Saudi Arabia's Dairy Industry Overview

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has made significant advancements in its dairy sector over recent decades, supported by substantial strategic investments and a growing domestic demand for dairy products.

Number of Dairy Cattle

Saudi Arabia has developed a robust dairy farming sector with an estimated dairy cattle population of around 600,000 heads.

Milk Production Volume

Annually, the country produces approximately 2 million tonnes of milk, driven by advanced farming practices and supportive government policies.

Milk Processing Volume

The processed milk volume in Saudi dairy plants is noteworthy, with around 1.8 million tonnes processed each year to meet both domestic and export demands.

Cheese Production Volume

Cheese production in the Kingdom is estimated at about 200,000 tonnes annually, offering a variety of traditional and contemporary cheese varieties.

Milk Powder and Whey Production

Saudi Arabia produces approximately 100,000 tonnes of milk powder and whey each year, which contributes to local consumption and international trade.

Key Enterprises in the Dairy Market

• Almarai: A leading enterprise known for its wide range of dairy products.
• Al Safi Danone: Major player in offering diverse dairy goods for local and international markets.
• Nadec: A significant company with an expansive portfolio including milk, cheese, and yogurt.

List of Dairy Farms

• Almarai Dairy Farms: Renowned for advanced farming techniques and high milk production.
• Al Safi Dairy Farms: Known for large-scale operations and efficient livestock management.
• Al Rabie Dairy Farm: Specializes in producing premium quality milk for various dairy products.

Export of Dairy Products

Saudi Arabia exports approximately 500,000 tonnes of dairy products each year to key regions such as the GCC, Middle East, and Africa.

Import of Dairy Products

The Kingdom imports around 300,000 tonnes of dairy products annually, particularly specializing in varieties not extensively produced locally.

Significant Events in the Dairy Industry

• Implementation of cutting-edge dairy farming technologies to boost milk yield and quality.
• Government support aimed at enhancing food security through local dairy farming initiatives.
• Expansion efforts by major dairy companies into international markets.
• Collaborations with global dairy enterprises for the adoption of best practices.
• Establishment of an ice cream factory in collaboration with Shin-Line and Al-alameya groups.

The Saudi dairy industry continues its growth trajectory, with leading companies such as Almarai making significant acquisitions and diversifying into other sectors like seafood and red meat in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030. Almarai's international acclaim and other economic movements within Saudi Arabia underscore the industry's dynamic nature and commitment to innovation.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture is promoting local product consumption through initiatives aligned with Vision 2030, securing supply particularly during peak times like Ramadan.

Modified: 2025/03/12

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