Saudi Arabia
Country
Saudi Arabia
Continent
Western Asia
Market Performance
In 2015 the market for organic products in Saudi Arabia was very small, but growing. The US Department of Agriculture’s GAIN report (2015) highlights organic products as having a high export potential.
Fibl statistics from 2012 (the latest available) list 79 organic farms in Saudi Arabia, but no domestically certified importers, exporters or processors.
Consumer Preferences & Channels
Euromonitor links growing demand for organic packaged products in Saudi Arabia with a consumer shift towards healthier eating.
It relates this to concerns about the rise in obesity-related illness in Saudi Arabia as well as social changes, such as: increasing Westernisation; further access to digital media; and more women entering the work force.
Education campaigns by the Government and manufacturers are promoting this shift in eating practices.
Legislative Considerations
The Saudi Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) website lists.
The list of conditions & procedures for importing fresh organic food products into Saudi Arabia, and an unofficial translation of ‘The Standards and Controls of organic farming activity in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’. Some further details on Saudi requirements are detailed on the Global Organic Trade website.
Events
Building Your Food & Drink Business in the Middle East - 12th April 2018 – Blue Fin Building - London : The FDEA's latest one-day market workshop will focus on the Middle East, with presentations from experts in the region and FDEA's professional associate members to build your knowledge and contacts. Join the FDEA for a day to refresh your knowledge and gain real practical tips and advice to help you fine tune your approach to the market. Benefit from the opportunity to have 1-2-1s with all the speakers to get first-hand advice for your business. Find out more
Sources & Links to Further Info
https://www.fibl.org/fileadmin/documents/shop/1663-organic-world-2015.pdf
http://www.euromonitor.com/organic-packaged-food-in-saudi-arabia/report
http://www.moa.gov.sa/files/org/organic_17.pdf
http://www.moa.gov.sa/files/org/organic_18.pdf
http://www.globalorganictrade.com/countries.php?idx=43
The Saudi Organic Farming Association includes information on outlets of organic products http://sofa.org.sa/en/sale-outlets-of-organic-products/
Links including 2012 report on organic agriculture in Saudi Arabia http://www.saudi-organic.org.sa/pressdownload/?p=2&lng=en&page=1&downpage=1