Saudi Arabia Seafood Market: In-Depth Analysis and Forecast (2025-2033)
Market Overview
The Saudi Arabia seafood market is projected to grow from US$ 0.98 billion in 2024 to US$ 1.23 billion by 2033, reflecting a CAGR of 2.58% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is driven by increasing health consciousness among consumers, government-led initiatives promoting seafood consumption, expansion of distribution channels, and advancements in aquaculture technology.
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Market Dynamics and Growth Drivers
- Government Initiatives and Vision 2030
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is a key driver of the seafood market’s expansion. The government is actively investing in aquaculture and sustainable fishing practices to reduce dependence on oil revenues and increase domestic food production. As part of this initiative, the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture (MEWA) aims to boost aquaculture production to 600,000 metric tons by 2030.
The National Fisheries Development Program (NFDP) is spearheading efforts to attract $4 billion in investments for infrastructure enhancement, technological advancements, and sustainability initiatives. Additionally, Saudi Arabia’s push for ASC-certified shrimp farming has positioned the country among the top 15 nations globally in sustainable aquaculture.
- Technological Advancements in Aquaculture
Advancements in aquaculture technology are enhancing seafood production efficiency and sustainability. Key innovations include:
- Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS): Improves water quality and reduces waste.
- Automated Feeding Systems: Optimizes feed conversion ratios, reducing costs.
- Selective Breeding and Genetic Enhancement: Enhances species resilience and production yields.
- Cold Chain Logistics & Processing Technologies: Extends shelf life and ensures quality.
These developments contribute to sustainable seafood production while minimizing environmental impact.
- Changing Consumer Preferences and Health Awareness
Saudi consumers are increasingly shifting toward healthier diets, leading to a surge in seafood consumption. The demand is fueled by the nutritional benefits of seafood, including its high omega-3 fatty acid, vitamin, and mineral content. Notably:
- Per capita seafood consumption increased to 7.34 kg in 2022.
- Fresh seafood dominates the market, accounting for 57.5% of sales in 2022.
- Stable shrimp prices (USD 3.02 per kg in 2022) have led to increased consumer preference.
Government initiatives like the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) campaigns further drive consumer awareness regarding seafood’s role in preventing chronic diseases such as obesity and cardiovascular conditions.
Challenges in the Saudi Seafood Market
- Overfishing and Environmental Concerns
Overfishing threatens marine biodiversity and disrupts the ecological balance. Although the government has implemented strict regulations, illegal fishing and unsustainable practices continue to pose challenges. Key measures being introduced include:
- Fishing quotas to prevent stock depletion.
- Marine-protected areas to aid ecosystem recovery.
- Sustainable certifications for aquaculture farms.
- Dependency on Seafood Imports
Despite efforts to enhance domestic production, Saudi Arabia remains heavily reliant on imports to meet local demand. This dependency presents several risks:
- Supply chain disruptions due to geopolitical tensions and global market fluctuations.
- Inconsistent pricing due to tariffs and shipping costs.
- Quality control challenges affecting imported seafood safety and freshness.
To mitigate these risks, Saudi Arabia is investing in domestic aquaculture and expanding seafood processing infrastructure to gradually reduce import reliance.
Regional Market Analysis
Eastern Saudi Arabia
The Eastern region, with its extensive coastline along the Arabian Gulf, is a major seafood hub. Rich in marine resources, the region produces both wild-caught and farmed seafood. Key factors driving seafood consumption in this area include:
- Cultural preference for fresh seafood.
- Proximity to major ports, facilitating exports and imports.
- Challenges: Overfishing concerns and the need for sustainable aquaculture.
Western Saudi Arabia
Bordering the Red Sea, the Western region benefits from diverse marine biodiversity, supporting a high demand for fresh seafood. Cities like Jeddah and Mecca serve as major seafood consumption centers, driven by:
- Local and tourist demand for seafood dishes.
- Strong aquaculture industry development.
- Challenges: Overfishing and the environmental impact of increased seafood demand.
Market Segmentation
By Type:
- Fish
- Shrimp
- Crab
- Lobster
- Others
By Form:
- Canned
- Fresh / Chilled
- Frozen
- Processed
By Distribution Channel:
- Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
- Departmental Stores
- Specialized Stores
- Institutional Sales
- Food Service
- Online Retail
- Others
By Region:
- Western Region
- Northern & Central Region
- Eastern Region
- Southern Region
Competitive Landscape and Key Players
The Saudi Arabia seafood market is competitive, with several domestic and international players driving market growth. Leading companies include:
- Almunajem Foods
- Arab Fisheries Co.
- IZAFCO Fish Packing Company
- National Aquaculture Group
- Saudi Fisheries Company
- Shell Fisheries Company W.L.L.
- Tabuk Fisheries Co.
- The Savola Group
These companies are focusing on sustainable aquaculture, technological advancements, and expansion of distribution networks to strengthen their market presence.
Future Outlook and Opportunities
The Saudi Arabia seafood market is poised for steady growth, driven by:
- Increased government support for domestic production.
- Technological innovations in aquaculture.
- Rising consumer preference for health-conscious diets.
- Expansion of seafood processing and export capabilities.
While challenges like overfishing and import dependency persist, continued investments in sustainable seafood production will bolster the sector’s long-term resilience. Saudi Arabia’s commitment to Vision 2030 positions it as a key player in the global seafood industry.
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