Saudi Arabia Edible Oil Market Overview, 2028

In some regions of Saudi Arabia, particularly in rural areas, traditional methods of oil extraction are still practiced. This involves the use of a "dhebs," which is a large wooden or stone mortar and pestle, to crush oilseeds like sesame, groundnuts, or sunflower seeds to extract oil. This labor-intensive method is often passed down through generations. Saffron-infused oil, derived from the expensive saffron spice, is a specialty in Saudi Arabian cuisine. This aromatic oil is used to add a unique and luxurious flavor to dishes, particularly during special occasions and celebrations. Traditional oils hold a significant place in Saudi Arabian cuisine. Olive oil, particularly extra virgin olive oil, is highly regarded for its health benefits and flavor. It's commonly used for dressing salads and drizzling over dishes. Additionally, sesame oil is a staple in many Saudi kitchens, imparting a unique nutty flavor to various dishes. Saudi Arabian cuisine employs a variety of cooking techniques, including frying, roasting, sautéing, and grilling. Different types of edible oils are chosen based on the cooking method and the specific dish being prepared. Saudi Arabian cuisine is known for its use of flavorful spices and herbs. Edible oils serve as carriers for these aromatic ingredients, enhancing the overall taste of dishes. Ghee (clarified butter) is a beloved ingredient in Saudi Arabian cuisine. It's often used for frying and sautéing, and it imparts a rich, buttery flavor to dishes. Ghee is a key component in sweets and desserts, such as "Baklava." Some Saudi Arabian households prepare spiced oils by infusing cooking oils with spices like cumin, cardamom, and saffron. These oils are used to add depth and flavor to dishes. Cooking with edible oils is deeply intertwined with family traditions in Saudi Arabia. Many families have their unique recipes and methods for preparing dishes, often passed down through generations. The choice of cooking oil and its proper use are integral parts of these cherished traditions. Saudi Arabian street food vendors often use cooking oils for frying popular snacks like "Falafel" (fried chickpea patties) and "Shawarma" (grilled and sliced meat). These street foods are beloved by locals and visitors alike. Saudi Arabia hosts cultural festivals where traditional cuisine takes center stage. These festivals celebrate the rich culinary heritage of the country and showcase a wide variety of dishes prepared with different edible oils. Ramadan, the holy month of fasting and spiritual reflection, has a profound impact on Saudi Arabian cuisine. The use of edible oils is prominent in preparing the pre-dawn meal ("Suhoor") and the evening meal to break the fast ("Iftar"), with dishes like "Lentil Soup" and "Qatayef" being staples during this period.

According to the research report "Saudi Edible Oil Market Overview, 2028," published by Bonafide Research, the Saudi Edible Oil market was valued more than USD 1.35 Billion in 2022. Saudi Arabia has a rapidly growing population, which leads to increased food consumption, including edible oils. As the population expands, the demand for cooking oils rises proportionally. Growing health awareness has led to a preference for oils with lower saturated fat content and higher levels of heart-healthy unsaturated fats, like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. This drives the demand for oils like olive oil. Saudi Arabia's economic prosperity has increased disposable incomes, allowing consumers to afford premium and imported edible oils. This has opened up the market for high-quality oils from various sources. The growing tourism industry in Saudi Arabia introduces international culinary influences to the country. Tourists and expatriates often bring with them diverse cooking traditions, increasing the demand for a variety of edible oils. Edible oils that are certified as "halal" (permissible under Islamic dietary laws) have a competitive advantage in the Saudi market, where halal food products are highly sought after. Urbanization in Saudi Arabia has led to changes in dietary habits. Urban consumers are often more open to trying international cuisines and incorporating different edible oils into their cooking. Stringent food safety regulations and quality control standards enforced by government agencies ensure that edible oils meet safety and hygiene standards. This enhances consumer confidence and trust in the products available in the market.

Soybean oil is often more economically viable compared to some other edible oils like olive oil or specialty oils. Saudi consumers, like many others, often consider the price-to-quality ratio when making purchasing decisions, and soybean oil tends to be competitively priced. Soybean oil has been successfully integrated into Saudi Arabian cuisine. While traditional oils like palm oil and ghee still play significant roles, soybean oil has found acceptance in various Saudi dishes, both for frying and general cooking. Saudi Arabia has invested in local soybean production as part of its efforts to reduce its reliance on imports. Locally produced soybean oil benefits from reduced transportation costs and may be seen as a patriotic choice by consumers. Soybean oil has a relatively neutral flavor, making it suitable for a wide range of dishes without significantly altering their taste. This versatility in cooking applications contributes to its popularity. In addition, Corn oil is often perceived as a healthier cooking oil option due to its favourable fatty acid composition. It is low in saturated fats and contains a significant amount of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats, including omega-6 fatty acids. This nutritional profile aligns with the growing health-consciousness among consumers in Saudi Arabia. Health issues such as heart disease and high cholesterol levels have garnered increased attention in Saudi Arabia. Corn oil's potential to reduce LDL cholesterol levels, when used as part of a heart-healthy diet, has led to its adoption by individuals seeking to improve their cardiovascular health.

Based on nature, consumers in Saudi Arabia, like many around the world, are becoming increasingly health-conscious. They are seeking healthier food options, including edible oils. Organic edible oils are perceived as a healthier choice because they are produced without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Organic edible oils are often perceived as having higher nutritional value compared to conventional oils. This perception is due to the absence of synthetic chemicals and the potential presence of higher levels of beneficial compounds like antioxidants and essential fatty acids. Organic farming practices are more environmentally sustainable than conventional agriculture. Saudi consumers who are increasingly concerned about environmental issues may choose organic products as a way to support more eco-friendly production methods. In addition based on distribution channel, Saudi consumers often prefer traditional in-store shopping experiences. They enjoy visiting local markets, supermarkets, and hypermarkets, where they can physically inspect products, interact with store personnel, and make purchasing decisions based on personal preferences. Shopping is often seen as a social and communal activity in Saudi Arabia. Families and friends frequently visit stores together, share opinions, and enjoy the process of selecting groceries and cooking ingredients. This cultural aspect of shopping supports the offline retail sector. Consumers in Saudi Arabia tend to carefully inspect food products, including edible oils, before purchase. They check packaging, expiry dates, and quality indicators, which is easier to do in physical stores.

In Saudi Arabian culture, home-cooked meals hold immense significance. Preparing traditional dishes at home is a common practice, whether for daily meals, special occasions, or gatherings. This cultural preference sustains the demand for edible oils in domestic kitchens. Saudi Arabia values family and community bonds. Households often have extended family members living together, resulting in larger family sizes. Larger families naturally consume more food, including dishes prepared with edible oils, contributing to the prominence of the domestic segment. Saudi Arabia being a predominantly Muslim country, the population observes Islamic dietary practices. Many families prefer to cook at home, where they can ensure that the food complies with halal standards, further boosting the domestic segment. In addition, the foodservice industry in Saudi Arabia has been expanding rapidly, driven by urbanization, changing consumer lifestyles, and an increasing number of dining-out options. As more restaurants, cafes, hotels, and catering services emerge, the demand for edible oils used in commercial kitchens grows. Saudi Arabia has been investing heavily in its tourism and hospitality sector, attracting tourists and business travelers. The hospitality industry relies heavily on edible oils for various culinary applications, such as frying, sautéing, and salad dressings, increasing the demand for edible oils. The proliferation of quick-service restaurants, fast-food chains, and casual dining establishments has led to increased consumption of edible oils for frying and cooking purposes.



Considered in this report:
• Geography: Saudi Arabia
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028

Aspects covered in this report:
• Saudi Arabia Edible Oil market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Product Type
• Soybean oil
• Palm Oil
• Rapeseed Oil
• Mustard oil
• Sunflower Oil
• Olive Oil
• Ground nut Oil
• Coconut Oil
• Corn Oil
• Rice bran oil
• Sesame Oil
• Cottonseed oil
• Others (Apricot, Hazelnut, Almond, Macadamia, Walnut, Avocado, grape seed, Cashew, Brazil nuts, canola etc.)

By Nature
• Conventional
• Organic

By End User
• Domestic
• Industrial
• Food Service

By Distribution channel
• Offline
• Convenience Store
• Hypermarket/Supermarket
• Direct Sales
• Others
• Online

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, and annual reports of companies, analyzing the government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers into regional aspects, tier aspects, age groups, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience:
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to the Edible Oil industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.