Arabia’s Chocolate Industry

Record Imports: The Kingdom imported 123 million kg of chocolate in 2024, underlining massive demand.

Local Manufacturing Push: With over 1,000 chocolate factories, 35% in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia now produces nearly 50% of its chocolate needs locally.

High Per Capita Spend: Saudis spent an average of US$ 41 per year on chocolate in 2023, compared to the Middle Eastern average of US$ 4.

E-Commerce Boom: With 99% internet penetration, online chocolate sales are soaring as digital gifting platforms emerge.

Foreign Investments: Nestlé announced a SAR 7 billion investment over the next decade, beginning with a modern chocolate manufacturing facility in 2025.

Challenges: Can the Sweetness Last?

Reliance on Imported Cocoa: Saudi Arabia imports all its cocoa beans, exposing it to global supply chain risks and price volatility.

Sugar Concerns: As health awareness grows, traditional milk and white chocolates face scrutiny over sugar and fat content.

Price Sensitivity: Premium chocolate consumption is growing, but price-sensitive consumers may resist luxury offerings during economic downturns.

Innovation Pressure: Meeting demand for sugar-free, vegan, and organic chocolates requires constant innovation and higher R&D costs.

👉 For deeper analysis, detailed segment data, and company insights: 🔗 Request Customization Report

Segment Analysis: Breaking Down the Market

By Type

Dark Chocolate: Fastest-growing segment due to health benefits, premium image, and gifting appeal.

Milk & White Chocolate: Still dominate mass consumption, especially among children and families.

By Ingredients

Cocoa Beans & Cocoa Butter: Essential for premium and artisanal chocolates.

Sweeteners: Shifting from sugar to low-calorie alternatives.

Chocolate Liquor & Others: Increasingly used for customized flavors.

By Distribution Channel

Hypermarkets & Supermarkets: Major sales hubs, especially during festive seasons.

Convenience Stores: Popular for impulse purchases.

Online Retail: Growing rapidly with social media and digital gifting platforms.

Specialty Stores: Premium and artisanal chocolates thrive here.

Regional Insights: Sweet Spots Across the Kingdom

Western Saudi Arabia (Jeddah, Mecca, Medina)

Tourism and religious pilgrimages drive seasonal demand peaks. Pilgrims buy chocolates as souvenirs, while urban centers like Jeddah embrace premium and imported brands.

Northern & Central Saudi Arabia (including Riyadh)

Urbanization and affluence are fueling demand. Riyadh hosts a large concentration of chocolate manufacturers (35% of factories), making it a production and consumption hub.

Eastern Region

Oil-rich regions support a wealthy population, where luxury and imported chocolates have strong demand.

Southern Region

Relatively smaller market, but growing due to improved retail infrastructure and penetration of affordable chocolate options.

Competitive Landscape: Key Players in Saudi Arabia’s Chocolate Market

Saudi Arabia’s chocolate industry is a blend of international giants, regional brands, and local artisanal producers.

Aani & Dani – Popular for luxury assortments and gifting chocolates.

Bateel – Known for gourmet chocolates infused with dates.

Godiva, Patchi, and Nestlé – International brands dominating premium and mass-market segments.

Barry Callebaut – Driving innovation with plant-based chocolate products.

Bostani Chocolate & Artisan du Chocolat – Strong local presence with creative offerings.

Recent Developments:

Vlinder Chocolate (2024): Expanded into South Korea with “Dubai chocolate-style” creations.

Chocolate Art Salon (2024): First authentic event showcasing chocolate artistry in Riyadh.

Nestlé (2025): SAR 375 million investment in a new advanced chocolate plant.

Future Outlook: The Road to $2 Billion

The Saudi Arabia chocolate market is set for sustained expansion through 2033. Premiumization, health-focused innovations, and digital retail growth will remain central themes. At the same time, local manufacturing and government-backed investments are expected to reduce dependence on imports, giving Saudi brands a competitive edge.

With per capita consumption levels among the highest in the Middle East, and cultural traditions reinforcing chocolate’s role in hospitality and celebration, the Kingdom is on track to cement its reputation as the sweet hub of the region.

Conclusion

The Saudi Arabia chocolate market is more than just a confectionery industry—it reflects the Kingdom’s shifting consumer lifestyles, economic transformation, and cultural traditions. Driven by a young population, gifting culture, health-conscious trends, and global investment, the market is well-positioned to hit the US$ 2 billion mark by 2033.

From dark chocolate indulgence to plant-based innovations, the future of Saudi chocolate is not only sweet—it’s premium, personalized, and powered by evolving consumer choices.

Note: If you need details, data, or insights not covered in this report, we are glad to assist. Through our customization service, we will collect and deliver the information you require, tailored to your specific needs. Share your requirements with us, and we will update the report to align with your expectations.