Top Food Manufacturing Companies in Saudi Arabia in 2025

Saudi Arabia’s food manufacturing sector is a cornerstone of its economy. With Vision 2030 prioritizing food security and exports, The Saudi food market is valued at $57.41 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.89%. Our article ranks the top food manufacturing companies in Saudi Arabia in 2025 by market size, innovation, and consumer trust. Discover which Saudi food brands dominate dairy, poultry, and packaged goods—and learn how regulations and foreign investment opportunities shape this booming industry.

Top 10 Food Manufacturing Companies in Saudi Arabia (2025)

Table 1: Top 5 Companies

1. Almarai Co. Ltd.

Overview:
Almarai stands as the Middle East’s largest dairy and food producer, founded in 1977. Renowned for its high-quality standards, the company controls over 60% of Saudi Arabia’s dairy market.

Specialties:
Dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese), juices, bakery items, and infant nutrition.

Why It’s #1:

• Market Leadership: Dominates Saudi Arabia’s dairy and bakery sectors with iconic brands like Almarai Fresh Milk and Laban.
• Innovation: Pioneers lactose-free and fortified products to cater to health-conscious consumers.
• Distribution: Supplies 50,000+ retail outlets across the Middle East, backed by a fleet of 10,000 refrigerated trucks.

2. Savola Group

Overview:
A $4.8 billion conglomerate, Savola Group is a powerhouse in edible oils, sugar, and retail, with 12,000 employees.

Specialties:
Edible oils (Afia), sugar, pasta, frozen foods, and retail operations via Panda supermarkets.

Why It’s #2:

• Sector Dominance: Commands 45% of Saudi Arabia’s edible oil market.
• Retail Synergy: Owns Panda, the Kingdom’s largest supermarket chain, ensuring direct consumer access.
• Global Reach: Exports to 30+ countries, including Egypt and Turkey.

3. Saudia Dairy & Foodstuff Company (SADAFCO)

Overview:
A regional leader in dairy and beverages, SADAFCO operates since 1976, with a focus on premium products.

Specialties:
Milk, ice cream (Iceberg), juices, and baby food.

Why It’s #3:

• Logistics Excellence: Manages 15+ distribution centers across the GCC.
• Health Trends: Launched low-sugar ice cream and plant-based milk alternatives.
• Brand Legacy: Known for flagship products like SunTop juice and Saudia Milk.

4. National Agricultural Development Company (NADEC)

Overview:
NADEC is a pioneer in sustainable agriculture, contributing to Saudi Arabia’s food security since 1981.

Specialties:
Dairy, juices, and fresh produce (fruits and vegetables).

Why It’s #4:

• Sustainability: Operates solar-powered farms, reducing water usage by 40%.
• Scale: Produces 500 million liters of dairy annually.
• Exports: Supplies dates and juices to Europe and Asia.

5. Tanmiah Food Company

Overview:
A leader in poultry and processed meats, Tanmiah supports Saudi Arabia’s goal to reduce meat imports.

Specialties:
Fresh and frozen poultry, marinated meats.

Why It’s #5:

• Production Capacity: Processes 500 million chickens annually.
• Exports: Ships halal-certified products to the UAE and Kuwait.
• Innovation: Introduced ready-to-cook marinated chicken lines.

6. Al-Watania Poultry

Overview:
Operating the largest poultry farm in the Middle East, Al-Watania is a cornerstone of Saudi food security.

Specialties:
Fresh and frozen chicken products.

Why It’s #6:

• Quality Control: Uses AI-driven systems to monitor farm conditions.
• Capacity: Produces 1.2 million chickens daily.
• Affordability: Key supplier for Saudi Arabia’s National School Feeding Program.

7. Nestlé Middle East

Overview:
The Swiss multinational thrives in Saudi Arabia with localized strategies and health-focused products.

Specialties:
Nescafé, Maggi seasonings, infant nutrition, and dairy.

Why It’s #7:

• Local Adaptation: Offers camel-milk-based products tailored to regional tastes.
• Wellness Focus: Invests $20 million in R&D for low-sugar and high-protein snacks.
• Partnerships: Collaborates with Saudi chefs to promote Maggi recipes.

8. Almunajem Foods

Overview:
A top-tier distributor, Almunajem bridges global brands like Tyson Foods with Saudi consumers.

Specialties:
Frozen foods, imported meats, and local food production.

Why It’s #8:

• Network: Distributes to 5,000+ restaurants and retailers.
• Imports: Partners with 50+ international brands, including Häagen-Dazs.
• Local Production: Operates factories for frozen vegetables and ready meals.

9. ALBAIK Food Systems Company

Overview:
Saudi Arabia’s beloved fast-food chain, ALBAIK, has a cult following for its crispy chicken.

Specialties:
Fried chicken, seafood meals, and sandwiches.

Why It’s #9:

• Brand Loyalty: Serves 1 million+ customers weekly.
• Expansion: Recently opened outlets in Dubai and Bahrain.
• Affordability: Meals priced under $5, appealing to families.

10. Arabian Agricultural Services Company (ARASCO)

Overview:
ARASCO supports Saudi agriculture through vertical integration, from animal feed to food processing.

Specialties:
Poultry, animal feed, and food ingredients.

Why It’s #10:

• Sustainability: Recycles 90% of agricultural waste into biofuel.
• Supply Chain: Provides 30% of Saudi Arabia’s animal feed.
• Innovation: Develops protein-rich feed to enhance livestock growth.

Saudi Arabia Food Regulations: Compliance for Manufacturers

All of these food companies have to comply with strict Saudi food regulations. Saudi Arabia’s food manufacturing sector operates under these regulations to ensure product safety, quality, and alignment with Islamic principles. Governed by the Saudi Food & Drug Authority (SFDA), these rules apply to both local producers and international exporters. Here’s what manufacturers need to know:

SFDA Guidelines: Key Standards

The SFDA enforces comprehensive regulations to protect consumers and maintain global trade compatibility:

1. Labeling Requirements:
   • All products must display Arabic labels with clear expiry dates, ingredients, nutritional facts, and allergen warnings.
   • Imported goods require SFDA-approved stickers if original packaging lacks Arabic.
2. Hygiene Protocols:
   • Facilities must comply with ISO 22000 or HACCP standards for food safety.
   • Regular inspections ensure cleanliness, pest control, and worker hygiene.
3. Additive Restrictions:
   • Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives banned in the EU or GCC are prohibited.

Penalties: Non-compliance can result in fines up to SAR 1 million, product recalls, or license revocation.

Can a Foreigner Start a Food Company in Saudi Arabia?

Yes, through the Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reforms, foreign food entrepreneurs can start and own food businesses in Saudi Arabia.

Foreign Ownership Rules

• 100% Foreign Ownership: Permitted in most food sectors, excluding alcohol and pork production.
• Tax Incentives: 0% corporate tax for 10+ years in Special Economic Zones like KAEC (King Abdullah Economic City).
• Repatriation of Profits: No restrictions on transferring earnings abroad.

If you’re a foreigner considering a Saudi business, it’s a good idea to first learn about your market in Saudi Arabia to make an informed decision.

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia’s top food manufacturing companies, from Almarai to ALBAIK, reflect its ambition to become a global agro-industrial hub. With streamlined regulations and foreign-friendly policies, the Kingdom offers unmatched opportunities in halal food production, dairy, and poultry. As demand for packaged and frozen foods rises, aligning with Saudi food brands and Vision 2030 goals will be key to long-term success.